Tag: artists

UPDATE! Creators of San Diego’s Navy Bicentennial plaque.

Corroded plaque shows tallship, ironclad, early warship, aircraft carrier and jets.
Corroded plaque shows tallship, ironclad, early warship, aircraft carrier and jets.

I have received more information about the origin of the Navy Bicentennial plaque situated on San Diego’s Embarcadero near the USS Midway Museum.

Last September, I published the blog Help solve a Navy mystery in San Diego. This fascinating plaque is passed by thousands walking along our waterfront every day. It’s located on the Greatest Generation Walk among other military memorials and monuments, but even today there is no public information about what the plaque is or where it came from.

After emailing the Port of San Diego, last October I published the blog Unknown Navy plaque: Mystery partially solved!  I’d been sent information that included a detailed description of the plaque.  I also learned that the plaque had been moved from the Broadway Pier.  But the exact origin remained unknown.

Then, out of the blue, two amazing things have happened.  Cool San Diego Sights has received comments shedding light on the actual people who created this very important, historical plaque.

The first comment I received went:

My name is William Abell and I was an ML3 aboard the USS Ajax AR6 and I helped create this plaque in the ship’s foundry in 1975. I have a certificate from Admiral J L Holloway III commemorating the plaque’s creation and my part in its creation. The date on the certificate is Oct 13, 1975. The plaque was to be a gift to the City of San Diego. I am now a retired police commander living in Monroe WA.

The second comment I received yesterday morning.  It directed my attention to this blog post:

I am Molder Chief Petty Officer Jesse G. Lopez USN Ret. The foundry crew from Navy Repair Ship USS Ajax AR-6, created the pattern which was made by Patternmaker Chief Carlos De Santiago USN RET and molded by myself when I was a MLFN. Petty Officer Abell was our Third Class in charge of the molders.

AMAZING UPDATE!

I’ve received detailed information about the plaque, including photographs of its creation and creators! Click here!

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Creative trashcan art adds fun to Hillcrest streets.

Dozens of trashcans on the streets of Hillcrest have been painted by local artists.
Dozens of trashcans on the streets of Hillcrest have been painted by local artists.

In the past couple years, most of the trashcans lining the streets of Hillcrest have been colorfully painted by local artists. During a recent walk, I passed quite a few of these street art trashcans and took some photos. Many of these fun creations were seen along University Avenue, between Fourth Avenue and Park Boulevard.

Every sort of colorful design can be found on these decorated trash cans.
Every sort of colorful design can be found on these decorated trash cans.
Lighted buildings rise next to a guitar player strumming under the stars.
Lighted buildings rise next to a guitar player strumming under the stars.
Many of the trashcans have a carnival theme, with masks, happy faces and crazy fun.
Many of the trashcans have a carnival theme, with masks, happy faces and crazy fun.
People walk past a cool spot to toss garbage, on University Avenue near Fourth Avenue in Hillcrest.
People walk past a cool spot to toss garbage, on University Avenue near Fourth Avenue in Hillcrest.
This looks like some sort of strange bug jester.
This looks like some sort of strange bug jester.
Wildly creative street art can be found throughout San Diego's Hillcrest community.
Wildly creative street art can be found throughout San Diego’s Hillcrest community.
A purple mask-like face that's difficult to miss!
A purple mask-like face that’s very difficult to miss!
An exotic blue face near a dirty orange construction cone.
An exotic blue face near a dirty orange construction cone.
Bicyclist in Hillcrest rides down the sidewalk past another great example of trashcan art.
Bicyclist in Hillcrest rides down the sidewalk past another great example of trashcan art.
I think I saw this green face on Star Trek.
I think I saw this green face on Star Trek.
An artistic trashcan waits by a bus stop near the Hillcrest landmark sign.
An artistic trashcan waits by a bus stop near the Hillcrest landmark sign.
Masks and confetti represent the party atmosphere in youthful Hillcrest.
Masks and confetti reflect the party atmosphere in youthful Hillcrest.
A big, joyful saxophone has been painted on this trashcan.
A big, joyful saxophone has been painted on this trashcan.
Here's an urban rooster.
Here’s an urban rooster.
Pineapple, fresh strawberries, watermelon, and some litter.
Pineapple, fresh strawberries, watermelon, and some litter.
These trashcans with images of food are located near Normal Street.
These trashcans with images of food are located near Normal Street.
A tree along busy University Avenue adds even more life to the city.
A tree along busy University Avenue adds life to the city.
Trashcan with Sphinx and pyramids is appropriate for the Egyptian Quarter, near the intersection of University and Park Boulevard.
Trashcan with Sphinx and pyramids is appropriate for the Egyptian Quarter, near the intersection of University and Park Boulevard.
Female face with Pharoah mask was painted by a local artist on Park Boulevard.
Female face with a Pharoah headdress was painted by a local artist on Park Boulevard.

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Fishes of the Ocean huge art canvas in Balboa Park!

Painted underwater scenes on the grass at the Balboa Park Centennial 2015 Philippine American Celebration.
Painted underwater scenes on the grass at the Balboa Park Centennial 2015 Philippine American Celebration.

Astonished eyes were staring down at the ground at the Balboa Park Centennial 2015 Philippine American Celebration. That’s because a very colorful, very long painted canvas had been unrolled on a patch of grass for festival visitors to admire.

What you see in these photos is a segment of the seven kilometer long “Fishes of the Ocean” painting. The amazing artwork, depicting marine life, was created by thousands of mostly young people in the Philippines from 2006 to 2009. The project was an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for longest painting on a single canvas!

I did some research on the internet, but I’m still not sure whether a record was officially set. If you can provide more info, leave a comment below!

Small segment of the amazing seven kilometer long Fishes of the Ocean painting.
Small segment of the amazing seven kilometer long Fishes of the Ocean painting.
Talented young artists, mostly unknown, contributed to this colorful environmental art.
Talented young artists, mostly unknown, contributed to this colorful environmental art.
Abstract fish forms swim in a school on a very large canvas.
Abstract fish forms swim in a school on a very large canvas.
All sorts of exotic tropical fish are swimming at the ocean's bottom.
All sorts of exotic tropical fish are swimming at the ocean’s bottom.
Sea life painted in many vivid colors.
Sea life painted in many vivid colors.
Fishes of the Ocean was created in the Philippines in an attempt to break a Guinness World Record.
Fishes of the Ocean was created in the Philippines in an attempt to break a Guinness World Record.
Visitors to Balboa Park in San Diego walk past an unexpected cool sight!
Visitors to Balboa Park in San Diego walk past an unexpected cool sight!
A land shark waits motionless in the grass!
A land shark waits motionless in the grass!
The long strip of fun art zigzagged across the grass near the International Cottages.
The long strip of fun art zigzagged across the grass near the International Cottages.
Creativity is one of the attractions at the annual Filipino cultural festival.
Creativity is one of the attractions at the annual Filipino cultural festival.
Just a wonderful product of human imagination.
Just a wonderful product of human imagination.
This appears to be a scene from a coral reef.
This appears to be a scene from a coral reef.
A scuba diver among bubbles and rays of colored light.
A scuba diver among bubbles and rays of colored light.
I see a turtle, whale, starfish and octopus.
I see a turtle, whale, starfish and octopus.
Cartoon ocean creatures prompt smiles in Balboa Park!
Cartoon ocean creatures prompt smiles in Balboa Park!

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Philippine American Celebration in Balboa Park!

Mural being painted for the Balboa Park Centennial 2015 Philippine American Celebration.
Mural being painted for the Balboa Park Centennial 2015 Philippine American Celebration.

I saw a variety of cool sights during my morning walk today. While soaking up some San Diego sunshine, I checked out this weekend’s Balboa Park Centennial 2015 Philippine American Celebration. The annual Filipino cultural event is bigger and better than ever!

The Spreckels Organ Pavilion is the setting for many top notch performances, including a concert tonight by American Idol runner-up Jessica Sanchez! The festival also enlivens the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages, with lots of art, history, food and fun.

I learned that the House of the Philippines has received the green light to build their own cottage in Balboa Park. I’ll be sure to follow that project’s progress on my blog!

House of the Philippines participated in the event. They will soon have a home among the nearby House of Pacific Relations International Cottages.
House of the Philippines participated in the event. They will soon have a home among the nearby House of Pacific Relations International Cottages.
A crowd is gathering on Saturday morning to watch Filipino entertainment at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
A crowd is gathering on Saturday morning to watch Filipino entertainment at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
Tents around the perimeter of the pavilion contained interesting cultural information.
Tents around the perimeter of the pavilion contained interesting cultural information.
Poster shows many important Filipinos throughout San Diego's rich history.
Poster shows many important Filipinos throughout San Diego’s rich, diverse history.
Marie Zhivago wrote a cool children's book titled The Sakura. I learned sakura in Japanese means cherry blossom.
Marie Zhivago wrote a cool children’s book titled The Sakura. I learned sakura in Japanese means cherry blossom.

Marie Zhivago is a super nice person who is also an author and cartoonist. I enjoyed talking with her and learning new stuff! Please check out her website!

Numerous informative displays were on the lawn in the International Cottages area.
Numerous interesting displays were on the lawn in the International Cottages area.
This poster documents Heroes and Presidents of the Philippines.
This poster documents Heroes and Presidents of the Philippines.
Another cool poster shows how hip hop culture has been influenced by Filipino artists.
Another poster shows how hip hop culture has been influenced by Filipino artists.
Beautiful costumes and dresses were being worn by many at the festival.
Beautiful costumes and dresses were being worn by many at the festival.
Kids check out some fun exhibits at the Balboa Park Centennial 2015 Philippine American Celebration.
Kids check out fun exhibits at the Balboa Park Centennial 2015 Philippine American Celebration.
Many Philippine American organizations contributed to Balboa Park's historic centennial with a great event.
Philippine American organizations contributed to Balboa Park’s historic centennial with this great event.

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Photos of cool sculptures at Liberty Station.

Mother by Robert Michael Jones appears complex and incomplete. According to the artist, his unusual sculptures represent ongoing life stories.
Mother by Robert Michael Jones appears complex and incomplete. According to the artist, his unusual sculptures represent ongoing life stories.

I still have a bunch of photos to share from my long walk around Liberty Station several weeks ago!

Check out these cool sculptures! I stumbled upon them while wandering about the North Promenade area of the old Naval Training Center San Diego. NTC Liberty Station, with its rich history, unique architecture, many museums and fun public art, is a great place to absorb a whole lot of culture and beauty.

Runner by Robert Michael Jones with strange muscle, bone and energy. Three pieces by this artist stand in front of NTC Liberty Station's Barracks 14.
Runner by Robert Michael Jones with strange muscle, bone and energy. Three pieces by this artist stand in front of NTC Liberty Station’s Barracks 14.
Close up photo of Ascend by Robert Michael Jones. His works seem like frayed, ancient images of human struggle from mythology.
Close up photo of Ascend by Robert Michael Jones. His works seem like frayed, ancient images of human struggle from mythology.
Archimage by Jeffery Laudenslager, whose sculptures often use odd geometry to boggle the mind. This piece, near the Dance Place, won an Orchid award in 1999.
Fuji San by Jeffery Laudenslager, whose sculptures often use odd geometry to boggle the mind.
Sol Searching by Alber De Matteis was part of an Urban Tree exhibition on San Diego's Embarcadero. It's now situated on Truxton Road south of the Dance Place building.
Sol Searching by Alber De Matteis was part of an Urban Trees exhibition on San Diego’s Embarcadero. It’s now situated on Truxton Road south of the Dance Place building.
Archangel by famed Mexican sculptor Alfonso Arambula Robles. It's located between two converted barracks at the former Naval Training Center San Diego.
Archangel by famed Mexican sculptor Alfonso Arambula Robles. It’s located by Barracks 16 at the former Naval Training Center San Diego.
Sisterhood by Ashley Gardner stands next to the Women's Museum of California.
Sisterhood sculpture by Mary Buckman stands next to the Women’s Museum of California.
Two life-size sisters greet visitors who wander about Point Loma's art-filled Liberty Station.
Two life-size sisters greet visitors who wander about Point Loma’s art-filled Liberty Station.

UPDATE!  Here are two more photos that I took on a sunnier day:

Archangel, kinetic artwork by Mexican sculptor Alfonso Arambula Robles.
Archangel, kinetic artwork by Mexican sculptor Alfonso Arambula Robles.
Light shines on Sisterhood terracotta sculpture, by artist Mary Buckman.
Light shines on Sisterhood terracotta sculpture, by artist Mary Buckman.

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Recycled plarn sculpture at Horton Plaza.

Close look at beautiful plarn artwork exhibited on lower level of downtown San Diego's Horton Plaza.
Close look at beautiful plarn artwork exhibited on lower level of downtown San Diego’s Horton Plaza.

Should one walk through downtown San Diego’s colorful Horton Plaza shopping mall, one might see an unusual work of art. I took some photos for everyone to enjoy.

This sculpture is called Grow and is made of crocheted plarn. What the heck is plarn? It’s plastic yarn! I once watched a lady making the interesting material at Balboa Park’s annual EarthFair. Plastic bags, once converted into plarn, do in fact resemble yarn!

What a unique and environmentally friendly way to reuse plastic shopping bags!

Grow is an upcycle sculpture depicting a play between natural and synthetic elements. For this project, discarded plastic grocery bags were hand crocheted to form the Plarn installation.
Grow is an upcycle sculpture depicting a play between natural and synthetic elements. For this project, discarded plastic grocery bags were hand crocheted to form the plarn installation.
Plarn is plastic yarn made from recycled plastic bags. It is durable, weather resistant, and can be woven to create various items.
Plarn is plastic yarn made from recycled plastic bags. It is durable, weather resistant, and can be woven to create various items.
The artist Cat Chiu Phillips utilizes found materials and creates displaced juxtapositions. She includes unusual mediums such as recycled objects.
The artist Cat Chiu Phillips utilizes found materials and creates displaced juxtapositions. She includes unusual mediums such as recycled objects.
Work of art, titled Grow, can be examined up close by visitors and shoppers walking through the Horton Plaza mall.
Work of art, titled Grow, can be examined up close by visitors and shoppers walking through the Horton Plaza mall.
A box by the fantastic plarn sculpture invites passersby to recycle their plastic shopping bags.
A box by the fantastic plarn sculpture invites passersby to recycle their plastic shopping bags.

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Fun sculptures debut at San Diego waterfront park!

Children delight in a fun work of art unveiled today on San Diego's beautiful waterfront!
Children delight in a fun work of art unveiled today on San Diego’s beautiful waterfront!

Three super fun sculptures made their debut this morning on San Diego’s waterfront! They’re located in the wonderful, huge one-year-old park that surrounds the County Administration Building. Created by world-renowned artist Niki de Saint Phalle, the pieces are on long term loan from the Niki Charitable Art Foundation to the County of San Diego.

Niki de Saint Phalle, born in France in 1930, loved San Diego and adopted it as her own. Several of her imaginative works can be seen around the city. In the past I’ve blogged about a few of her pieces. Here and here.

As someone said during today’s opening ceremony, Niki would love the idea of children romping on her playful sculptures. She believed that art should not be segregated from everyday life. Public art was very important to Niki.

San Diego County Supervisor Ron Roberts introduces those responsible for some great new public art.
San Diego County Supervisor Ron Roberts introduces those responsible for the installation of great new public art.
Ron Roberts and the great granddaughter of renowned artist Niki de Saint Phalle reveal a sculpture titled 19 Baseball Player.
Ron Roberts and the great granddaughter of renowned artist Niki de Saint Phalle reveal a sculpture titled #19 Baseball Player.
It's Tony Gwynn, Mr. Padre! The sculpture was unveiled the day after Tony would've turned 55 years old.
It’s Tony Gwynn, Mr. Padre! The sculpture was unveiled the day after Tony would’ve turned 55 years old.
San Diego's beloved baseball legend Tony Gwynn holds a bat and faces a very large pitching mound (with slides)!
San Diego’s beloved baseball legend Tony Gwynn holds a bat and faces a very large pitching mound (with fun slides)!
Another very cool sculpture draws a crowd for its public debut at the San Diego County Administration Center.
Another very cool sculpture draws a crowd during its public debut at the San Diego County Administration Center.
Niki de Saint Phalle's 1999 Cat is made of fiberglass, resin, steel armature, ceramic tiles, tumbled stones, stained and mirrored glass.
Niki de Saint Phalle’s 1999 Cat is made of fiberglass, resin, steel armature, ceramic tiles, tumbled stones, stained and mirrored glass.
Kids play on a newly installed fat hollow Cat. The interactive sculpture sits next to the playground in San Diego's super cool, one-year-old waterfront park!
Kids play on a newly installed fat hollow Cat. The interactive sculpture sits next to the playground in San Diego’s super popular, one-year-old waterfront park!
Look at this! It's the colorful Serpent Tree! Rising like a huge multi-headed Hydra on the north side of the park, it's hard to miss!
Look at this! It’s the colorful Serpent Tree! Rising like a huge multi-headed Hydra on the north side of the park, it’s hard to miss!
Another fun addition to San Diego's already awesome Embarcadero. Lots of people are certain to enjoy these fantastic sculptures!
Another fun addition to San Diego’s already awesome Embarcadero. Lots of people will enjoy these fantastic sculptures!

UPDATE!

I was walking past Waterfront Park in 2018 when I suddenly noticed the cat sculpture had been replaced with a seal! When I spoke to a security guy, he said someone fell madly in love with Cat and purchased it!

Here are photos of the fun replacement sculpture, Large Seal (element of Seals), 1999…

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High School students create cool graphic novel!

Thoughtful, talented young artists create a graphic novel using imagination and creativity.
Thoughtful, talented young artists create a graphic novel using imagination and creativity.

I made a very cool discovery!

A local high school had an intriguing exhibit in Balboa Park yesterday during the big Garden Party of the Century event. The CCA Envision Conservatory for the Humanities Hummingbird Project has been launched by Canyon Crest Academy in Carmel Valley. Students are creating a graphic novel!

The four-part graphic novel will tell the story of four separate children who magically transform into a hummingbird and take flight. During each journey, the central character meets other animal friends and explores new places. The exciting stories encourage imagination and help educate the reader about culture, mythology, history and the environment.

What a fantastic, brilliant idea! Students learn, write, create art and become published all at once!

Perhaps other schools might be interested in doing something similar!

Here’s their Spirit Skies graphic novel website.

The Hummingbird Project includes a four-part graphic novel created by students at Canyon Crest Academy!
The Hummingbird Project includes a four-part graphic novel created by students at Canyon Crest Academy!
Inspiring exhibit at Balboa Park's big Garden Party of the Century event.
Inspiring exhibit at Balboa Park’s big Garden Party of the Century event.

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The dramatic faces of Ion Theatre’s street mural.

Dramatic faces compose Ion Theatre's complex outdoor mural. The photos are taken from past productions.
Dramatic faces compose Ion Theatre’s complex outdoor mural. The photos are taken from past productions.

I walked past the Ion Theatre in Hillcrest early this afternoon. I’d planned to take some pics of their cool new street mural, which I’d seen several times while heading up Sixth Avenue.

Not only did I get photos of the mural, but I caught some folks setting up for the Ion Theatre Company’s big outdoor I’ll Take Manhattan gala!

The eye-popping black-and-white photomosaic, I was told, is composed of images from Ion’s 72 productions over their 10 years of history. Ion Theatre has become an important cultural presence in San Diego. According to their mission statement, they are dedicated to “forging bold, vital, diverse new work…powerful, provocative new plays from emerging playwrights… (and reimagining) classics using the lens of theatrical innovation…”

Support local artists and check out their website!

A visual mosaic of human stories dazzles the viewer.
This mosaic containing many human stories dazzles the eye.
Ion's parking lot becomes the unique setting for a fundraising gala.
Ion’s parking lot becomes the unique setting for a fundraising event.
I'm told this image is from Ion Theatre's latest play, Kin.
I’m told this image is from Ion Theatre’s most recent play, Kin.
Jumbled emotions seen from the street become more potent when approached.
Jumbled emotions seen from the street become more potent when approached.
Countless expressions on faces that are turned in all directions.
Countless expressions on faces that are turned in all directions.
This is a one very engaging piece of urban art!
This is an extremely engaging piece of urban art!
Ion Theatre and its mural are located in San Diego's Hillcrest neighborhood.
Ion Theatre and its mural are located in San Diego’s Hillcrest neighborhood.
A timeworn face on a city wall that, too, will soon become weathered.
A timeworn face on an ordinary city wall that, too, will soon become weathered.
Setting up for a special gala in the small parking lot.
Setting up for a special gala in the small parking lot.
The Ion Theatre Company provides a cool sight for my camera!
The Ion Theatre Company provides a cool sight for my camera!

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The fun, artistic benches of Liberty Station.

A happy sun shines above beach and ocean on this unique bench, where anyone might sit and relax.
A happy sun shines above beach and ocean on this unique bench, where anyone might sit and relax.

Liberty Station is a wonderful place to spend the day in Point Loma. Its beautiful promenade contains many small museums, art studios and cultural attractions. When you walk around the grounds of this brilliantly converted Naval Training Center, you’ll notice a number of artistic benches placed around the old barracks, military buildings and plazas. I recently took photos of many benches. Just for fun!

Photo of creative guy working near The Hot Spot walk-in art studio at Barracks 14.
Photo of creative guy working near The Hot Spot walk-in arts and crafts studio at Barracks 14.
One of several colorful benches inside Building 202, home to small museums and galleries.
One of several colorful benches inside Building 202, home to small museums and galleries.
This wildly creative work of art is just too much fun!
This wildly creative work of art is just too much fun!
An outdoor bench welcomes visitors to history-rich San Diego attraction NTC Liberty Station.
An outdoor bench welcomes visitors to history-rich San Diego attraction NTC Liberty Station.
Looks to me like we're supposed to sit here!
Looks to me like we’re supposed to sit here!
Shops and restaurants around Liberty Station provide many treats. So does this seat!
Shops and restaurants around Liberty Station provide many treats. So does this seat!
Cool scene of breaching whales decorates this bench found on the North Promenade.
Cool scene of breaching whales decorates this bench found on the North Promenade.  The artist is David Mandel.
Another super fun whale bench awaits walkers with tired feet.
Another fun whale bench awaits people at Liberty Station with tired feet.  Colorful ocean art by David Mandel.
Check out this Yellow Brick Road to Emerald City bench, straight from the Wizard of Oz!
Check out this Yellow Brick Road to Emerald City bench, straight from The Wizard of Oz!
Smiling, active people, playful dogs and a whole lot of heart!
Smiling, active people, playful dogs and a whole lot of heart!
If music be the food of love, play on!
If music be the food of love, play on!

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