Tag: artists

Museum exhibit brings Coney Island to San Diego!

Grinning face of Tillie, symbol of Coney Island, on the back of a tour bus heading toward the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park.
Grinning face of Tillie, symbol of Coney Island, on the back of a tour bus heading toward the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park.

An extraordinary exhibit recently opened at the San Diego Museum of Art. It’s called Coney Island: Visions of an American Dreamland, 1861-2008. Last Saturday, I enjoyed a very special tour, courtesy of my docent friend Catherine!

The exhibit features a collection of more than a hundred objects that depict 150 years of Coney Island’s amusement parks, boardwalk, beach and people. It includes paintings, photographs, videos, carnival posters, sideshow banners, carved wooden carousel horses, and a wide range of colorful, unique artifacts.

From its early days as a peaceful beach getaway for wealthy New Yorkers, to the rise and fall of amusement parks, years of decay, political wrangling, then modern renewal, Coney Island has been interpreted by artists through the years in a variety of surprising ways. Some artists portray an innocent playland for common people. Others, something more complex, and less innocent.

Most of the exhibit’s artwork centers on Coney Island’s legendary amusement parks. Many images resemble exuberant scenes from a carnival or circus. They’re full of energy, laughter, humanity, wonder–but often base, superficial, disturbing, despairing. Many painting are dark, almost gaudy with a crowded press of people seeking pleasure. A symbol adopted by Coney Island–the unnatural, exaggerated grin of Tillie–seems to be a taunting reminder that the purchased thrills are artificial. The grin is strangely maniacal and mindless, one part Joker, one part Cheshire Cat.

Fantastic imagery abounds in the exhibit, which is sure to delight many kids. They’ll see huge cyclops heads, videos of romping midgets, a banner promising a sideshow freak with inhuman tentacles. The adults will see images of lust, insatiability, scattered litter, dripping blood.

I suppose we humans like to be both excited and terrified.

One Impressionist painting by the important American artist William Merritt Chase shows a landscape of sunlight and natural, unspoiled beauty; the egg tempera painted canvases of Reginald Marsh are dark, crammed with unabated appetite, bold kinetic energy and human expression; photographs by Arthur Fellig (Weegee) show people crowded onto the beach like fleshy, happy sardines.

Personally, as I took my amazing tour, I saw life’s wonderful jumble and a sample of our world’s endless variety. All the emotions, the complexity–but mostly I recognized the sunlit memories of ordinary good-natured neighbors heading to the beach and boardwalk, and some exciting, brief amusements, on a sunny weekend day.

This isn’t a typical art museum exhibit. It’s more like taking an instant journey to a place you already know. A Coney Island in your mind. And your vivid experiences in the San Diego Museum of Art will make the journey seem very real.

Coney Island: Visions of an American Dreamland, 1861-2008, has come to San Diego from the Wadsworth Athenium Museum of Art in Hartford, Connecticut. This special exhibition continues through October 13, 2015.

Here are just a few things that you’ll see…

Reginald Marsh, Wooden Horses, 1936, Tempera on board. Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art.
Reginald Marsh, Wooden Horses, 1936, Tempera on board. Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art.
Pip and Flip, Twins from Yucatan with World Circus Side Show, Coney Island, 1929, Photographic reproduction. Georgia Archives, Vanishing Georgia Collection.
Pip and Flip, Twins from Yucatan with World Circus Side Show, Coney Island, 1929, Photographic reproduction. Georgia Archives, Vanishing Georgia Collection.
Jeanie, Living Half Girl, 1940, Sideshow banner. Collection of Ken Harck.
Jeanie, Living Half Girl, 1940, Sideshow banner. Collection of Ken Harck.
Mort Künstler, Coney Island, 1953, Gouache on paper. Collection of the artist.
Mort Künstler, Coney Island, 1953, Gouache on paper. Collection of the artist.
Barnum & Bailey Circus Water Carnival poster, Coney Island.
Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth, the Great Coney Island Water Carnival poster.  Thrilling and daring feats of every description!
Arnold Mesches, Anomie 1991: Winged Victory, 1991, Acrylic on canvas. San Diego Museum of Art.
Arnold Mesches, Anomie 1991: Winged Victory, 1991, Acrylic on canvas. San Diego Museum of Art.
Joseph Stella, Battle of Lights, Coney Island, Mardi Gras, 1913, Oil on canvas. Yale University Art Gallery.
Joseph Stella, Battle of Lights, Coney Island, Mardi Gras, 1913, Oil on canvas. Yale University Art Gallery.

The San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park is simply jammed with fantastic, provocative Coney Island art. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.  So go see it!

Coney Island, Visions of an American Dreamland, 1861–2008, at the San Diego Museum of Art.
Coney Island, Visions of an American Dreamland, 1861–2008, at the San Diego Museum of Art.

…

Join me on Facebook or Twitter.

Team USA Olympics sand sculpture in San Diego!

Sand sculpture in front of U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge in San Diego shows Team USA and Olympians on the Road to Rio!
Sand sculpture welcoming visitors to the U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge in San Diego shows Team USA and Olympians on the Road to Rio!

A sand sculpture that pays tribute to Team USA and the upcoming 2016 Olympic games in Rio de Janeiro is now standing at the foot of the B Street Pier in downtown San Diego. I thought you might enjoy seeing the finished artwork!

Several days ago I blogged about how the sculpture was being created by Dan Belcher from St. Louis, Missouri and Ilya Filimontsev from Moscow, Russia. They’re both world-class sand masters who will be competing in Labor Day weekend’s big international U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge. This fantastic sand art will welcome visitors to the annual event!

The beautiful result of friendship between American and Russian artists is on display in San Diego!

Banner on fence at B Street Pier near Cruise Ship Terminal promotes the 2015 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge and Dimensional Art Exposition in San Diego.
Banner on fence at B Street Pier near Cruise Ship Terminal promotes the 2015 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge and Dimensional Art Exposition in San Diego.
Team USA, American Olympic gymnasts and a United States flag decorates one side of a sand sculpture at the foot of the B Street Pier in San Diego!
Team USA, American Olympic athletes and a United States flag decorate one side of a sand sculpture at the foot of the B Street Pier in San Diego!

…

Follow this blog for more cool stuff! Join me on Facebook or Twitter.

World’s top sand sculptors warm up in San Diego.

Dan Belcher from St. Louis, Missouri and Ilya Filimontsev from Moscow, Russia, work together on the big event's welcoming Team USA sand sculpture.
Dan Belcher from St. Louis, Missouri and Ilya Filimontsev from Moscow, Russia, work together on the big event’s welcoming “Team USA” sand sculpture.

The 2015 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge and Dimensional Art Exposition is coming next weekend! Between this very special annual event, and the equally amazing Festival of Sail which will be held a short distance up the Embarcadero, the long Labor Day weekend is going to be awesome!

Today I walked along the waterfront in the warm sunshine to see if anything interesting was going on.

Not only has quarry sand been dumped in large piles along the B Street Pier, right next to the Cruise Ship Terminal, but sand sculptures which welcome visitors to the event were being readied by a few of the world’s top sand masters! I briefly met Dan Belcher, Ilya Filimontsev and Susanne Ruseler, three of the best, most talented sand sculptors on the planet! And all were really nice people! They and the other world-class sand artists who will compete at the event have won many top awards. Dan, alone, has won 14 world championships!

Ilya is new to the San Diego competition this year, and so is Susanne. When I spoke to Susanne, I remembered how Chris Guinto, several days before last year’s competition, told me his still unformed creation was secret. Susanne remarked that plans aren’t so much a secret–it’s that they’re only partially formed when the work begins. The act of sand sculpting is dynamic, and sometimes changes have to be made mid-creation for either artistic or structural reasons. I asked if she ever accidentally knocked down portions of a sand sculpture and she replied: “Yes!” But it’s something you get used to and work around. It’s just something one can expect when working with sand.

Funny. According to a notification I received from WordPress, today is the two year anniversary of Cool San Diego Sights. And during those two years, the most “liked” blog post is from last year’s U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge! You might enjoy seeing last year’s jaw-dropping entries!

The 2015 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge is coming to San Diego's B Street Pier, next to the Cruise Ship Terminal, this Labor Day weekend!
The 2015 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge is coming to San Diego’s B Street Pier, next to the Cruise Ship Terminal, this Labor Day weekend!
Dan is helping to create this non-competitive sculpture near the entrance to the 2015 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge at Harbor Drive.
Dan is helping to prepare this sculpture near the entrance to the 2015 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge at Harbor Drive.
These mounds of quarry sand from East County were dumped on the B Street Pier several days ago. They'll be used by the competing sand masters later this week.
These mounds of quarry sand from East County were dumped on the B Street Pier several days ago. They’ll be used by the competing sand masters later this week.
Susanne Ruseler, from the Netherlands, is another new competitor this year. She was super nice and talked for a bit.
Susanne Ruseler, from the Netherlands, is another new competitor this year. She was super nice and talked for a bit.
Susanne is carefully working on another cool sand sculpture for event visitors. I can't wait to see what she produces during the competition!
Susanne is carefully working on another cool sand sculpture for event visitors. I can’t wait to see what she produces during the competition!

…

Follow this blog for some stuff that can be unbelievably cool! Join me on Facebook or Twitter.

Photos of cool urban art in the Village of La Jolla.

Photographer and model next to One Pointed Attention, 2014, by artist Kelsey Brookes, in La Jolla.
Photographer and model next to One Pointed Attention, 2014, by artist Kelsey Brookes, on a wall in La Jolla.

Here are some photos of cool art seen while walking about the streets of La Jolla. More specifically, the Village of La Jolla–the central business and cultural district which is the heart of this wonderful community.

La Jolla is an affluent part of San Diego, so there seem to be art galleries wherever one roams. But there are also many eye-catching street murals and works of urban art.

This collection of photos is far from comprehensive. These are just photos taken during several semi-random walks around The Village (including today). That’s the way this blog usually operates!

Classic religious imagery floats above entrance to Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church in La Jolla.
Classic religious imagery floats above entrance to Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church in La Jolla.
A funny walrus and frightened fish along the roof of a shop on Pearl Street.
A funny walrus and frightened fish along the roof of a shop on Pearl Street.
Trashcan street art depicts Native American, whose headdress contains feathers spelling place names.
Trashcan street art depicts Native American, whose headdress contains feathers spelling place names.
Urban art on a La Jolla trashcan shows a boldly colorful Southwestern scene, with mountains and cacti.
Urban art on a La Jolla trashcan shows a boldly colorful Southwestern scene, with mountains and cacti.
A female face painted on a La Jolla garbage container.
A female face painted on a La Jolla garbage container.
Another similar face, composed of different hues.
Another similar face, composed of different hues.
This eye-boggling street mural on Fay Avenue is Sexy Cash, 2015, by Mark Bradford.
This eye-boggling street mural on Fay Avenue is Sexy Cash, 2015, by Mark Bradford.
Most street numbers on city buildings are plain and boring. Not 910 Prospect Street!
Most street numbers on city buildings are plain and boring. Not 910 Prospect Street!
Unusual human sculpture sits near the sidewalk outside La Jolla's Madison Gallery.
Unusual human sculpture sits near the sidewalk outside La Jolla’s Madison Gallery.
Another strange figure squats nearby.
Another strange figure squats nearby.
This cool horse outside a Madison Gallery window was created with large pieces of junk and old machine parts.
This cool horse outside a Madison Gallery window was created with large pieces of junk and old machine parts.
A close-up photo of the imaginative horse sculpture.
A close-up photo of the imaginative horse sculpture.
On Prospect Street, a long narrow mysterious mural and a single underwater eye. Whale, 2014, Nina Katchadourian.
On Prospect Street, a long narrow mysterious mural and a single underwater eye. Whale, 2014, Nina Katchadourian.
Some interesting metal artwork above a store entrance depicts a sailboat and palm trees.
Some interesting metal artwork above a store entrance depicts a sailboat and palm trees.
It's Dr. Seuss' Green Eggs and Ham! This fun art is outside the Legends Gallery in La Jolla, where popular children's book author Theodor Geisel lived.
It’s Dr. Seuss’ Green Eggs and Ham! This fun art is outside the Legends Gallery in La Jolla, the town where popular children’s book author Theodor Geisel lived.
A canvas out on public display in front of the Contemporary Fine Art Gallery in the central business area sometimes called Village of La Jolla.
A canvas out on public display in front of the Contemporary Fine Art Gallery in the central business area sometimes called Village of La Jolla.
Someone walking down Herschel Avenue said she hated this giant mural! It's Blah, Blah, Blah, 2015, by Mel Bochner. Perhaps it gave her the blahs.
Someone walking down Herschel Avenue said she hated this giant mural! It’s Blah, Blah, Blah, 2015, by Mel Bochner. Perhaps it gave her the blahs.
I personally like this mural of a darkly glowing tall ship. at Sea, 2012, Ann Hamilton.
I personally like this mural of a darkly glowing tall ship. It’s titled “at Sea” and was created in 2012 by Ann Hamilton.
A cool fish dangles in front of the Herringbone Restaurant.
A cool fish dangles in front of the Herringbone Restaurant.
Large, unusual metal sculptures in front of the Tasende Gallery in La Jolla.
Large, unusual metal sculptures in front of the Tasende Gallery in La Jolla.
Hummingbird artwork on a bench near a sidewalk, and a rose.
Hummingbird artwork on a bench near a sidewalk, and a rose.
Hammering Man by Jonathan Borofsky at Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego...in La Jolla. I believe years ago this motorized sculpture stood near America Plaza downtown.
Hammering Man by Jonathan Borofsky at Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego’s location in La Jolla. I believe years ago this motorized sculpture stood near America Plaza downtown.
I don't know what this egg-like object is. If you do, please leave a comment!
I don’t know what this egg-like object is. If you do, please leave a comment… UPDATE! According to local author Corey Lynn Fayman, the artist is Andy Goldsworthy. I’ve learned this piece is titled West Coast Cairn. Goldsworthy has two other stone eggs in the United States, in Des Moines, Iowa, and Purchase, New York.

…

Follow this blog for more photos of cool stuff seen during random walks! Join me on Facebook or Twitter.

Ace Hardware loading dock mural enlivens Hillcrest.

The Loading Dock is a large public mural painted by Linda Churchill of Muralizing. It's located on the west side of Ace Hardware, on Tenth Avenue near University in Hillcrest.
The Loading Dock is a large public mural painted by Linda Churchill of Muralizing. It’s located on the west side of the Ace Hardware building in Hillcrest.

Check out this public art!  You can find it a few steps south of University Avenue on 10th Avenue, in Hillcrest. The large mural enlivens the Ace Hardware store building and is a cool sight for those passing by.  It was painted by local artist Linda Churchill, whose work can be seen around San Diego. According to one article I found on the internet, “The Loading Dock” received an Orchid Award from the San Diego Architectural Foundation.

The Loading Dock, dedicated 1998 to the Community of Hillcrest by Joe Jeter, Bruce Reeves, Hillcrest Ace Hardware. Building our community one home at a time. Linda Churchill, muralist.
The Loading Dock, dedicated 1998 to the Community of Hillcrest by Joe Jeter, Bruce Reeves, Hillcrest Ace Hardware. Building our community one home at a time. Linda Churchill, muralist.
The cool, nostalgic trompe l'oeil painting depicts an old-fashioned hardware store loading dock, complete with realistic Ace Stores delivery truck.
The cool, nostalgic trompe l’oeil painting depicts an old-fashioned hardware store loading dock, complete with realistic Ace Stores delivery truck.
This image of yesteryear appears to include some modern hardware store products, including shiny new garbage cans and a nice big barbecue grill.
This image of yesteryear appears to include some modern hardware store products, including shiny new garbage cans and a nice big barbecue grill.
Two helpful Ace Hardware employees seem to have emerged from the past to welcome neighbors and shoppers who walk down the sidewalk in art-filled Hillcrest.
Two helpful Ace Hardware employees seem to have emerged from the past to welcome neighbors and shoppers who walk down the sidewalk in art-filled Hillcrest.

…

Follow this blog for photos of cool artwork, places and events! Join me on Facebook or Twitter.

Photos of art come to life at CityFest in Hillcrest.

Artist creates live street art during 2015 CityFest in Hillcrest.
Artist creates live street art during 2015 CityFest in Hillcrest.

This afternoon I walked with my camera through CityFest. The annual street festival attracts an enthusiastic crowd of about 150,000 people to Hillcrest, a community directly north of downtown San Diego. Hillcrest might be considered one of San Diego’s bohemian neighborhoods, where free-spirited artists mingle with happy-go-lucky youth and a sizable LGBT population. Everybody I saw was just out enjoying a good time.

CityFest is a very popular summer festival held in Hillcrest along Fifth Avenue, south of University.
CityFest is a very popular summer festival held in Hillcrest along Fifth Avenue, south of University.
Main stage at CityFest features live music from noon until almost midnight.
Main stage at CityFest features live music from noon until almost midnight.
Lots of artwork was being created while the public watched.
Lots of artwork was being created while the public watched.
Another big canvas brought to life by urban artists.
Another big canvas brought to life by urban artists.
Cans of paint in many colors.
Cans of paint in many colors.
Funky art could be spotted all around CityFest, as well as the usual street festival stuff including lots of food.
Funky art could be spotted all around CityFest, as well as the usual street festival stuff, including lots of food.
I don't know the name of this tall guy with the rainbow wings and multiple carnival mask faces. Lots of people were posing for photographs.
I don’t know the name of this tall guy with the rainbow wings and multiple carnival mask faces. Lots of people were posing for photographs.
The most crowded tent seemed to belong to the Rad Hatter, where young and old could craft unique paper hats for free.
The most crowded tent seemed to belong to the Rad Hatter, where young and old could craft unique paper hats for free.
Many local artists had their work on display and for sale at CityFest in Hillcrest.
Many local artists had their work on display and for sale at CityFest in Hillcrest.
Colorful pop art seems to be a favorite at this annual street festival.
Colorful pop art seems to be a favorite at this annual street festival.
I see Batman and Marilyn Monroe, among other boldly painted faces.
I see Batman and Marilyn Monroe, among other boldly painted faces.

…

Follow this blog for more photos of cool stuff! Join me on Facebook or Twitter.

History of Spanish Village artists in Balboa Park.

Sign outside the Spanish Village history exhibit, which is open to the public in Gallery 21.
Sign outside the Spanish Village history exhibit, which is open to the public in Gallery 21.

Anyone in San Diego who loves art must visit Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park. Some of the region’s finest local artists occupy its 38 working studios. By strolling around the large, colorful courtyard and poking a nose here and there, the public can see (and purchase) finished artwork of every kind, watch the creative process, and talk to the friendly artists themselves.

While at Spanish Village–if you’re the curious sort–you might also check out a small but fascinating history exhibit. Just step into Gallery 21.

Earlier this summer I was graciously given a tour of the exhibit by one of the resident artists. Here are a few photos and captions describing what I saw. Of course, it’s much better to experience Spanish Village and these memories of its history firsthand. So I encourage everyone to head on over.

The exhibit reviews how, a century ago, Balboa Park (originally called City Park) was developed and transformed into a dreamlike landscape for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. Many fantastic buildings were created, using a variety of influences from Spanish, Mexican, European Renaissance and Moorish origins. This unique mixture became what is known as Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.

Later, the successful California Pacific International Exposition of 1935 was promoted to boost San Diego during the Great Depression. It used existing buildings from the Panama-California Exposition and exhibits from the recent Chicago Century of Progress Expo. New construction designed by master architect Richard Smith Requa added a variety of buildings to Balboa Park, including those of Spanish Village. Spanish Village, as its name implied, originally recreated life in Spain, with “shops that sold art, curios, flowers, music and wine. It had a children’s theater, a Chinese Bazaar, a cocktail lounge called Cafe Granada and other restaurants. The Village was at the entrance to the Fun Zone which contained a Midway, a midget zoo, and an Indian Village.”

Today, this exhibit’s historical photographs, newspaper articles and ephemera relating to Spanish Village help visitors understand and appreciate the cultural contributions over many decades of hundreds of participating artists.

Doorway inside Gallery 21 leads to an unexpected treasure trove of Balboa Park and San Diego history.
Doorway inside Gallery 21 leads to an unexpected treasure trove of Balboa Park and San Diego history.
Beautifully painted mural in the small exhibit room pleases the eyes of curious visitors.
Beautifully painted mural in the small museum pleases the eyes of art-loving visitors.
The walls, like a scrapbook, contain images and articles chronicling the history of Spanish Village and its many fine artists.
The walls, like a scrapbook, feature a mosaic of images and articles chronicling the history of Spanish Village.
Old photographs show Spanish Village buildings, which were erected for the 1935 California Pacific Exposition in Balboa Park. They housed shops and restaurants during the expo.
Old photographs show Spanish Village buildings, which were erected for the 1935 California Pacific Exposition in Balboa Park. They housed shops and restaurants during the expo.
The California Pacific Exposition closed September 9, 1936, and the idea for Spanish Village Art Center was soon realized. Artists completed their studios and had a public opening on April 7th.
The California Pacific Exposition closed September 9, 1936, and the idea for Spanish Village Art Center was soon realized. Artists completed their studios and had a public opening on April 7th.
Display details Spanish Village's artist founders, including newspaper clipping's Officers of Culture Project--Sherman Trease, Mina Schultz Pulsifer, and Henry Long.
Display lists Spanish Village’s artist founders.  Newspaper clipping’s “Officers of Culture Project” included Sherman Trease, Mina Schultz Pulsifer, and Henry Long.
Old San Diego Union newspaper announces first Art Fiesta, a festival held September 3-6, 1937. Spanish Village hosted all forms of visual art, plus theater groups, writers and musicians.
Old San Diego Union newspaper announces first Art Fiesta, a festival held September 3-6, 1937. Spanish Village hosted all forms of visual art, plus theater groups, writers and musicians.
Visitor to the Spanish Village history exhibit learns about the rich heritage of this very unique and wonderful place.
Visitor to the Spanish Village history exhibit learns about the rich heritage of this very unique and wonderful place.
Another display tells of the coming of World War II, and how the Army took over Spanish Village. Many departing artists would serve in the military. Some later returned to renew their art.
Another display tells of the coming of World War II, and how the Army took over Spanish Village. Many departing artists would serve in the military. Some later returned to renew their art.
After the Army left, a financial dispute with the City of San Diego was resolved. Artists would pay affordable rent for each studio. A jury would decide on qualified renters.
After the Army left, a financial dispute with the City of San Diego was resolved. Artists would pay affordable rent for each studio. A jury would decide on qualified renters.
Samples of past Spanish Village publications, including a quarterly. Today the artists promote their work online using websites, e-newsletters and social media.
Samples of past Spanish Village publications, including a quarterly. Today the artists promote their work online using websites, e-newsletters and social media.
Do you have a memory or story about Spanish Village Art Center Experiences are being collected and added to this show. Thanks for the community spirit!
Do you have a memory or story about Spanish Village Art Center? Experiences are being collected and added to this show. Thanks for the community spirit!
Spanish Village in amazing, historic Balboa Park. Art grows here.
Spanish Village is located in amazing, historic Balboa Park. Art grows here.

…

Follow this blog for more photos of cool stuff! Join me on Facebook or Twitter.

Rivelino’s Our Silences sculptures head to San Francisco.

Bronze sculptures of Our Silences, by Mexican artist Rivelino, are loaded onto a truck for transport from San Diego to San Francisco. Each figure weighs about a ton.
Bronze sculptures of Our Silences, by Mexican artist Rivelino, are loaded onto a truck for transport from San Diego to San Francisco. Each figure weighs about a ton.

Last January I posted the blog: Our Silences and precious freedom of speech. I had walked down to Ruocco Park, just north of Seaport Village, to investigate an eye-popping new installation of public art titled Nuestros Silencios (which translated from Spanish means Our Silences).

The mysterious, monumental bronze sculptures, created by noted Mexican artist José Rivelino Moreno Valle, convey the importance of freedom of speech. The mouths of the huge anthropomorphic figures are each blocked by a metal plate; voices are censored and silenced. The emotional reaction the artwork produces is quite strong. In the past six months millions of San Diegans and visiting tourists have had the opportunity to be directly influenced by Rivelino’s thought-provoking artwork.

This morning I made another discovery! I was walking along San Diego’s waterfront when I noticed a crane lifting large objects near Tuna Harbor. I thought it was some sort of boating equipment being loaded onto a truck. As I approached, I suddenly saw the large objects were Rivelino’s sculptures!

I soon learned that Our Silences is on its way to San Francisco! (The sculptures were supposed to move to Los Angeles in March, but those plans changed.) The amazing public artwork will soon be situated on the north end of Harry Bridges Plaza, on San Francisco’s Embarcadero in front of the Ferry Building! They should arrive in time to take part in San Francisco’s Mex I Am festival, which showcases performing arts, culture, and ideas from Mexico.

Our Silences has been traveling around the world for about 4 years, making its potent statement in San Diego, Mexico City, and in numerous major cities throughout Europe.

But wait! Would you believe it? I was fortunate this morning to meet the artist himself! He was hanging out at Seward Johnson’s famous Unconditional Surrender statue just across the Fish Market’s parking lot, and I was graciously introduced and allowed to take a photograph!

Rivelino, smiling, showed me on his smartphone a new piece of public art that he’s been working on. Called Equality, it’s going to be installed in historic Trafalgar Square, at the center of London, England! Equality will consist of two huge sculpted index fingers, each pointing at the other. It seems that each massive finger is blaming the other. But people can stand in a space between the two sculptures, reach out and touch the tips of each finger, uniting both! I can’t wait to see photos when Equality is finally installed!

Very cool, indeed!

Rivelino smiles broadly as he supervises the movement of his monumental works of art!
Rivelino smiles broadly as he supervises the movement of his monumental works of art!
Our Silences will soon be exhibited at Harry Bridges Plaza, in front of San Francisco's landmark Ferry Building.
Our Silences will soon be exhibited at Harry Bridges Plaza, in front of San Francisco’s landmark Ferry Building.

…

Discoveries await around every corner! Join me on Facebook or Twitter.

More cool photos from Comic-Con Preview Night!

Pop culture fans at Preview Night were checking out an old school Batman. Pow!
Pop culture fans at Preview Night were checking out an old school Batman. Pow!

Without further ado, here comes a second batch of cool photos taken during Preview Night at 2015 San Diego Comic-Con. Enjoy!

Cool graphics promoting upcoming movie Batman v Superman Dawn of Justice at 2015 San Diego Comic-Con.
Cool graphics promoting upcoming movie Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice at 2015 San Diego Comic-Con.
Super awesome suits of armor at the fantastic Weta Workshop exhibit.
Super awesome suits of armor at the fantastic Weta Workshop exhibit.
Flaming Balrog figurine from the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Flaming Balrog figurine from the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Model of Chappie, from the recent science fiction film.
Model of Chappie, from the recent science fiction film.
Super Mario and other video game characters have a big presence at 2015 San Diego Comic-Con.
Super Mario and other video game characters have a big presence at 2015 San Diego Comic-Con.
Everyone was snapping photos of this cool Superman Hot Wheels car!
Everyone was snapping photos of this ultra cool Superman Hot Wheels car!
And here's another cool Hot Wheels car modeled after a Star Wars stormtrooper helmet.
And here’s another cool Hot Wheels car modeled after a Star Wars stormtrooper helmet.
Awesome Star Lord costume and helmet from Guardians of the Galaxy!
Awesome Star Lord costume and helmet from Guardians of the Galaxy!
I believe this prop is used in the upcoming Ghostbusters sequel.
I believe this prop is used in the upcoming Ghostbusters sequel.
Smaller, independent comic book publishers are out in force, promoting their brands and cool characters.
Smaller, independent comic book publishers are out in force at San Diego Comic-Con, promoting their brands and original characters.
Clive Barker is back at Comic-Con this year with more of his horror-themed artwork.
Clive Barker is back at Comic-Con this year with more of his horror-themed artwork.
IDW, a comic book publisher right here in San Diego, has their titles on display including Back to the Future.
IDW, a comic book publisher right here in San Diego, has their titles on display including Back to the Future.
Zombies and the dead are still in fashion. Here are buckets of bloody bones and other gruesome body parts.
Zombies and the dead are still in fashion. Here are buckets of bloody bones and other gruesome body parts.
It's the Legend of Zelda!
It’s the Legend of Zelda!
Super cool model of Star Wars snowtroopers in an ice cave.
Super cool model of Star Wars snowtroopers in an ice cave.
Nerds like sexy stuff, it seems! These female stormtroopers are being a bit risque.
Nerds like sexy stuff, it seems! These female stormtroopers are being a bit risque.
And, of course, we nerds love straight up, good old-fashioned comic book action figures.
And, of course, we nerds love straight up, good old-fashioned comic book action figures.
A big Captain Marvel graphic next to an exhibit that promotes Ant-Man, which comes out in a couple weeks. I'm stoked!
A big Captain Marvel graphic next to an exhibit that promotes Ant-Man, which comes out in a couple weeks. I’m stoked!
I see good old Charlie Brown. The classics live on!
I see good old Charlie Brown. The classics live on!
The DC Comics area is similar to last year, but with lots of new stuff.
The DC Comics area is similar to last year, but with lots of new stuff.
Costume worn by the Reverse Flash on the CW television show.
Costume worn by the Reverse Flash on the CW television show.
DC's big three superheroes on display on the San Diego Convention Center floor. Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman.
DC’s big three superheroes on display on the San Diego Convention Center floor: Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.
Alfred E. Neuman looks down on huge crowds pressing through hundreds of cool Comic-Con exhibits.
Alfred E. Neuman looks down on huge crowds pressing through hundreds of cool Comic-Con exhibits.
Alfred E. Neuman encourages everyone to take a stupid selfie!
Alfred E. Neuman encourages everyone to take a stupid selfie!
Some of the models at Comic-Con are so detailed and amazing it almost blows the mind.
Some of the models at Comic-Con are so detailed and amazing it almost blows the mind.
Just a random pic of something I liked walking down one aisle.
Just a random pic of something I liked walking down one aisle.
Cool t-shirts and merchandise is everywhere. If I had a million dollars in my pocket, it wouldn't have been enough.
Cool t-shirts and merchandise is everywhere. If I had a million dollars in my pocket, it wouldn’t have been enough.
More colorful comic book art on a table.
More colorful comic book art on a table.
Some psychedelic artwork seems to glow in the dim light of the convention center.
Some psychedelic artwork seems to glow in the dim light of the convention center.
Sinister face on large ComicBase software graphic seems to be looking down at an exhibitor as he ties his shoelace!
Sinister face on large ComicBase software graphic seems to be looking down at an exhibitor as he ties his shoelace!
There are boxes and boxes and more boxes of comic books, naturally!
There are boxes and boxes and more boxes of comic books, naturally!
If you have 40 grand to spare, you can grab this issue of Marvel Comics.
If you have 40 grand to spare, you can grab this issue of Marvel Comics.
Monsters and villains easily outnumber heroes and cute characters. As they say, the bad guys often seem to be more interesting.
Monsters and villains easily outnumber heroes and cute characters. As they say, the bad guys often seem to be more interesting.
Here's a big Wonder Woman poster. Almost nine o'clock and time to walk home. It's quite nice to live downtown!
Here’s a big Wonder Woman poster. Almost nine o’clock and time to walk home. It’s quite nice to live downtown!
Bob the Angry Flower wasn't too miffed to be captivated by a comic book.
Bob the Angry Flower wasn’t too miffed to be captivated by a comic book.

…

Enjoy future posts! Join me on Facebook or Twitter.

Super cool street murals on two Hillcrest walls.

Mermaids are one element in cool street art on wall of The Merrow.
Mermaids are an element in street art painted on outside wall of The Merrow.

Check out these photos of two building walls in Hillcrest. Both border a short driveway and tiny parking lot on University Avenue, next to The Merrow, a bar that features great live music, and Tabletop Commons, a cool eatery where diners can also play a huge assortment of games.

After looking at the names on one mural, and doing some searching on the internet, I believe these were spray painted–at least in part–by the prolific street artist Fizix. If someone knows more, leave a comment!

Ancient ship hull threatened by mines and an underwater plant with huge teeth!
Ship hull threatened by mines and a monstrous underwater plant with huge teeth!
Graffiti lady dances on wall bordering tiny parking lot, across from Tabletop Commons in Hillcrest.
Graffiti lady dances on wall bordering tiny parking lot, across from Tabletop Commons in Hillcrest.
Piano, face and mad swirls of color. More awesome street art in uptown San Diego.
Piano, face and mad swirls of color. Super cool street art in San Diego’s Hillcrest neighborhood.
Another feast for the eyes painted in an art-filled neighborhood.
Another delicious bite of a visual feast.  Lots of urban art can be found in this uptown community.
Stylish figures on wall leading from alley to parking lot of The Merrow and Tabletop Commons.
Fantastic faces on wall next to The Merrow and Tabletop Commons.
Spray paint mural contains Egyptian symbols. A dazzling display of human creativity.
Spray paint mural contains Egyptian symbols and motifs. A dazzling display of human creativity.
Pink abstract cat awaits at edge of Hillcrest alley.
Pink abstract cat awaits at edge of Hillcrest alley.

…

Join me on Facebook or Twitter!