Tag: artists

Vital Parts discovered under dark freeway bridge.

A human heart is juxtaposed with San Diego's old Presidio in some very unique ceramic artwork.
A human heart hovers above the Serra Museum atop nearby Presidio Hill in this extremely unique ceramic artwork.

There’s some fascinating public art in Mission Valley that few people see. It’s located in the deep shadows beneath Interstate 8 where the freeway passes over Hotel Circle. Eyes are adjusting to darkness as motorists, turning a corner, quickly pass five ceramic panels high on drab concrete pillars. The one sidewalk is located on the opposite side of the street. To really appreciate the artwork, you have to cross traffic dangerously and stand in a narrow band of dirt right up close.

Today I walked to work past the darkly obscured art and decided to finally get a closer look.

Vital Parts, installed in 1999, was created by local San Diego artist Joanne Hayakawa. The pieces seem to be stratified, crumbling and sculpted by time and memory. They seem to blend with the dirt beneath the bare bridge.

The very dark Interstate 8 underpass at Hotel Circle features seldom appreciated public art.
The very dark Interstate 8 underpass at Hotel Circle features seldom appreciated public art.
Vital Parts, by artist Joanne Hayakawa, was installed on five pillars of a Mission Valley freeway bridge in 1999.
Vital Parts, by artist Joanne Hayakawa, was installed on five pillars of a Mission Valley freeway bridge in 1999.
Mysterious fossil-like hand hovers above San Diego River and what I believe are Native American structures.
Mysterious fossil-like hand hovers above nearby San Diego River and what I believe are Native American structures.
Human brain, made golden by underpass light, crowns image of Mission San Diego de Alcalá and the ever-present river.
Human brain, made golden by underpass light, crowns image of old Mission San Diego and the ever-present blue river.
Spine rises over what I believe is Qualcomm Stadium. This earthy art is unusual and evocative.
Spine rises over what I believe is modern Qualcomm Stadium. This earthy art is very unusual and evocative.
Chin and silent mouth seem like a clay mask from the past over the eternally flowing river.
Chin and silent mouth seem like a timeless clay mask beside the eternally flowing river.

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Art, stories, dance at World Water Day Celebration.

LOVE spelled out in chalk in the grassy park near the WorldBeat Center.
LOVE spelled out in chalk in the grassy park near the WorldBeat Center.

Today has been designated World Water Day. The essential message is that we should use our often limited water resources carefully and engage in water conservation.

I read that a World Water Day Celebration was to be held in Balboa Park at the WorldBeat Center, so I headed from downtown up Park Boulevard to see what was going on.

What I discovered was a lot of interesting knowledge and very cool fun!

World Water Day in Balboa Park included a kids poster contest, painting, music, dance, a water blessing, and a global meditation.
World Water Day in Balboa Park included a kids poster contest, painting, music, dance, a water blessing, and a global meditation.
Kids listen to stories out in a patch of shade on a warm Spring day in San Diego.
Kids listen to stories out in a patch of shade on a warm Spring day in San Diego.
This board included many great ideas on how to save water. This is unusually important in Southern California because of our ongoing drought.
This board included many great ideas on how to save water. This is unusually important in Southern California because of our ongoing drought.
Lots of creativity was going on during World Water Day.
Lots of creativity was being unleashed during World Water Day.
A talented artist named Alexander had a bunch of his work on display.
A talented artist named Alexander had his work on display.
A smile and unique self-portrait by Alexander.
A smile and unique self-portrait by Alexander.

Check out his amazing work on Facebook.

This friendly, cool artist was working in conjunction with Live Art by Davina Mendoza.
This super friendly, cool artist was working with Live Art by Davina Mendoza.
Inside the popular World Beat Center dance and music awaited.
Inside the popular World Beat Center dance and music awaited.
Poster shows how water is harvested from the air in Ethiopia!
Poster inside shows how water is harvested from the air in Ethiopia!
Watair creates atmospheric water generators (called air juicers). These devices produce pure drinking water while cleaning the air!
Watair creates atmospheric water generators (called air juicers). These devices produce pure drinking water while cleaning the air!
The colorful interior of the WorldBeat Cultural Center is alive with dancers and drummers.
The colorful interior of the WorldBeat Cultural Center is alive with dancers and a line of drummers!

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Art Deco car, train, ship and plane on Post Office.

Art Deco relief work shows female above propellers of airplane.
Art Deco relief work shows female flying above propellers of airplane.

“Through science and the toil of patient men, the nation’s thought traverses land and air and sea.” Those are the words inscribed along the top of downtown San Diego’s Post Office, on E Street between 8th and 9th Avenue. Beneath the words are nine terra-cotta panels created by Archibald Garner in 1937. The Art Deco images include a car, train, ship and airplane, the means by which mail has been delivered over many decades, transmitting the written word across the nation and around the world.

Titled “Transportation of the Mail,” Garner’s handsome panels were the result of a Department of Treasury competition. Like most Post Office public art created during the New Deal, the work was funded through the Treasury Department’s Section of Painting and Sculpture, also known as The Section of Fine Arts. The post office itself was built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and stands across the street from the now closed old Central Library. You can see a few interesting photos of the library here.

View of San Diego's downtown Post Office from Ninth Avenue.
View of San Diego’s downtown Post Office from Ninth Avenue.
Ship cuts through ocean waves on its way to deliver the mail.
Steamship cuts through ocean waves on its way to deliver the mail.
Distinctive Art Deco train can be seen near roof of San Diego's old Post Office.
Distinctive Art Deco train can be seen near roof of San Diego’s old Post Office.
Historically interesting panels, which appear at the top of high windows.
Historically interesting panels, which appear at the top of high windows.
Classic automobile in Art Deco artwork in downtown San Diego.
Classic automobile in Art Deco public artwork in downtown San Diego.

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Bold, colorful street art in Sherman Heights.

Sun shines on dynamic mural at Golden Hill Market and Liquor in Sherman Heights.
Sun shines on dynamic mural at Golden Hill Market and Liquor in Sherman Heights.

Here are two boldly painted murals in Sherman Heights, a neighborhood just east of downtown San Diego. I photographed the first mural at 21st Street and Market Street several few days ago. I took my first picture of the second mural last May as I watched the local All-American Soap Box Derby on hilly 25th Street. Since then, the painted boards seem to have been removed from the market wall, and shifted a bit to the left behind a tree. You can see shadows in the two more recent photos.

According to my research, both of these distinctive works of street art were created under the direction of local artist Mario Torero. His passionate artwork, often depicting political themes and civil rights activists, can also be seen at Chicano Park in Barrio Logan, Centro Cultural de la Raza in Balboa Park, and elsewhere around San Diego.

Sherman Heights residents painted this wall in 1980, with help from local artist Mario Torero.
Young residents of Sherman Heights painted this wall in 1980, with help from local artist Mario Torero.
Aztec imagery is a colorful part of the artwork.
Aztec imagery is a colorful part of the artwork.
The 35 year old mural remains vivid, having been restored several times due to graffiti.
The 35 year old mural is vivid, having been restored several times due to graffiti.
Words above people read Barrio Sherman Mural Unidos.
Words above people read Barrio Sherman Mural Unidos.
Lively images cover pipes, meter box and a door.
Lively images cover pipes, meter box and a door.
Latino-themed mural shows respect for education.
Latino-themed mural shows respect for education.
K St. Market on 25th Street with mural designed by local artist Mario Torero.
K St. Market on 25th Street with mural designed by local artist Mario Torero.
Face enveloped by color shows confident character.
Face enveloped by color shows confident character.
The Barrio is a Garden was painted on wood in 2010 in Sherman Heights.
The Barrio is a Garden was painted on wood in 2010 in Sherman Heights.
Brightly painted street bench on 25th Avenue in Sherman Heights.
Brightly painted street bench on 25th Avenue in Sherman Heights.

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San Diego River animals gather under city bridge.

Cars zoom west down Friars Road, beneath the Morena Boulevard bridge.
Cars zoom west down Friars Road, beneath the Morena Boulevard bridge.

Should you ever drive west down Friars Road approaching Mission Bay, you might see a collection of native animals gathered under the Morena Boulevard bridge. They seem to like the place, because they never leave!

The west end of Mission Valley contains an open space preserve, where some wild animals live in the midst of a big city. The wildlife mural, designed in 2007 by lead artist Julia C. R. Gray, was a public art project of the San Diego River Park Foundation.

This mural is a project of the San Diego River Park Foundation.
This mural is a project of the San Diego River Park Foundation.
A bobcat lurks under the busy city bridge!
A bobcat lurks under the busy city bridge!
So does a skunk! I didn't smell this critter, however.
So does a skunk! I didn’t smell this critter, however.
Fish in dry water, painted on a mural near the San Diego River.
Fish in dry water, painted on a public art mural near the San Diego River.
Horned toad and raccoon, samples of wildlife that live in the Mission Valley preserve.
Horned toad and raccoon, samples of wildlife that live in Mission Valley preserve.
Frog in a painted mural, created by artist Julia C. R. Gray in 2007.
Frog in a painted mural, created by artist Julia C. R. Gray in 2007.
A rabbit that's still enough to be captured by my camera!
A rabbit that’s still enough to be captured by my camera!
It's very rare to see a fox in the developed parts of San Diego.
It’s very rare to see a fox in the developed parts of San Diego.
Second mural painted on south side of Friars Road also shows a river scene.
Second mural painted on south side of Friars Road also shows a river scene.
Beyond lies actual open space. Lush vegetation provides shelter for wildlife near river.
Beyond lies open space. Lush vegetation provides shelter for wildlife near river.

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Our Silences and precious freedom of speech.

Sculptures on display on San Diego's Embarcadero near Tuna Harbor.
Sculptures on display on San Diego’s Embarcadero near Tuna Harbor.

My walk early this morning took me down to Ruocco Park, just north of Seaport Village. I wanted to check out something I saw on the news that looked really interesting.

Few people were about. Sunrise was slowly brightening the sky. Ten imposing human-like sculptures rose before me. As I approached, the figures loomed larger, silent, heavy-lidded, facing the fishing boats in Tuna Harbor, and a handful of joggers passing by.

This temporary installation of public art opened yesterday to the public. Our Silences, created by Mexican sculptor Rivelino, is composed of a row of ten massive bronze figures, whose mouths are shut and silenced with a metal plate. The object of the art is to provoke thought, feeling and discussion about freedom of speech. One wonders if the small prison-like black box nearby contains a political prisoner, or someone’s trembling, innermost thoughts. This very jolting artistic statement is on display for the first time in the United States. It will remain in San Diego through March 15.

Our Silences, by Mexican artist Rivelino, concerns freedom of speech.
Our Silences, by Mexican artist Rivelino, concerns freedom of speech.
People walk past provocative public art as day dawns near Seaport Village.
People walk past provocative public art as day dawns near Seaport Village.
This black cube appears to be an oppressive prison cell.
This harsh black cube appears to be an oppressive prison cell.
The black steel box might contain someone who would like to speak.
The steel box might contain someone who would like to speak.
Interesting, abstract designs on backs of the human-like sculptures.
Mysterious abstract designs on backs of the human-like sculptures.
Here comes the sun and another day of freedom on San Diego's waterfront.
Here comes the sun and another day of freedom on San Diego’s waterfront.
Walking past artwork that reminds us of liberty's gift.
Walking past artwork that reminds us of liberty’s precious gift.

Here’s a pic I took after a sign explaining Our Silences was installed nearby…

Sign explains Our Silences, now in San Diego.
Sign explains Our Silences, now in San Diego. (Click to enlarge.)

Where will I walk next? Life is an adventure!

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Shining Freedom sculpture catches fire!

During my recent walk around Coronado, I came upon a dull, lifeless metal sculpture standing at the center of a small park. But then a rising sea breeze moved the nearby trees. The sculpture began to slowly turn. I stood in one place, snapping a few pics…

Freedom sculpture at Glorietta Bay Yacht Club Promenade appears dull and utterly lifeless.
Freedom sculpture at Glorietta Bay Yacht Club Promenade appears dull and utterly lifeless.
Freedom turns in the wind and surfaces begin to reflect the bright sunshine.
Freedom turns in the wind and surfaces begin to reflect the bright sunshine.
Shining Freedom sculpture catches fire! The kinetic sculpture was created by Jon Koehler.
Shining Freedom sculpture catches fire! The kinetic sculpture was created by Jon Koehler.

The public art, titled Freedom, was sculpted by artist Jon Koehler and installed in the Glorietta Bay Yacht Club Promenade in 2009.

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Western characters in mural at Old Town Saloon.

Several whiskered Western characters pose in a mural on Harney Street in Old Town.
Several whiskered Western characters pose in a mural on Harney Street in Old Town.

There’s a fairly new street mural in Old Town that I really like.  Every time I see it, my imagination travels back in time. Back to the first half of the 19th century.

San Diego for many decades was a tiny town seemingly in the middle of nowhere. Whether it belonged to Spain, or Mexico, or the United States, Old Town San Diego was a place of dusty roads and modest, sun-baked adobe houses, horses and wagons, rugged settlers and ranchers. Characters from that era seem to live again in this mural.

Artist Frank Mando painted this artwork in 2013. I couldn’t capture the entire piece in one shot. Enlivening a building at the corner of San Diego Avenue and Harney Street, the mural is divided in two by a door of the Old Town Saloon. Standing inside that door, as you’ll see, there seems to be a well-known movie star!

Freight wagon hauls a load of barrels in fun art that recalls early San Diego history.
Freight wagon hauls a load of barrels in fun art that recalls early San Diego history.
John Wayne seems to be coming through a door of the Old Town Saloon.
John Wayne seems to be coming through a door of the Old Town Saloon.
Elegant lady and girl from long ago stroll past Ye Old Curiosity Shoppe.
Elegant lady and girl from long ago stroll past Ye Old Curiosity Shoppe.
Old Town mural on building wall was painted in 2013 by artist Frank Mando.
Old Town mural on building wall was painted in 2013 by artist Frank Mando.
Kids standing along sidewalk seem to have materialized from San Diego's past.
Kids standing along sidewalk seem to have materialized from San Diego’s past.
People walk past cool street mural near side entrance to Old Town Saloon.
People walk past nostalgic street mural near side entrance to Old Town Saloon.

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Sea Passage sculpture and fountain in Coronado.

Sea Passage sculpture and fountain between Coronado City Hall and Community Center.
Sea Passage sculpture and fountain between Coronado City Hall and Community Center.

Whenever I walk around Coronado, or bike down the Silver Strand, I like to pass by this graceful work of art. Sea Passage, created by James T. Hubbell, adds gentle sound and sparkling color to a long park which stretches beside Glorietta Bay.  The popular linear park can be found between the Hotel del Coronado’s old boathouse and Naval Amphibious Base Coronado.

The fountain contains a sinuous mosaic of many small tiles.  They appear to me like silvery blue scales, glittering and swimming in the flowing water.  The organic form artistically connects two somewhat ordinary-looking buildings:  Coronado City Hall and the Community Center.

James T. Hubbell also designed two striking works of public art on Shelter Island, which is located just north of Coronado across San Diego Bay. I’ve already blogged about Pacific Portal. One of these days I’ll write about Pearl of the Pacific.

Sea Passage was created by noted sculptor James T. Hubbell.
Sea Passage was created in 2005 by sculptor James T. Hubbell.
Artwork adds beauty to Coronado's linear park beside Glorietta Bay.
Artwork adds gentle beauty to Coronado’s park along Glorietta Bay.
Seagulls like getting a drink of sparkling water from top of colorful fountain!
Seagulls like getting a drink of water from the top of this colorful fountain!

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Cool utility box artwork around San Diego.

Cool utility box on Bankers Hill shows tall buildings on planet Earth.
Cool utility box in Hillcrest shows tall buildings on planet Earth.

During my walks about San Diego, I spy all sorts of cool art on utility boxes and electrical transformers. Most of the painted artwork is super creative and colorful. You never know what you’ll find!

Little Italy art on utility box shows boats beneath windows.
Little Italy art on utility box shows boats in water beneath row of windows.
Fish and fishermen are big themes on Little Italy utility boxes.
Fish and fishermen are big themes on Little Italy utility boxes.
Tropical beach island scene on a fun Gaslamp utility box.
Tropical beach island scene on a fun, eye-catching Gaslamp utility box.
Soft and peaceful beach image on this Imperial Beach utility box.
Soft and peaceful beach image on this Imperial Beach utility box.
Cool abstract face on an imaginative Hillcrest utility box.
Cool abstract face on an imaginative Hillcrest utility box.
Some large utility boxes in Hillcrest feature various fruit and vegetables.
Some large utility boxes in Hillcrest feature photos of fruits and vegetables.
This Hillcrest electrical transformer has a big blue eye.
This Hillcrest electrical transformer has a bold blue eye.
East Village utility box art vandalized with angry words.
East Village utility box art has been vandalized with angry words.
Very colorful artwork on an East Village transformer.
Very colorful artwork on an East Village transformer.

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