Tag: creativity

A mighty Poetic Expeditionary Nation of Semanticists!

The five members of The Mightier P.E.N.S. perform poetry in Balboa Park's Zoro Garden during this summer's 2016 Garden Theatre Festival.
The five members of The Mightier P.E.N.S. perform poetry in Balboa Park’s Zoro Garden during this summer’s 2016 Garden Theatre Festival.

Look what I stumbled upon this afternoon during my stroll through Balboa Park! The Mightier P.E.N.S. (Poetic Expeditionary Nation of Semanticists) was performing poetry in the Zoro Garden. Balboa Park’s butterfly-filled stone grotto is the venue for a variety of poetic and theatrical performances during the Garden Theatre Festival, Saturdays and Sundays through August 21st.

I listened as the five members of The Mightier P.E.N.S. filled the air with mightily expressed emotion, striking deep chords with their words. As butterflies flitted about the garden, like beguiling not-quite-touchable-truths in the shimmering air, their spoken words conveyed an entire range of deep feeling, including human desire, elation, frustration and despair.

This energetic group of performance poets can be heard around San Diego from time to time; they appeared at the most recent San Diego Fringe Festival. They’ll be performing twice more this summer in Balboa Park. Interested? Swing by the Zoro Garden on August 14th and 21nd at 2pm. Their poetry is mightier than the sharpest sword! For further information, you can call (619) 569-4922.

While I innocently sit back and listen, I'm suddenly accosted by unabashed truths spoken during an innovative poetry performance!
While I innocently sit back and listen, I’m suddenly accosted by unabashed truths spoken during an innovative poetry performance!
Visitors to Balboa Park pause near the top of Zoro Garden and listen to The Mighty P.E.N.S. conquer . . . for a fleeting moment.
Visitors to Balboa Park pause near the top of Zoro Garden and listen to The Mightier P.E.N.S. conquer the world . . . for a fleeting moment.
One of the dynamic poets expresses innermost thoughts, desires and anguish with strong words and images pieced brilliantly together.
One of the dynamic poets expresses innermost thoughts, desires and anguish with strong words and images pieced brilliantly together.
A small crowd gathered where I was seated. As each poet completed a segment of the performance, applause erupted.
A small crowd gathered where I was seated. As each poet completed a segment of the performance, applause erupted.
The Mighty P.E.N.S. appear to be mighty friends. No words required.
The Mightier P.E.N.S. appear to be mighty friends. No words required.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Do you love Balboa Park? Follow my special blog which I call Beautiful Balboa Park!

To read some philosophical short stories that I’ve written, please click Short Stories by Richard.

Signs in San Diego contain quotes from modern artists.

Unusual signs near America Plaza contain quotes from famous modern artists. This thought-provoking art was installed by the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, located across the street.
Unusual signs near America Plaza contain quotes from famous modern artists. This thought-provoking art was installed by the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, which is located across the street.

Look what I discovered this evening! I had disembarked from the trolley at the Santa Fe Depot and was making my way to America Plaza when my eyes were ensnared by a very cool sight.

At first glance I thought it was a cluster of directional signs that point every which way to cities around the world. Then I realized these signs were far more interesting!

On one side each sign contains a thought-provoking quote from a modern artist. The cities shown on the reverse side are those associated with the artists.

The modern artists quoted are: Pablo Picasso, Jeff Wall, Jackson Pollock, John Baldessari, Jose Clemente Orozco, Edward Ruscha, Joseph Beuys, Richard Diebenkorn, Henri-Robert-Marcel Duchamp and Eleanor Antin.

I walked back across Kettner Boulevard to the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego and learned that these unusual signs were installed by the museum about two weeks ago!

People walk down the sidewalk along Kettner Boulevard. A few glance up at what appears to be a cluster of strangely colorful directional street signs.
People walk down the sidewalk along Kettner Boulevard. A few glance up at what appears to be a cluster of strangely colorful directional street signs.
Quotes from ten notable modern artists are featured on the MCASD signs. The reverse side of each directional sign contains a city associated with the artist.
Quotes from ten notable modern artists are featured on the MCASD signs. The reverse side of each directional sign contains a city associated with the artist.
Provocative public art rises from a downtown sidewalk, across the street from the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.
Provocative public art rises from a downtown sidewalk, across the street from the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Early American quilts: amazing color and patterns!

Carpenter's Wheel quilt, Mennonite, about 1890. Made by Mrs. Miller in Easton, Pennsylvania.
Carpenter’s Wheel quilt, Mennonite, about 1890. Made by Mrs. Miller in Easton, Pennsylvania.

My eyes opened wide with amazement last weekend, when my docent friend provided another special tour at the San Diego Museum of Art. This time we had a good look at a surprising exhibition of early American quilts from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

These quilts, which date mostly from the 19th century, created in many instances by lone Amish and Mennonite quiltmakers, are so dazzling with brilliant colors and inventive, abstract designs that they seem thoroughly modern, like hung works of art by the greatest 20th century Abstract Expressionists.

I know relatively little about quiltmaking.  All I know is that when I gazed at these vibrant works of art, I felt that I was peering into the inner life of a spiritual people, where joy, memories and dreams are represented with magically combined bits of color. These delights for the eye were created to be a warming family treasure, meant to last for generations.

In this blog post you can see just a few photos of the nearly 50 quilts on display. The craftmanship is intricate. I can’t imagine the many hours of persistent dedication, patience and love a quiltmaker required to create just one of these examples. They lived in a very different time and place. In their world living was more simple, and beauty was quietly formed from single threads.

All of these old quilts were discovered over several decades by collectors Gerald Roy and Paul Pilgrim, who also played an important role in the creation of the The National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky. Many of these quilts were collected solely for their aesthetic appeal. Paul Pilgrim, now deceased, was also an innovative quiltmaker.

Head to Balboa Park to visit the San Diego Museum of Art and you’ll be astounded by many of these quilts. If you do plan to visit, do so by September 5, 2016, when this very unique exhibition comes to an end.

Quilts and Color from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. This special exhibition can be enjoyed at the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park.
Quilts and Color from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. This special exhibition can be enjoyed at the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park.
Amazing early American quilts on display at the San Diego Museum of Art feature beautifully contrasted colors and abstract designs.
Amazing early American quilts on display at the San Diego Museum of Art feature beautifully contrasted colors and fascinating abstract designs.
Spider Web quilt dazzles the eye. Many of the quilts feature unique visual effects or optical illusions.
Spider Web quilt dazzles the eye. Many of the quilts feature unique visual effects or optical illusions.
Fans quilt, Amish, 1900-1910. Made in Pennsylvania.
Fans quilt, Amish, 1900-1910. Made in Pennsylvania.
Field of Diamonds quilt, about 1860. The design is achieved by creatively combining hexagons.
Field of Diamonds quilt, about 1860. The design is achieved by creatively combining differently colored hexagons.
Close-up photograph of fantastic Sunburst quilt.
Close-up photograph of fantastic, radiant Sunburst quilt.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

To read a few thoughtful stories I’ve written, click Short Stories by Richard.

More photos of super creative cosplay at Comic-Con!

It's a cosplay of Lego Venom in the middle of the 2016 San Diego Comic-Con crowd!
It’s a cosplay of Lego Venom in the middle of the 2016 San Diego Comic-Con crowd!

Here’s another large collection of cosplay photographs! I took these Saturday outside 2016 San Diego Comic-Con!

Seeing so many super creative costumes is one reason I love walking around during Comic-Con. It’s an opportunity for individuals to find unabashed joy in their own personal creativity. It’s all about fantasy and imagination come to life. People young and old can choose to be whatever they choose to be. It’s all good. And it’s all fun!

This cool cosplay of a Cylon from the original Battlestar Galactica even had a moving red light in its helmet and sound effects!
This cosplay of a Cylon from the original Battlestar Galactica had a moving red light in its helmet and cool Cylon sound effects!
A great cosplay of Marvel's famous superhero couple, Ant-Man and the Wasp.
A great cosplay of Marvel’s famous superhero couple, Ant-Man and the Wasp.
A truly great Addams Family cosplay on the street outside Comic-Con!
A truly great Addams Family cosplay on the street outside Comic-Con!
I was told these ladies are characters from Alice in Wonderland. It appears to me one is the Queen of Hearts and the other Alice.
I was told these ladies are characters from Alice in Wonderland. It appears to me one is the Queen of Hearts and the other is Alice.
This cuddly killer is Unipool. He's even got his own hashtag!
This cuddly killer is Unipool. He’s even got his own hashtag!
I recognize Green Arrow, but the other cosplay I didn't hear properly when I asked. Does someone out there know? Leave a comment if you do.
I recognize Green Arrow, but the other cosplay I didn’t hear properly when I asked. Does someone out there know? Leave a comment if you do.
I learned the cosplay on the right is Megaman, but I didn't catch the identity of the fellow on the left. Help!
I learned the cosplay on the right is Mega Man, but I didn’t catch the identity of the fellow on the left. Help!
Cosplay of Raven of the Teen Titans.
Cosplay of Raven of the Teen Titans.
Cool cosplay of a Jawa from Star Wars.
A very cool cosplay of a Jawa from Star Wars.
This creative guy combined Joker and Donald Trump!
This funny guy combined Joker and Donald Trump!
A zombie walks through the Gaslamp with a big pink ribbon. Even the undead can fight for life!
A zombie walks through the Gaslamp with a big pink ribbon. Even the undead can fight for life!
It took a moment, but then I realized these guys looked familiar. That's Crow T. Robot from Mystery Science Theater on the right, and Tom Servo on the left!
It took a moment, but then I realized these little guys were familiar. That’s Crow T. Robot from Mystery Science Theater on the right, and Tom Servo on the left!
Menacing cosplay of Cobra Commander.
Menacing cosplay of Cobra Commander.
It's Pac-Man and a small Blinky!
It’s Pac-Man and a small Blinky!
A super creative cosplay of a steampunk Batman.
A super creative cosplay of a steampunk Batman.
I hope the zombies rampaging through the Gaslamp Saturday night were careful. Because these guys wanna kill zombies.
I hope the zombies rampaging through the Gaslamp Saturday night were careful. Because these guys wanna kill zombies.
This cosplayer seemed a bit surprised that I recognized he was the Mouth of Sauron. I guess I've read and watched Lord of the Rings too many times.
This cosplayer seemed a bit surprised that I recognized he was the Mouth of Sauron. I guess I’ve read and watched Lord of the Rings too many times.
I learned these guys are cosplaying characters from the video game Fallout.
I learned these guys are cosplaying characters from the video game Fallout.
A fun, creative cosplay of characters from the Nightmare Before Christmas.
A fun, creative cosplay of characters from The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Here comes Spidey!
Here comes Spidey!
These nice ladies were cosplaying Toriel and Frisk from Undertale.
These nice ladies were cosplaying Toriel and Frisk from Undertale.
I think I heard this is a Pokemon cosplay. I might be wrong.
I think I heard this is a Pokemon cosplay. I might be wrong.
These Medieval period enthusiasts hail from the Barony of Calafia. They are members of the Society for Creative Anachronism.
These Medieval period enthusiasts hail from the Barony of Calafia. They are members of the Society for Creative Anachronism.
Incredible cosplay of Ornstein the Dragon Slayer, from Dark Souls.
Incredible cosplay of Ornstein the Dragon Slayer, from Dark Souls.
Another super good cosplay. It's Cable of the X-Men.
Another super good cosplay. It’s Cable of the X-Men.
Some really great costumes--all characters from Game of Thrones.
Some really great costumes–all characters from Game of Thrones.
Hey, Cap! What's up?
Hey, Cap! What’s up?
I was told this cosplay is Tyson Rios, of Army of Two.
I was told this cosplay is Tyson Rios, of Army of Two.
Super good cosplay of Marvel's Lady Sif, Asgardian warrior. Looks like the Jack Kirby version.
Super creative cosplay of Marvel’s Lady Sif, Asgardian warrior. Looks like the Jack Kirby version.
This cosplay, I believe, is Victarion Greyjoy, from Game of Thrones.
This cosplay, I believe, is Victarion Greyjoy, from Game of Thrones.
The Suicide Squad movie is coming up. This is the original Harley Quinn with an absurdly huge hammer. A little more humor in this version, perhaps.
The Suicide Squad movie is coming up. This is the original Harley Quinn with an absurdly huge hammer. A little more humor in this version, perhaps.
Cosplay of long-time movie hero Zorro!
Cosplay of long-time movie hero Zorro!
Cosplay from the original Tron. He thought the first movie was best.
Cosplay from the original Tron. He thought the first movie was best.
I was informed this is just a fun fuzzy creature with long ears!
I was informed this is just a purple fuzzy creature with long ears!  Even so, it looks somehow familiar.
Cosplay of Liliana Vess, from Magic: The Gathering.
Cosplay of Liliana Vess, from Magic: The Gathering.
This Poison Ivy cosplayer must've mistaken me for Batman, because she's blowing a kiss my way!
This Poison Ivy cosplayer must’ve mistaken me for Batman, because she’s blowing a lethal kiss my way!
Now a cosplay Catwoman is about to strike me with her whip! Ouch!
Now a cosplay Catwoman is about to strike me with her whip! Ouch!
These musicians in wild Mexican outfits were simply having fun entertaining 2016 San Diego Comic-Con fans in the Gaslamp.
These musicians in wild Mexican outfits were simply having fun entertaining 2016 San Diego Comic-Con fans in the Gaslamp.
Here comes a cool cosplay of Cyclops. Don't activate your visor! I'm a good guy!
Here comes a cool cosplay of Cyclops. Don’t activate your visor! I’m a good guy!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to enjoy!

Photographs of cosplay at San Diego Comic-Con!

Post-Apocalyptic Super Mario Brothers cosplay at 2016 San Diego Comic-Con.
Post-Apocalyptic Super Mario Brothers cosplay at 2016 San Diego Comic-Con.

The tradition of cosplay–costume play– during San Diego Comic-Con is alive and well! As proof, I offer these cool photos that I took today!

I was completely blown away by the lengths fans will go to create the fantastic likeness of a favorite fictional character. How many of these characters do you recognize?

Many pop culture fans attending San Diego Comic-Con engage in cosplay--wearing costumes depicting characters from comic books, movies, television shows and video games.
I see Iron Fist coming up the stairs!  Many pop culture fans attending San Diego Comic-Con engage in cosplay–wearing costumes depicting characters from comic books, movies, television shows and video games.
A fantastic cosplay of Elemental HERO Avian of Yu-Gi-Oh!
A fantastic cosplay of Elemental HERO Avian of Yu-Gi-Oh!
Cosplay of an armored player in the popular video game Halo.
Cosplay of an armored player in the popular video game Halo.
Ghostbusters cosplay at San Diego Comic-Con.
Ghostbusters cosplay at San Diego Comic-Con.
Cosplay of a sinister character from the Star Wars universe, Darth Revan.
Cosplay of a sinister character from the Star Wars universe, Darth Revan.
Cosplay enthusiasts stand by during a local television interview outside San Diego Comic-Con.
Cosplay enthusiasts stand by during a local television interview outside 2016 San Diego Comic-Con.
As I sauntered down a Gaslamp sidewalk, Bane refused to let me pass! Just some of the fun at 2016 Comic-Con.
As I sauntered down a Gaslamp sidewalk, Bane refused to let me pass! Just some of the fun at 2016 Comic-Con.
Hulk must be hungry, because now he'll smash for food!
Hulk must be hungry, because now he’ll smash for food!
Cosplay of Bombshell Batwoman, from a line of new comic books published by DC Comics. The stories take place during World War II.
Cosplay of Bombshell Batwoman, from a line of new comic books published by DC Comics. The stories take place during World War II.
An elaborate cosplay of Loki, a favorite Marvel supervillain.
An elaborate cosplay of Loki, a favorite Marvel supervillain.
While I can't identify many of the characters that walk by during Comic-Con, I definitely enjoy the creativity.
While I can’t identify many of the characters that walk by during Comic-Con, I definitely enjoy the creativity.
This guy informed me his cosplay is the Borderlands character Krieg the Psycho.
This guy informed me his cosplay is the Borderlands character Krieg the Psycho.
Krypto, Superman's faithful super dog, has made a new friend at San Diego Comic-Con!
Krypto, Superman’s faithful super dog, has made a new friend at San Diego Comic-Con!
People engaged in cosplay pose for a photo. They are characters from the game Moba Legends.
People engaged in fun cosplay pose for a photo. They are characters from the game Moba Legends.
This guy just decided to invent a cool character with creepy steampunk elements for Comic-Con.
This guy just decided to invent a unique character with creepy steampunk elements for Comic-Con.
Cosplay outside 2016 San Diego Comic-Con, depicting characters from the blockbuster television show Game of Thrones.
Cosplay outside 2016 San Diego Comic-Con, depicting characters from the blockbuster television show Game of Thrones.
Cosplay of Storm, a fan favorite member of the X-Men.
Cosplay of Storm, a fan favorite member of the X-Men.
Cosplay of Green Arrow, DC hero and member of the Justice League.
Cosplay of Green Arrow, DC superhero and member of the Justice League.
An awesome, very elaborate cosplay of Super Shredder, from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!
An awesome, very elaborate cosplay of Super Shredder, from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!
I learned these elegant ladies are the Clowns of the Galaxy, with their red-haired Robot. Never heard of them! Looks to me like they were simply having a great time at Comic-Con!
I learned these elegant ladies are the Clowns of the Galaxy, with their red-haired Robot. Never heard of them! Looks to me like they were simply having a great time at Comic-Con!
A big smile. Cosplay of Gamora, of the Guardians of the Galaxy.
A big smile. Cosplay of Gamora, of the Guardians of the Galaxy.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to enjoy!

A cool, rarely seen mural in downtown San Diego!

This cool mural can be barely glimpsed from the corner of Fifth Avenue and B Street in downtown San Diego. It adds color and life to an outdoor patio on the 3rd floor of the Union Bank building.
This cool mural can be just glimpsed from the corner of Fifth Avenue and B Street in downtown San Diego. It adds color and life to an outdoor patio on the 3rd floor of the Union Bank building.

This fantastic mural has been seen up close by very few people. Today, with permission, I took a good look and got some photos!

If you ever stand on the west side of Fifth Avenue around B Street in downtown San Diego, and glance upward toward the Union Bank building, you might see a colorful splash in a hidden nook. That would be this mural!

It’s only two years old and utterly fantastic. Without further ado, I present to all urban art lovers: Inceptions Reflection!

Inceptions Reflection, 2014. Daniel (Maxx Moses) Hopkins, Isaias Crow, Jari "WERC" Alvarez, Chor Boogie aka Joaquin Lamar Hailey.
Inceptions Reflection, 2014. Daniel (Maxx Moses) Hopkins, Isaias Crow, Jari “WERC” Alvarez, Chor Boogie aka Joaquin Lamar Hailey.
Photo of central portion of the dynamic artwork. Unusual forms and bold colors lead the delighted eye around this little-seen urban canvas.
Photo of central portion of the dynamic artwork. Unusual forms and bold colors lead the delighted eye around this little-seen urban canvas.
A happy spherical critter with horns blows hearts from the sunlit lower right corner of this awesome mural!
A happy spherical critter with horns blows hearts from the sunlit lower right corner of this awesome mural!
A human eye behind the swirling, fantastic visions. Perhaps it is all a dream. Or the imaginative work of some very creative artists!
A human eye behind the swirling, fantastic visions. Perhaps it is all a dream. Or the imaginative work of some very creative artists!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to enjoy!

The Art Club of San Diego showcases fine pieces!

Gifted artist with a great laugh creates a beautiful dragonfly with ink. Demonstrations were part of this weekend's art show inside the Casa del Prado in Balboa Park.
Gifted artist with a great laugh creates a beautiful dragonfly using ink. Demonstrations were part of this weekend’s free art show inside the Casa del Prado in Balboa Park.

I was wandering all over Balboa Park today when I saw a sign on El Prado. A free art show was being held inside the Casa del Prado!

What I discovered was pretty cool. Lots of really fine art, created by members of the Art Club of San Diego. Every year they have an exhibit in Balboa Park, and I was told taking photos was just fine. So here the photos are–and I hope many people enjoy them! Please note the name of the artist if you happen to be taken by a particular piece.

The Art Club of San Diego showcased the work of their artists in Balboa Park. Art styles included Sumie (ink wash painting), Ceramic and unusual, highly creative Art Forms.
The Art Club of San Diego showcased the work of their artists in Balboa Park. Types of art included Sumi-e (Japanese ink wash painting), Ceramic and unusual, highly creative Art Forms.
Many great pieces were out on view for anyone to enjoy. I was told taking photographs was fine. So here are some cool works of art! I've done my best to note the artists.
Many great pieces were out on view for anyone to enjoy. I was told taking photographs was fine. So here are some cool works of art! I’ve done my best to note the artists.
I love this bear and the wild hills beyond! Artist Keiko Kitano.
I love this bear and the wild hills beyond! Artist Keiko Kitano.
Some unusual but beautiful sculptures were part of this unique, once-a-year show.
Some unusual but beautiful sculptures were part of this unique, once-a-year show.
Beautiful artwork, everywhere I turned!
Beautiful artwork, everywhere I turned!
I love this traditional bamboo. The artist is Joe Cross.
I love this traditional bamboo. The artist is Joe Cross.
Another fine work of art using ink and brush. Artist Louise Rendich.
Another fine work of art using ink and brush. Artist Louise Rendich.
A colorful bird! Uh, oh. I didn't get the artist. Sorry!
A colorful bird! Uh, oh. I didn’t get the artist. Sorry!
I wasn't the only one who was really enjoying these. You might want to watch for notices of the show next year.
I wasn’t the only one who was really enjoying these. You might want to watch for notices of the show next year.
Mother monkey and offspring in a tender embrace. Fantastic. The artist is Kayo Beach.
Mother monkey and offspring in a tender embrace. Fantastic. The artist is Kayo Beach.
This one really caught my attention! The artist is Kayo Beach.
This one really caught my attention! The artist is Kayo Beach.
One table had superb ceramic works arrayed upon it, all produced by Kazu Takahashi.
One table had superb ceramic works arrayed upon it, all produced by Kazu Takahashi.
According to a nearby sign, this Nihonga Japanese Style painting uses gansai Japanese colors on gold screen or dosa treated rice paper or on silk.
According to a nearby sign, this Nihonga Japanese Style painting uses gansai Japanese colors on gold screen or dosa treated rice paper, or on silk.
More beauty found in amazing Balboa Park. The Art Club of San Diego has some fine artists! Here we see the work of Kazue Knowlton.
More beauty found in amazing Balboa Park. The Art Club of San Diego has some fine artists! Here we see the work of Kazue Knowlton.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Do you love Balboa Park? Follow my special blog which I call Beautiful Balboa Park!

Public art “Tide” rises in plaza by Marriott Marquis!

Construction workers carefully install new public art near the Marriott Marquis hotel's conference center. The colorful pylons are part of a sculptural creation titled Tide.
Construction workers carefully install new public art near the Marriott Marquis hotel’s recently completed conference center. These colorful vertical posts are part of a sculptural creation titled Tide.

Look at one of the cool things I stumbled upon during my walk around downtown San Diego this morning!  New colorful public art is being installed in the plaza by the Marriott Marquis hotel’s new conference center! The bright, imaginative sculpture is titled “Tide”. You can see why in these photos. Looks to me like sunlight reflected from rolling water, creating a bright spectrum of rising colors! I can’t wait to see this piece finished!

I spoke for a moment to the artwork’s two creators: Katie MacDonald and Kyle Schumann of After Architecture. The friendly designers work out of Boston, Massachusetts and have created all sorts of cool stuff that can be enjoyed in public spaces around the country!

(There’s even more to come from a truly awesome morning adventure…)

The creators of "Tide" smile! That's Kyle Schumann and Katie MacDonald of After Architecture.
The creators of “Tide” smile! That’s Kyle Schumann and Katie MacDonald of After Architecture.
Looking along the wavy length of the colorful tide. The art seems to undulate like water.
Looking along the wavy length of the colorful tide. The public art seems to undulate like water.
A big crane lifts sections of the artwork into position on a sunny Saturday morning in San Diego. The Marriott Marquis' brand new conference center shines in the background.
A big crane lifts sections of the artwork into position on a sunny Saturday morning in San Diego. The Marriott Marquis’ brand new conference center shines in the background.
The artists supervise the installation of their monumental art. It will be finished just in time for San Diego Comic-Con next month.
The artists supervise the installation of their monumental art. It will be finished just in time for San Diego Comic-Con next month.
San Diego continues to grow more interesting and beautiful as public art is installed near the waterfront!
San Diego continues to grow more interesting and beautiful as public art is installed near the waterfront!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Sea-themed mosaics at Fletcher Cove and Overlook Park.

Beautiful ceramic mosaic artwork at Fletcher Cove Park in Solana Beach. The orange Garibaldi. By artist Betsy Schulz.
Beautiful ceramic mosaic artwork at Fletcher Cove Park in Solana Beach. The orange Garibaldi. By artist Betsy Schulz.

During my walk last weekend I headed from the Solana Beach Coaster station west a couple of blocks to Fletcher Cove Park. It was my intention to walk north along the ocean, then back east to Pacific Coast Highway. What I discovered as I neared the beach was incredibly cool.

The ceramic sea-themed mosaics you see in my photos were created by artist Betsy Schulz. I’ve documented another installation of her public art near the Santa Fe Depot. To see that, click here.

From the bluff at Overlook Park there’s a good view of Fletcher Cove and the blue Pacific Ocean. There are also four tables with more cool tile artwork by Betsy Schulz. The beautiful mosaics below in Fletcher Cove Park are found along the walkway that leads down to the beach.

Picnic tables along a path leading up through Overlook Park in Solana Beach feature more beautiful, sea-themed tile mosaics.
Picnic tables along a path leading up through Overlook Park in Solana Beach feature more beautiful, sea-themed tile mosaics.
A spiny lobster embedded in a picnic table at Overlook Park.
A spiny lobster embedded in a picnic table at Overlook Park.
Two beautiful fish are part of some sea-themed art in Solana Beach, created by artist Betsy Schulz.
Two beautiful fish are part of some sea-themed art in Solana Beach, created by artist Betsy Schulz.
A crab is featured in this colorful mosaic of ceramic tiles.
A crab is featured in this colorful mosaic of small ceramic tiles.
Sculpture of a seagull near entrance to Fletcher Cove Park.
Sculpture of a seagull near entrance to Fletcher Cove Park. According to one article I read, the sculpture was created in the 1940s, and the artist doesn’t seem to be known.
Fletcher Cove Park, dedicated this day, June 16, 2007.
Fletcher Cove Park, dedicated this day, June 16, 2007.
An octopus on a low wall embraces citizens and businesses in Solana Beach who are part of this coastal community.
An octopus on a low wall embraces citizens and businesses in Solana Beach who are part of this coastal community.
Wonderful tile artwork includes shells, stones and a school of small silvery fish.
Wonderful tile artwork includes shells, stones and a school of small silvery fish.
Barred Surfperch.
Barred Surfperch.
More ceramic fish along the public walkway that heads down through Fletcher Cove Park to the small beach.
More ceramic fish along the public walkway that heads down through Fletcher Cove Park to the small beach.
Red Octopus.
Red Octopus.
A work of art depicting a few of nature's wonders and human creativity.
A work of art depicting a few of nature’s wonders and human creativity.
This oval seat is right next to the beach. We know a mermaid who lives here in the sea...
This oval seat is right next to the beach. We know a mermaid who lives here in the sea…
And here is the mermaid. The stunning mosaic artwork has been worn by sand and time.
And here is the mermaid. The stunning mosaic artwork has been worn by sand, wind and time.
In a tide pool one might discover a Brittle Star.
In a tide pool one might discover a Brittle Star.
Upon the rocky ocean bottom, one might find Green Abalone.
Upon the rocky ocean bottom, one might find Green Abalone.
Brown Tube Snail and California Spiny Lobster.
Brown Tube Snail and California Spiny Lobster.
Shore birds one might see nearby include the Whimbrel and Marbled Godwit.
Shore birds one might see nearby include the Whimbrel and Marbled Godwit.
Thousands of shells, waves rush to our shore, Search high and low tides, you're bound to find more.
Thousands of shells, waves rush to our shore, Search high and low tides, you’re bound to find more.
White Amiantis.
White Amiantis.
Many small sea creatures appear in amazing tile artwork in Solana Beach's Fletcher Cove Park.
Many small sea creatures appear in amazing tile artwork in Solana Beach’s Fletcher Cove Park.
This lifelike Cabezon seems to be looking directly at you!
This lifelike Cabezon seems to be looking directly at you!

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Holographic painting–a revolutionary art movement!

Unique holographic artwork painted on glass as seen through a Gaslamp window. Reflections of life on the street are also visible.
Unique holographic artwork painted on glass as seen through a downtown San Diego window. Reflections of life on the street are also visible in this photo.

Look what I discovered! These super cool, revolutionary paintings are on display in downtown San Diego. You’ll find them arranged behind the windows of the now closed Gaslamp 15 movie theater, just beneath the old marquee.

When I read the signs near these vibrant paintings, my curiosity was piqued. An inventive gentleman named Liguori has used proprietary holographic paints to create two-dimensional images that seem three-dimensional. The visual appearance changes depending upon the angle from which the artwork is observed!

According to the written description, this method of painting is so unique that it constitutes a completely new art form! My photos through the glass windows don’t really demonstrate the appearance of three dimensions. But my photos do include interesting reflections from the city street! Melded with the colorful art are buildings, people, a bus, cars, and just regular ordinary stuff a person walking down the sidewalk might observe. In a sense, this adds another unusual dimension! Please read the two signs that I photographed. Especially if you are keenly interested in physics and philosophy, and unbounded human creativity.

Do you have questions? Would you like to learn more? Perhaps you’d like to purchase one of these completely revolutionary pieces, which belong to an art movement yet to be named! That’s what the sign says! And all proceeds go to charity! To contact Liguori, use the email that is at the bottom of the signs.

Very cool!

Very cool works of art are on display in downtown San Diego. You can see them in the windows of the now vacant Gaslamp 15 movie theater, beneath the old marquee.
Very cool works of art are on display in downtown San Diego. You can see them in the windows of the now vacant Gaslamp 15 movie theater, beneath the old marquee.
Liguori is a successful businessman in his seventies. He took up painting late in life. He developed a totally new art medium. All the proceeds of his work will go to various charities.
Liguori is a successful businessman in his seventies. He took up painting late in life. He developed a totally new art medium. All the proceeds of his work will go to various charities!
More examples of Liguori's dazzling, thought-provoking pieces. Apparently the application of his special holographic paint on glass is an entirely new, revolutionary art form.
More examples of Liguori’s dazzling, thought-provoking pieces. Apparently the application of his special holographic paint on glass is an entirely new, revolutionary art form.
Bold color stimulates the human mind and imagination. Like the universe (or perhaps multiverse), what is seen depends on the observer's momentary point of view.
Bold color stimulates the human mind and imagination. Like the universe (or perhaps multiverse), what is seen depends on the observer’s momentary point of view.
Liguori's work provides a physical manifestation of objective reality. When viewing this holographic art, countless three dimensional images are possible. It depends on the angle of observation.
Liguori’s work provides a physical manifestation of objective reality. When viewing this holographic art, countless three dimensional images are possible. It depends upon the angle of observation.
Abstract art melds with cars, buildings, and bits of everyday experience in one wonderful window.
Abstract art melds with cars, buildings, and bits of everyday experience in one wonderful window.
More fantastic artwork. I was unable to take photographs without reflections in the windows. But it makes these images that more interesting!
More fantastic artwork. I was unable to take photographs without reflections in the windows. But it makes these images that more interesting!
A dim somebody strides through a splash of vibrant color.
A dim somebody strides through a splash of vibrant color.
The cosmos is incomprehensibly enormous and complex. Different wavelengths, angles, points in space and time...different states of mind and a blink of the eye. Objective reality is observed only in tiny slices.
The cosmos is incomprehensibly enormous and complex. Different wavelengths, angles, points in space and time…different states of mind and a blink of the eye. Objective reality is observed only in tiny slices.

UPDATE!

I’ve decided to walk past these holographic paintings again, and attempt to take some better photos without the street reflections. I’ll post them shortly…

Okay, I somehow got two close-up photos through the windows that are pretty amazing. Here they are…

01 Close-up photo of amazing holographic painting by Liguori.
01 Close-up photo of holographic painting by Liguori.
02 Close-up photo of amazing holographic painting by Liguori.
02 Close-up photo of holographic painting by Liguori.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Do you like to read short pieces of thought-provoking fiction? You might enjoy checking out Short Stories by Richard.