Tag: creativity

Creative urban trees add smiles to a San Diego walk.

Heading down the Bayshore Bikeway on Coronado Island, with a bit of downtown San Diego in the background.
Heading down the Bayshore Bikeway on Coronado Island, with a bit of downtown San Diego in the background.

My random walks around San Diego are full of surprises. I’m always excited to stumble upon one of those immensely fun sculptures that used to be part of the Urban Trees exhibitions on the Embarcadero.

From 2003 to 2011, seven different Urban Trees projects were funded by the Port of San Diego. Each exhibition featured about 30 unique sculptures, standing downtown at intervals along San Diego Bay. This public artwork was made from a whole range of different materials, including wood, copper, glass, tiles and steel. The fanciful pieces were selected by juried artist competitions, and when the Urban Trees exhibitions came to an end after about one year, many of the creations were sold by the artists to various collectors, institutions, businesses and public entities.

So there are times when I just can’t help smiling, because I happen to encounter one of the transplanted “trees” during a walk.

Perhaps you’ve already seen a few of these highly creative sculptures on my Cool San Diego Sights blog. If not, then click here.

Or here.

Or here.

Or here.

Or here.

Or here.

Or finally here!

My Bike, by Amos Robinson, 2008. This inventive kinetic sculpture turns in the wind. It was part of the Port of San Diego's fun Urban Trees 5 exhibition.
My Bike, by Amos Robinson, 2008. This inventive kinetic sculpture turns in the wind. It was part of the Port of San Diego’s fun Urban Trees 5 exhibition.
A steel bicyclist with wildly blowing hair flies through the blue sky past some Southern California palm trees!
A steel bicyclist with wildly blowing hair flies through the blue sky past some Southern California palm trees!
This colorful sculpture was part of Urban Trees 2. It's called A Different, But Loving Pair, by Cecilia Stanford. It's made of handmade tile and mosaic.
This colorful sculpture was part of Urban Trees 2. It’s called A Different But Loving Pair, by Cecilia Stanford. It’s made of handmade tile and mosaic.
Whimsical public artwork that now stands across the parking lot from the Port of San Diego building, on Pacific Highway.
Whimsical public artwork that now stands across the parking lot from the Port of San Diego building on Pacific Highway.
Visitors to San Diego's Embarcadero walk past a looming dragon!
Visitors to San Diego’s Embarcadero walk past a looming dragon!
Sea Dragon, by artist Deana Mando, 2006. This fantastic creation was part of the Urban Trees 3 exhibition. It's now seen by many people.
Sea Dragon, by artist Deana Mando, 2006. This fantastic creation was part of the Urban Trees 3 exhibition. It’s now seen by many people.
My walks around San Diego are frequently interrupted by dragons and other very cool sights!
My walks around San Diego are frequently interrupted by dragons and other very cool sights!

UPDATE!

Here are a few more photos of three Urban Trees in front of the Cruise Ship Terminal! (I took the following pics in early 2017.)

Three sculptures by the San Diego Cruise Ship Terminal on the Embarcadero were part of Urban Tree exhibitions in past years.
Three sculptures by the San Diego Cruise Ship Terminal on the Embarcadero were part of Urban Trees exhibitions in past years.
Green Fire, Robert Verhees, 2006.
Green Fire, Robert Verhees, 2006.
Tap Root and Growth, Christopher Lee.
Tap Root and Growth, Christopher Lee. I can’t find a year.
Orange Tree, Guy and Ellen Mayenobe, 2007.
Orange Tree, Guy and Ellen Mayenobe, 2007.

ANOTHER RANDOM UPDATE!

Some of the Urban Trees that have been acquired by the Port of San Diego are moved around from place to place. I’ve observed that the Sea Dragon was moved to Pepper Park in National City in early 2017.

I’ve also noticed from the window of the trolley that the Fish Tree by Zbigniew Pingot and Tobias Flores, which used to stand with those three other sculptures in front of the Cruise Ship Terminal, is now located in the northwest corner of the Port of San Diego’s parking lot! A Different But Loving Pair no longer occupies that corner of their parking lot! Where it is, I don’t know!

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Artist creates amazing lumen and cyanotype photos!

Uniquely beautiful Fern Lumen by artist Patricia Grabski.
Uniquely beautiful Fern Lumen by artist Patricia Grabski.

This weekend you have an opportunity to see something really unique. Patricia Grabski is displaying her amazing lumen and cyanotype photo art in Balboa Park. Her work is part of a five artist exhibition called Ain’t Nothing Like a Dame, which you can enjoy inside Gallery 21, in the always wonderful Spanish Village Art Center.

I learned that cyanotype printing was invented in England in 1842. Utilizing two chemicals, ammonium iron citrate and potassium ferricyanide, this process was used to create early blueprints. In 1843, the world’s first woman photographer, Anna Atkins, placed organic materials onto paper coated with cyanotype; when exposed to sunlight, ghostly, artistic photograms were created.

Lumens is a very similar process that uses old unexposed black and white photo paper. Exposure to sunlight creates all sorts of fantastic colors and effects.

My own poor photographs don’t do this fascinating artwork justice. You have to see the subtle detail in person. So head on over to Spanish Village tomorrow.  Patricia Grabski’s work will be displayed through March 14. If you want to contact the artist, her info is visible in one photo.

Patricia Grabski is currently exhibiting her unique creations in Gallery 21, in Balboa Park's wonderful Spanish Village Art Center. Her pieces are available for purchase.
Patricia Grabski is currently exhibiting her unique creations in Gallery 21, in Balboa Park’s wonderful Spanish Village Art Center. Her pieces are available for purchase.
Patricia Grabski uses neither camera nor lens--she contact prints her images with alternative photographic processes--cyanotype, platinum, palladium, albumen, van dyke brown, salt and lumens. Her prints are made on photographic paper, art paper, glass, tin, cotton handkerchiefs and old linens.
Patricia Grabski uses neither camera nor lens–she contact prints her images with alternative photographic processes–cyanotype, platinum, palladium, albumen, van dyke brown, salt and lumens. Her prints are made on photographic paper, art paper, glass, tin, cotton handkerchiefs and old linens.

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Leaf Lumen. Fantastic art created by Patricia Grabski.
Leaf Lumen. Fantastic art created by Patricia Grabski.

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Plastic wrap lovers sit on a bench in Hillcrest!

A happy couple made of shining plastic wrap sits on a bench beneath rainbow balloons in Hillcrest. Yes, I did a double take, then got some quick photos!
Two people made of sunlit plastic wrap sit on a bench beneath rainbow balloons in Hillcrest. Yes, I did a double take! Then I took some quick photos!

Check out this crazy sight! A couple of months ago I was riding home on the Route 120 bus when I spotted something unusual outside the window. Some fun art had materialized on University Avenue just east of Fourth Avenue! Fortunately the bus window was open a bit so I could snap a few good photos.

I filed the photos away on my computer hoping to learn or see something more about these unique plastic wrap lovers. When I passed the same spot a week or so later, the artwork was gone!

I’m assuming these sunlit sculptures sitting on a bench were made out of plastic wrap and tape. All I have to go on is my photos. I know absolutely nothing about them. If you happen to know anything, feel free to leave a comment!

A surprising sight met my eyes during a bus ride. These two plastic wrap sculptures were sitting mysteriously along the sidewalk like lovers.
A surprising sight met my eyes during a bus ride. These two plastic wrap sculptures were sitting mysteriously along a city sidewalk like lovers.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can enjoy more 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 on a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun, unique photos for you to enjoy!

Fun urban art: Walking up Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest.

People of many colors party. Keep going!
People of many colors party. Keep going!

You might enjoy a few photos!

I’ve spotted many colorful examples of urban art while walking up Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest. All of this fun artwork is located between Upas Street and Washington.

Art on the door of Nite Owl Tattoo San Diego, in Hillcrest.
Art on the door of Nite Owl Tattoo San Diego, in Hillcrest.
A painted blonde with cool sunglasses.
A painted blonde with cool sunglasses.
Exotic domes and arches painted on a boring old electrical transformer.
Exotic domes and arches painted on a boring old electrical transformer.
Some colorful street art at Fifth Avenue and Upas Street in Hillcrest.
Some colorful street art at Fifth Avenue and Upas Street in Hillcrest.
Utility box on a street corner is an unusual canvas for an inspired artist.
Utility box on a street corner is an unusual canvas for an inspired artist.
Human imagination turns a dull object into a cool sight!
Human imagination turns a dull object into a cool sight!
An eatery on Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest has a wall bursting with bold, silly images.
An eatery on Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest has a wall bursting with bold, silly images.
Babycakes surrounded by crazy faces, flowers and yummy treats.
Babycakes surrounded by crazy faces, flowers and yummy treats.
Colorful bike locking station invites bicyclists to ride up Fifth Avenue.
Colorful bike locking station invites bicyclists to ride up Fifth Avenue.
Weathered penguin on utility box has some chopsticks held in a flipper.
Weathered penguin on utility box has some chopsticks held in a flipper.
A happy, slowly vanishing image enlivens a walk up a Hillcrest sidewalk.
A happy, slowly vanishing image enlivens a walk up a Hillcrest sidewalk.

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This morning I published a powerful story titled The Drawing of Leaves on my blog Short Stories by Richard! It’s very brief, but moving. You might enjoy it!

Cool art battle: An elephant versus a dinosaur!

Exotic elephant on wall of the Crest Cafe in Hillcrest, created by San Diego artist Cody Griffith in 2012.
Exotic elephant on wall of the Crest Cafe in Hillcrest, created by San Diego artist Cody Griffith in 2012.

Here are two of my favorite street murals in San Diego. The colorful elephant appears on the outside west wall of the Crest Cafe in Hillcrest. It was painted by local artist Cody Griffith in 2012. The monstrous Tyrannosaurus rex dinosaur with a funny fuzzy rider can be seen in North Park, at the corner of University Avenue and Ray Street. This cool urban artwork was created by Mark Paul Deren, who also goes by the name Madsteez.

It’s a street art battle of monstrous proportions!

Funny urban art in North Park. A cool T. rex and fuzzy rider rise high above a concrete mixer truck. Created by artist Mark Paul Deren, also known as Madsteez.
Funny urban art in North Park. A cool T. rex and rider rise high above a concrete mixer truck. Created by artist Mark Paul Deren, also known as Madsteez.
Another fun example of creativity in the diverse and wonderful city of San Diego.
Another fun example of creativity in the diverse and wonderful city of San Diego.

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Local authors honored by San Diego Public Library!

The 50th Annual Local Author Exhibit - Golden Anniversary - runs through February 29 at the downtown San Diego Public Library.
The 50th Annual Local Author Exhibit – Golden Anniversary – runs through February 29 at the downtown San Diego Public Library.

San Diego is the home of many thoughtful, creative residents. Proof of this can be seen at downtown’s San Diego Public Library, where a special exhibit features books by local writers that were published in 2015. It’s an impressive visual tribute to local writing talent. Works of fiction and nonfiction alike are on proud display. Congratulations to all!

Many exceptional books of all types were published in 2015 by local San Diego writers.
Many exceptional books of all types were published in 2015 by local San Diego writers.
One display case contains an old manual typewriter, and lists from past years of published authors in San Diego.
One display case contains an old manual typewriter, and several lists from past years of published authors in San Diego.
The many glass display cases feature books by local authors that came out in 2015. Some of the writers are quite famous!
The many glass display cases feature books by local authors that came out in 2015. Some of the writers are quite famous!
Christmas in San Diego by local legend Bill Swank. Cool San Diego Sights has 5 photos in this awesome book! What an honor!
Christmas in San Diego by local legend Bill Swank. Cool San Diego Sights has 5 photos in this awesome book! What an honor!

I made a cool discovery! It’s Bill Swank’s new book Christmas in San Diego! I blogged about it a couple months ago!

Through the Dark Door of Time: SAN DIEGO 1867, a novel by Barbara McMikle. Blood of the Band: An Ipai Family Story, by David L. Toler, Jr.
Through the Dark Door of Time: SAN DIEGO 1867, a novel by Barbara McMikle. Blood of the Band: An Ipai Family Story, by David L. Toler, Jr.
Sunshine/Noir II: Writing from San Diego and Tijuana. Coastal Zone, poems by Joe Safdie.
Sunshine/Noir II: Writing from San Diego and Tijuana. Coastal Zone, poems by Joe Safdie.
7 Deadly Sins That Poison the Soul and How to Conquer Them! by A.D. Brown. States of Terror. The Advocate's Geocache, by Teresa Burrell.
7 Deadly Sins That Poison the Soul and How to Conquer Them! by A.D. Brown. States of Terror. The Advocate’s Geocache, by Teresa Burrell.
Sally Ride: A Photobiography of America's Pioneering Woman in Space, by Tam O'Shaughnessy. Troubleshooting Your Mac, by Joe Kissell.
Sally Ride: A Photobiography of America’s Pioneering Woman in Space, by Tam O’Shaughnessy. Troubleshooting Your Mac, by Joe Kissell.
Books by local authors concern every subject imaginable, including art, history, culture and photography.
Books by local authors concern every subject imaginable, including art, history, culture and photography.
Horror, detective fiction, graphic novels, children's book--San Diego authors are prolific creators!
Horror, detective fiction, graphic novels, young adult and children’s books . . . San Diego authors are prolific creators!
Many eBooks were published online by local San Diego writers!
Many eBooks were published online by local San Diego writers!
A number of works by local authors were written in foreign languages.
A number of works by local authors were written in foreign languages.
How to be Happy in an Unhappy World, by Marie Chapian, a New York Times Bestselling Author.
How to be Happy in an Unhappy World, by Marie Chapian, a New York Times Bestselling Author.
Congratulations to all San Diego writers who had books published in 2015!
Congratulations to all San Diego writers who had books published in 2015!

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Do you like to read original, thought-provoking fiction? Please visit Short Stories by Richard.

San Diego residents learn a cool craft in a park!

Neighbors gather in San Diego's East Village to learn how to make cool mosaic planters!
Neighbors gather in San Diego’s East Village to learn how to make cool mosaic planters!

This morning, residents of San Diego gathered at Fault Line Park in East Village to learn how to make mosaic planters! The neighborhood event was put together by the Downtown San Diego Partnership and Home Depot.

To make your own cool mosaic planter, you need a clay pot, ceramic tile adhesive, and broken bits of tile, colored glass or mirror. Apply a generous coat of adhesive to the outside of the pot, then press in the colorful, shiny mosaic bits! I was told it takes a good 24 hours for the white adhesive to thoroughly dry and harden.

What a fun DIY gift idea! Or a cool craft project for a downtown apartment or condo!

I think I heard that events like this will be happening at different parks around downtown San Diego every first Saturday of the month!

An event held Saturday morning at Fault Line Park taught participants how to produce an easy, artistic craft.
An event held Saturday morning at Fault Line Park taught participants how to produce an easy, artistic craft.
Home Depot sponsored the Do-it-Yourself Workshop. Everyone learned how to piece together beautiful mosaics!
Home Depot sponsored the Do-it-Yourself Workshop. Everyone learned how to piece together beautiful mosaics!
A layer of ceramic tile adhesive is applied to the exterior of clay pots.
A layer of ceramic tile adhesive is applied to the exterior of clay pots.
Lots of broken bits of tile are spread out on the table like jigsaw puzzle pieces!
Lots of broken bits of tile are spread out on the table like jigsaw puzzle pieces!
Art is easy! You just gotta do it!
Art is easy! You just gotta do it!

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Do you like to read original, thought-provoking fiction? Please visit Short Stories by Richard.

Photos of fun urban art in Mission Hills.

Funny faces peer from the wall of a local business on West Washington Street in Mission Hills.
Funny faces peer from the wall of a local business on West Washington Street in Mission Hills.

Here come some fun photos of urban art in Mission Hills. Was it two weeks ago or three, when I walked this way camera in hand, on my way to the Serra Museum?  How time flies . . .

Most of this warm, good-humored art was observed along West Washington Street, which is the main east-west artery in Mission Hills. You might notice that birds are a big theme in the neighborhood. The north-south streets are named after different birds and are arranged in alphabetical order.

Hey! I hope my blog adds a little joy to your life. I know I’m enjoying myself! Thanks to all of you who follow Cool San Diego Sights, and who have generously shared it with others. I’m positive more fun awaits! –Richard

I noticed that our fine feathered friends are often featured in Mission Hills urban art. Perhaps because north-south streets are named after birds, in alphabetical order.
I noticed that our fine feathered friends are often featured in Mission Hills urban art. Perhaps because north-south streets are named after birds, in alphabetical order.
Another side of the creatively decorated utility box.
Another side of a creatively decorated utility box.
A third fun side! A human and two happy birds add good humor to the sidewalk!
A third fun side! A human and two happy birds add good humor to the sidewalk!
Wonderful metal bird sculptures can be seen in the median on West Washington Street.
Wonderful metal bird sculptures can be seen in the median on West Washington Street.
Shiny, silvery birds take to the air, among palm trees in Mission Hills.
Shiny, silvery birds take to the air, among palm trees in Mission Hills.
Another large bird sculpture seems ready to lift off into the sunshine!
Another large bird sculpture seems ready to lift off into the sunshine!
Some fun public art by a parking garage. A nice place to sit for a spell.
Some fun public art by a parking garage. A nice place to sit for a spell.
More street art in Mission Hills, a neighborhood north of downtown San Diego, west of Hillcrest and east of Old Town.
More street art in Mission Hills, a neighborhood north of downtown San Diego, west of Hillcrest and east of Old Town.
Large painted flowers add color to an otherwise ordinary intersection.
Large painted flowers add color to an otherwise ordinary intersection.
A bold, artistic sign entices people to grab a cup of coffee nearby.
A bold, artistic sign entices people to grab a cup of coffee nearby.
One restaurant, The Patio on Goldfinch, has unique outdoor tables. Your food is placed upon historical maps of San Diego!
One restaurant, The Patio on Goldfinch, has unique outdoor tables. Your food is placed upon historical maps of San Diego!
Greenery painted on an old brick wall seems to blend with lush trees along the sidewalk.
Greenery painted on an old brick wall seems to blend with lush trees along the sidewalk.
I spotted a cool doorstep by the sidewalk. It seems a resident's dog and a cat have their own special place!
I spotted a cool doorstep by the sidewalk. It seems a resident’s dog and a cat have their own special place!

Another Bart Club in San Diego’s North Park!

Is it Bartman? No? It must be another funny Bart Simpson superhero identity. This cool utility box is located in North Park!
Is it Bartman? No? Then it must be another funny Bart Simpson superhero identity. This cool utility box is located in North Park!

Here come photos of another Bart Club utility box! This fun street art can be found in North Park at the intersection of El Cajon Boulevard and 30th Street.

This is the fourth instance of zany Bart Simpson artwork I’ve documented on the Cool San Diego Sights blog. You might recall there’s another Bart Club utility box in North Park, not very far from this one.

Looking down San Diego's busy El Cajon Boulevard past some imaginative Bart Club street art.
Looking down El Cajon Boulevard in San Diego past some imaginative Bart Club street art.
Bart Simpson is a cat!
Bart Simpson is a cat!
Bart's face takes on different forms and expressions.
Bart’s face takes on different forms and expressions.
A cyclops eye or three eyes . . . Bart is one versatile cartoon character. A creative artist has fun with The Simpsons, the longest-running animated show in television history.
A cyclops eye or three eyes . . . Bart is one versatile cartoon character! A very creative artist has had some fun with The Simpsons, the longest-running animated show in television history.

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Cool street art faces around North Park!

Let's be friends. Two cool faces on a transformer box in North Park.
Let’s be friends. Two cool faces on a utility box in North Park.

I’ve got so many fun pics from a walk around North Park that I need to break them up into separate blog posts. Here’s a collection of cool street art faces! I took these photos as I strolled along University Avenue and 30th Street.

Hey dude, don't trip! More fun artwork on two other sides of the box.
Hey dude, don’t trip! More fun artwork on two other sides of the box.
A happy sun shines on a sidewalk in San Diego's cool North Park neighborhood.
A happy sun shines on a sidewalk in San Diego’s hip North Park neighborhood.
Two faces rise from one neck in this unusual utility box street art.
Two faces rise from one neck in this unusual utility box street art.
Cool people wait in line. This graphic can be found outside Lucha Libre, a popular gourmet taco shop.
Cool people wait in line. This graphic can be found outside Lucha Libre, a popular gourmet taco shop.
More cool urban art featuring several unique characters.
More colorful urban art featuring several unique characters.
Abstract faces look at each other.
Abstract faces look at each other.
It's hot! A warm welcome on a sign at North Park's Cardamom Cafe and Bakery.
It’s hot! A warm welcome on a sign at North Park’s Cardamom Cafe and Bakery.
Lurking in a North Park alley--it's a graffiti SpongeBob SquarePants! He seems to be blowing a jellyfish bubble!
Lurking in a North Park alley–it’s a graffiti SpongeBob SquarePants! He seems to be blowing a jellyfish bubble!

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