Tag: creativity

TV star Chris Guinto’s top secret sand sculpture!

World Masters Class sand sculptures prepped on San Diego's B Street Pier.
World Masters Class sand sculptures prepped on San Diego’s B Street Pier.

Early this morning, before going to work, I headed down to the Embarcadero to check out preparations for two big events that are coming this Labor Day weekend. One of those events is the 2014 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge, which will be held on the pier by the cruise ship terminal!

I noticed those sculptures that I took pictures of on Sunday are now completed. I also observed that the mounds of loose sand that the World Masters will sculpt this weekend have been enclosed in very mysterious-looking wooden frames.

As I took pics down the pier, a gentleman came striding along with some tools. I asked if he was a sculptor. He said yes. His name was Chris.

One competitor arrives at his future work of art by cruise ship terminal.
One competitor arrives at his future work of art by cruise ship terminal.

I spoke for a bit and learned he’d been creating sand sculptures since he was a kid on the beach, and that one could make a full-time living in such work. These unique works of art are popular at corporate events, public events, weddings and special occasions.

Chris said that some of the best sand artists would be competing from around the world, from places like the Netherlands, Singapore and Italy. He affirmed that this competition was one of the best in the world. I asked him about his own sculpture, and he said it’s a secret!

I didn’t know it at the time, but I learned with a little research that I had spoken with Chris Guinto, of Key West, Florida, a world class sand sculptor who has starred in several acclaimed television shows! His work has been a central feature of ‘Sand Masters’, ‘Sand Wars’ and ‘Sand Blasters’ on the Travel and Discovery Channels! All I can say is he was super friendly and very cool!

It's Chris Guinto, star of several shows on the Travel and Discovery Channels!
It’s Chris Guinto, star of several shows on the Travel and Discovery Channels!
While Chris gets to work, I walk to see finished sculptures created last Sunday.
While Chris gets to work, I walk to see finished sculptures created last Sunday.
In my blog post from Sunday, you could see the eagle head being formed!
In my blog post from Sunday, you could see the eagle head being formed!
The sand truck looks unfinished and rather odd to me.
The sand truck looks unfinished and rather odd to me.
The San Diego skyline sculpture promotes new MTS Rapid bus route.
The San Diego skyline sculpture promotes new MTS Rapid bus route.
Chris has a tripod up, and now I say good luck and head for the trolley.
Chris has a tripod up, and now I say good luck and head for the trolley.

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Random art on the streets of East Village.

Six colorful dog murals on F Street in downtown's East Village.
Six dogs on a colorful mural on F Street in downtown’s East Village.

Here are some photos of outdoor art that I’ve discovered just wandering about the streets of downtown San Diego’s East Village. Enjoy!

Exotic faces, car and flowers along sidewalk in San Diego.
Exotic faces, car and flowers along sidewalk in San Diego.
Utility box dedicated to Tweet Street park.
Utility box dedicated to Tweet Street park.

The park itself is located up on Cortez Hill, just steps from where I live!

Summer swallowed us whole, written randomly on a step.
Summer swallowed us whole, written randomly on a step.
More fun street art in East Village.
More fun street art in East Village.
Cool smile, horn, coffee and heart.
Cool smile, horn, coffee and heart.
Bold graphics on wall of Lucky's tattoo parlor.
Bold graphics on wall of Lucky’s tattoo parlor.
Jumbled, eye-catching mural on a fence on F Street.
Jumbled, eye-catching mural on a fence on F Street.

This fence borders SILO, which contains a ton of awesome street art, which I documented in this blog post.

More artwork along F Street on the fence that borders SILO.
More artwork along F Street on the fence that borders SILO.
More cool street art on F Street in downtown San Diego's East Village.
More cool street art on F Street in downtown San Diego’s East Village.

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Sand sculpting challenge gets ready downtown!

Sand sculpture is prepared in front of San Diego's Cruise Ship Terminal.
Sand sculpture is prepared in front of San Diego’s Cruise Ship Terminal.

This coming Labor Day weekend, two major events will take place on San Diego’s Embarcadero. The 2014 Festival of Sail will feature about 20 beautiful tall ships from ports far and wide. The second event, the U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge and 3D Art Exposition, will feature a world-class competition between many of the world’s greatest sand sculpting masters.

I noticed today during my walk that preparations have begun for the unique art competition. Several sculptures are already being created to herald the event and welcome the weekend crowds. Big piles of sand also wait along the pier for the competitors to realize their creative visions.

2014 US Sand Sculpting Challenge to be held downtown Labor Day weekend.
2014 US Sand Sculpting Challenge to be held downtown Labor Day weekend.
Man shovels spilled sand on pier into one of many big piles.
Man shovels spilled sand on pier into one of many big piles.
This artist is making a representation of San Diego's skyline!
This artist is making a representation of San Diego’s skyline!
Each mound will become a unique sand masterpiece.
Each mound will become a unique sand masterpiece.
These guys are working on a life-sized sand truck!
These guys are working on a life-sized sand truck!
Carefully adding Chevrolet logo to back of the detailed sculpture.
Carefully adding Chevrolet logo to back of the detailed sculpture.
A few minutes later, an eagle is taking form on this tall heap of sand!
A few minutes later, an eagle is taking form on this heap of sand!

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Colorful new murals on Horton Plaza Park fence!

SAN DIEGO writ large on fence around Horton Plaza Park's construction site.
SAN DIEGO writ large on fence around Horton Plaza Park’s construction site.

I recently noticed some new murals along Broadway in downtown San Diego, between 3rd and 4th Avenue. They decorate the fence that surrounds the Horton Plaza Park construction site, and replace a number of large historical photographs which I featured in this earlier blog post.

I took these pics at close range from the sidewalk, not wanting to step out into traffic. So I missed a few parts of the creative, colorful artwork.

Part of one new mural along Broadway in downtown San Diego.
Part of one new mural along Broadway in downtown San Diego.
A colorful underwater scene can be glimpsed by passing motorists.
A colorful underwater scene can be glimpsed by passing motorists.
Various surfboards -- one contains an ode to baseball's World Series.
Various surfboards.  One contains an ode to baseball’s World Series.
These murals replaced photographs which showed downtown history.
These murals replaced photographs which showed downtown history.
A fun depiction of San Diego Bay and a red trolley.
A fun depiction of San Diego Bay and a red trolley.
These three happy dogs are sharing a surfboard!
These three happy dogs are sharing a surfboard!
Another interpretation of the San Diego skyline.
Another interpretation of the San Diego skyline.
California girl in cool sunglasses watches a sunset.
California girl in cool sunglasses watches a sunset.
A sexy green-haired mermaid and Mission San Diego!
A sexy green-haired mermaid and Mission San Diego!
Downtown has been encroached by breakers and rocky hills!
Downtown has been encroached by breakers and rocky hills!
Man walks past construction fence surrounding Horton Plaza Park.
Man walks past construction fence surrounding Horton Plaza Park.

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Urban art: The Power of Collective Thought.

Public art on 11th Avenue in San Diego's East Village.
Public art on 11th Avenue in San Diego’s East Village.

Just some cool pics of colorful urban art on a building wall in downtown San Diego’s East Village.

Neighbors painted many colorful tiles for this artistic creation.
Neighbors painted many colorful tiles for this artistic creation.
The artwork was conceived and applied to a building wall in 1999.
The artwork was conceived and applied to a building wall in 1999.
Diverse faces, names and scenes are assembled in a larger design.
Diverse faces, names and scenes are assembled in a larger design.
Hundreds of hand-painted tiles compose the colorful street mosaic.
Hundreds of hand-painted tiles compose the colorful street mosaic.
The Power of Collective Thought from the Urban Art Trail project.
The Power of Collective Thought from the Urban Art Trail project.

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Cool sand sculptures at Sun and Sea Festival!

2014 Imperial Beach Sun and Sea sandcastle greets visitors.
2014 Imperial Beach Sun and Sea sandcastle greets visitors.

I had to take one more trip to Imperial Beach this summer because of another big, fun event by the pier. Today was the 2014 Sun and Sea Festival! The event replaces the U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition which came to an end back in 2011.

Master sandcastle builders who have won many international awards converged to demonstrate their craft and compete for top honors just north of the Imperial Beach pier. When I arrived, the creations were roughly half done. So I got a bunch of interesting photos of the artists in action!

Featured sand sculpture built by Kirk Rademaker of Sand Masters.
Featured sand sculpture built by Kirk Rademaker of Sand Masters.

This centerpiece sandcastle stood near the foot of the pier, adjacent to busy vendor tents, and a variety of other fun activities.

Crowd watches master sand sculptors creating fantastic works of art.
Crowd watches master sand sculptors creating fantastic works of art.

Looking north from the pier toward the field of action.

Teams north of Imperial Beach pier works on a detailed creations.
Teams north of Imperial Beach pier work on detailed creations.
Plastic fork with two tines removed is used to create stonework detail.
Plastic fork with two tines removed is used to create stonework detail.
Patience, planning and creativity on a Southern California beach!
Patience, planning and creativity on a Southern California beach!
Sand creations are sprinkled with water to prevent disintegration.
Sand creations are sprinkled with water to prevent disintegration.
Tall structure looks like an exaggerated Eiffel Tower.
Tall structure looks like an exaggerated Eiffel Tower.
Sand head props up photos used to model more amazing creations.
Sand head props up photos used to model  rat from Ratatouille.
One unique sand sculpture was all about dogs.
One unique sand sculpture was all about dogs.
A dog has its day at Camp Run a Mutt.
A beach dog has its day at Camp Run a Mutt.
A castle with tall spires in the Imperial Beach competition.
A castle with tall spires in the Imperial Beach competition.
The 2014 Sun and Sea Festival attracted many onlookers.
The 2014 Sun and Sea Festival attracted many onlookers.
Brushes are often used to smooth and contour the sand.
Brushes are often used to smooth and contour the sand.
Water and sand are mixed to form raw material.
Water and sand are mixed to form raw building material.
Close look at some detailed work getting started.
Close look at some detailed work getting started.
Artist works on a tire of a Transformers sand sculpture.
Artist works on a tire of a Transformers sand sculpture.

Unfortunately, the Transformers sculpture wasn’t too far along, so I couldn’t get more interesting pics.

I think this is an octopus.
I think this is an octopus.
Huge, complex sand sculpture with many team members working.
Huge, complex sand sculpture with many team members working.
Now and Then is the theme of this sculpture.
Now and Then is the theme of this sculpture.
Long straight edge turns a broad swath of level sand into a boardwalk.
Long straight edge turns a broad swath of level sand into a boardwalk.
I like how quaint this sandcastle appears!
I like how quaint this sandcastle appears!
The Sand Squirrels was one team competing at the festival.
The Sand Squirrels was one team competing at the festival.
Rocket's engine of the Futurama sand sculpture.
Rocket’s engine of the funny Futurama sand sculpture.
Robot appears to be doing some sun bathing!
Robot appears to be doing some sun bathing!
Super cool locomotive sand sculpture near the IB pier.
Super cool locomotive sand sculpture near the IB pier.
I liked this huge underground sand train most of all!
I liked this huge underground sand train most of all!
Everybody is watching the teams build their sand creations!
Everybody is watching the pros build their sand creations!
Kids on the pier's other side build castles, too!
Kids on the pier’s other side build castles, too!

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Mural of Centro Cultural de la Raza in Balboa Park.

Front entrance of Centro Cultural de la Raza in Balboa Park.
Front entrance of Centro Cultural de la Raza in Balboa Park.

Like the nearby WorldBeat Center, the Centro Cultural de la Raza is housed in a colorful old water tower in Balboa Park. Its huge mural draws the attention of those heading up Park Boulevard, just north of downtown San Diego.

Centro Cultural de la Raza is a cultural center with an emphasis on Chicano, Mexican, Indigenous and Latino art. It hosts many exhibits and artistic performances throughout the year. Ballet Folklorico dancing is one of the educational classes that are available.

I walked around the building and took a bunch of photos of the huge public mural!

Starting around the old water tower, checking out the artwork.
Starting around the old water tower, checking out the artwork.
Centro Cultural de la Raza seen from Park Boulevard.
Centro Cultural de la Raza seen from Park Boulevard.
Snake-entwined female in front of moon.
Snake-entwined female in front of glowing moon.
Diverse images from Latino culture in the large mural.
Diverse images from Latino culture in the richly detailed mural.
Geronimo crowned by a radiant sun.
A kneeling Geronimo crowned by a radiant sun.
Hispanic music, education and optimism are portrayed.
Hispanic music, education and optimism are portrayed.
Colorful mural contains many animals from the Americas.
Colorful mural contains many animals from the Americas.
A ram and corn are among the many images.
A ram and corn are among the many images.
Circling around toward back of the water tower.
Circling around toward back of the water tower.
Mesoamerican pyramid in a richly painted scene.
Mesoamerican pyramid in a beautifully painted scene.
Stylized face watches from Centro Cultural de la Raza.
Stylized ancient face watches from Centro Cultural de la Raza.
Latino family stands proudly in the San Diego mural.
Latino family stands proudly in the San Diego mural.
Eyes seem to rise out of the ground.
Eyes seem to rise out of the ground.
Nearby utility box made into a work of art.
Nearby utility box made into a work of art.
This crazy face made me laugh.
This crazy face made me laugh.
This appears to be an Aztec warrior.
This appears to be an Aztec warrior.

UPDATE!

When I posted these photos, I really didn’t know much about the mural. After doing some online research, I’ve learned the 240 by 18 feet mural was painted by nine artists, each responsible for a section. The mural painting project was headed by Antonia Perez. The Geronimo artwork was the work of Victor Ochoa, one of the co-founders of El Centro Cultural de la Raza in 1970.

Here are additional photos I took in early 2021, with a better camera under brighter light conditions…

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Murals of San Diego history in an Old Town alley.

Mural in Old Town alley depicts explorer Cabrillo.
Mural in Old Town alley depicts explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo.

I was wandering aimlessly around Old Town some time ago, just poking my nose here and there, when I discovered a whole bunch of beautiful murals! I found them in an interesting alley off San Diego Avenue, just south of the State Historic Park. The alley, a narrow walkway containing a variety of touristy wares, is called Avila Court. It’s tucked between the Old Town Surf Co. and Covered Wagon stores.

After looking at the artwork closely and talking to a lady working in the area, I learned most of the murals were painted by students from Grossmont College out in East County. Further research on the internet showed that there were originally ten murals, created in 2008, decorating over 85 feet of stucco wall. It’s apparent some of the murals were redone or altered in 2011.

Most of the murals depict people or places that are important in San Diego’s history. Those of you who follow my blog will probably recognize many!

Image of Charles Lindbergh and Spirit of St. Louis.
Image of Charles Lindbergh and Spirit of St. Louis.

Lindbergh’s famous airplane that crossed the Atlantic, the Spirit of St. Louis, was custom-built in San Diego by Ryan Airline Company.

Native American with flower painted in rich colors.
Native American with flower at night painted in rich colors.
Hotel del Coronado, buildings and beach scene.
Hotel del Coronado, buildings and beach scene.
Day of the Dead skeleton in front of the Whaley House.
Day of the Dead skeleton in front of the Whaley House.
Tuna fishermen and whale fluke off Coronado.
Tuna fishermen and whale fluke off Coronado.
Navy ship, huge surf and Mission San Diego.
Navy ship, huge surf and Mission San Diego.
Mural shows an American tall ship in San Diego Bay.
Mural shows an American tall ship in San Diego Bay.

I’m not sure who the whiskered military person is. If anyone out there knows, please tell us!

A combination of various old historic buildings.
A combination of various old historic buildings.
Point Loma lighthouse shines over Pacific Ocean.
Point Loma lighthouse shines over Pacific Ocean.
Tuna cannery worker and a Little Italy fisherman.
Tuna cannery worker and a Little Italy fisherman.
Star of India tied to dock at Embarcadero.
Star of India tied to dock at Embarcadero.
This part of one mural contains a gray whale.
This part of one mural contains a gray whale.
Sepia tone World War II era figures stand by old car.
Sepia tone World War II era figures stand by old car.
Seals, flowers and a cart on the beach.
Seals, flowers and carrying cattle hides from a beach.
Many murals were painted by Grossmont College students.
Many murals were painted by Grossmont College students.

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A very cool photographer near Seaport Village.

Photographer near Seaport Village shows me some great stuff.
Photographer near Seaport Village shows me some great stuff.

Yesterday I took a leisurely walk past Seaport Village. I said hello to a gentleman in the nearby Embarcadero Marina Park North who was displaying some stunning framed photographs, hoping for a donation. I’d never seen him there before.

I’m glad I paused to chat. Ralph Guest is one cool dude. (And a much better photographer than me!) In semi-retirement, he’s just begun to show and sell his photographs. He spends a lot of time out east of San Diego in the desert, especially in and around Slab City, which he described for me. He’s taken many amazing photos of the place, and of the people, who are called Slabbers. The folks out in the desert are a laid-back, independent,  unique bunch. He described a place out there named East Jesus, where trash is converted into art and power is supplied entirely by solar power. According to Wikipedia, “The inhabitants of East Jesus…provide a refuge for artists, musicians, survivalists, writers, scientists, and laymen. They are dedicated to providing a working model of an improbable improvised community…” Sounds to me like a rather interesting place! Ralph has photos and videos that can be checked out via links on his website.

It’s great to meet new people!

Ralph Guest is a super cool and interesting guy!
Ralph Guest is a super cool and interesting guy!

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Fun public art on Orange Avenue in Coronado.

Large cow stands in front of Coronado ice cream shop.
Large cow stands in front of Coronado ice cream shop.

Mosey along Orange Avenue on the island of Coronado and you’ll be confronted by extraordinary things. You’ll probably run into a large cow.  Or Elvis standing on the sidewalk, or a scaly, fantastic dragon. Or colorful ribbons of music. Or beautifully painted canvases by local artists in a public park.

Here are random pics of fun art that I’ve spotted…

Moo Time Creamery features a frozen Elvis.
Moo Time Creamery features an  Elvis on the sidewalk.
Coronado hot dog pours ketchup on itself!
Coronado hot dog pours ketchup on itself!
Checking out art for sale in Coronado's Spreckels Park.
Checking out creative artwork for sale in Coronado’s Spreckels Park.
Playful tile mural on a Spreckels Park restroom.
Playful tile mural on a Spreckels Park restroom.
Ribbon of music shown moving both old and young.
Ribbon of music shown moving both old and young.
Tile mosaic on park restroom shows lively musicians.
Tile mosaic on park restroom shows lively musicians.
Big dragon in front of the Coronado Public Library.
Big dragon stands in front of the Coronado Public Library. Imagine Dragon, by artist Kent Kraber, 2008. This fun sculpture was originally part of an Urban Trees exhibition along San Diego’s Embarcadero.
Head of fantastic dragon sculpture faces Orange Avenue.
Head of fantastic dragon sculpture faces Orange Avenue.

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