Tag: creativity

Masterpieces by World Master sand sculptors!

He Left From Here, an angelic sand sculpture by World Master Dmitry Klimenko from St. Petersburg, Russia.
He Left From Here, an angelic sand sculpture by World Master Dmitry Klimenko from St. Petersburg, Russia.

The following photos feature twelve of the most amazing sand sculptures you’re likely to ever see.

Each work of art was created by an internationally famous World Master sand sculptor. And right now, throughout this Labor Day weekend, the public can experience these fantastic works of sand art up close and in person at the 2018 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge!

The U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge in San Diego, California is considered to be one of the premier Labor Day events in all the United States. At this unique competition, which is held on downtown’s Broadway Pier, visitors can also view incredible sand sculptures carved by super-talented local teams (this year three award-winning teams from Imperial Beach), and all sorts of additional three dimensional artwork along the pier.

But the most extraordinary sand sculptures are inside the pier’s Port Pavilion. And that is what I photographed today.

Prepare to have your breath taken away!

Fantastic art is created by one of the world's top sand sculptors inside San Diego's Port Pavilion at the 2018 U. S. Sand Sculpting Challenge.
Fantastic art is created by one of the world’s top sand sculptors inside San Diego’s Port Pavilion at the 2018 U. S. Sand Sculpting Challenge.
Dmitry Klimenko puts the finishing touches on another of his breathtaking works of sand art.
Dmitry Klimenko puts the finishing touches on a truly breathtaking work of sand art.
Eulogy, a sand sculpture of a rhinoceros by World Master Brian Turnbough from Chicago, Illinois.
Eulogy, a sand sculpture of a rhinoceros by World Master Brian Turnbough from Chicago, Illinois.
The artistry seen in this sand sculpture is extraordinary.
The artistry seen in this sand sculpture is extraordinary.
Brian Turnbough finishes a tribute to the endangered rhinoceros.
Brian Turnbough finishes a tribute to the endangered rhinoceros.
Who Are You?, a fantastic sand sculpture by World Master Agnese Rudzite-Kirillova from Latvia.
Who Are You?, a fantastic sand sculpture by World Master Agnese Rudzite-Kirillova from Latvia.
Closer photo of a remarkable sand sculpture.
Closer photo of a remarkable sand sculpture.
Agnese Rudzite-Kirillova puts the final touches on a sand cat.
Agnese Rudzite-Kirillova puts the final touches on a sand cat.
A visitor to the 2018 U. S. Sand Sculpting Challenge in San Diego admires a small work of art.
A visitor to the 2018 U. S. Sand Sculpting Challenge in San Diego admires a small work of art.
At Last, Atlas' Last Atlas!, a humorous sand sculpture by World Master Morgan Rudluff from Santa Cruz, California.
At Last, Atlas’ Last Atlas!, a humorous sand sculpture by World Master Morgan Rudluff from Santa Cruz, California.
Morgan Rudluff works to finish her sculpture by early afternoon, to meet the competition's deadline.
Morgan Rudluff works to finish her sculpture by early afternoon, to meet the competition’s deadline.
A unique work of art produced by skilled hands and human imagination.
A unique work of art produced by skilled hands and human imagination.
The base of Liberation, a sand sculpture about freedom by World Master Dan Belcher from St. Louis, Missouri.
The base of Liberation, a sand sculpture about freedom by World Master Dan Belcher from St. Louis, Missouri.
An eagle is liberated from a cell-like cage. Dynamic sand art with great emotional impact.
An eagle is liberated from a cell-like cage. Dynamic sand art with great emotional impact.
Existential Paradox, a mysterious sand sculpture by World Master Rusty Croft from Carmel, California.
Existential Paradox, a mysterious sand sculpture by World Master Rusty Croft from Carmel, California.
Peering through an existential paradox at an inner human face.
Peering through the existential paradox at an inner human face.
A part of one face.
A part of one face.
Rusty Croft works on humanity's mysterious inner essence.
Rusty Croft works on humanity’s mysterious inner essence.
Another amazing sand sculpture inside the Port Pavilion!
Another amazing sand sculpture inside the Port Pavilion!
Let's Dance, a fanciful sand sculpture by World Master Meg Murray from Australia.
Let’s Dance, a fanciful sand sculpture by World Master Meg Murray from Australia.
A closer photo of the graceful, organic sand sculpture.
A closer photo of the graceful, organic sand sculpture.
Meg Murray concentrates on her poetic sand art.
Meg Murray concentrates on her poetic sand art.
Rear of the abstract Let's Dance, with some simple sand sculpting tools on a table in the foreground.
Rear of the abstract Let’s Dance, with some simple sand sculpting tools on a table in the foreground.
Victory, a classic sand sculpture by World Master Thomas Koet from Melbourne, Florida.
Victory, a classic sand sculpture by World Master Thomas Koet from Melbourne, Florida.
Another work of art. It seems a miracle that such a fine sculpture can be made out of sand.
Another fine work of art. It seems a miracle that such a detailed sculpture can be made out of sand.
Thomas Koet at work on the back side of his triumphant sand sculpture.
Thomas Koet at work on the back side of his triumphant sand sculpture.
A world-class sand artist at work.
A world-class sand artist at work.
To Have and To Hold, an amazing sand sculpture by World Master Abram Waterman from Prince Edward Island, Canada.
To Have and To Hold, an amazing sand sculpture by World Master Abram Waterman from Prince Edward Island, Canada.
An eye-catching photo of an eye-popping sand sculpture!
An eye-catching photograph of an eye-popping sand sculpture!
This photo makes it appear as though huge hands are clasping the artist Abram Waterman.
This photo makes it appear as though huge hands are clasping the artist Abram Waterman.
Tender love depicted on the rear of the sculpture.
Tender love depicted on the rear of the sculpture.
A beautiful woman is held in the sculpted sand hands--in the eye of the beholder.
A beautiful woman is held in the sculpted sand hands–in the eye of the beholder.
Inspire, a beautiful sand sculpture by World Master Marielle Heessels from Netherlands.
Inspire, a beautiful sand sculpture by World Master Marielle Heessels from Netherlands.
Flowing beauty magically rises from a block of sand.
Flowing beauty magically rises from a block of sand.
An inspirational sand sculpture in San Diego.
An inspirational sand sculpture in San Diego.
Small Victories, a happy sand sculpture by World Master Lucinda "Sandy Feet" Wierenga from South Padre Island, Texas.
Small Victories, a happy sand sculpture by World Master Lucinda “Sandy Feet” Wierenga from South Padre Island, Texas.
Lucinda Wierenga creates amazing detail with very simple tools.
Lucinda Wierenga creates amazing detail with very simple tools.
A butterfly emerges from a flowery bottle of small victories.
A butterfly emerges from a flowery bottle full of small victories.
Celebration, or Cerebration, a brainy sand sculpture by World Master Leonardo Ugolini from Italy.
Celebration, or Cerebration, a cool sand sculpture by World Master Leonardo Ugolini from Italy. Small figures gaze up at a gigantic brain!
Astonishing art awaits visitors on Labor Day weekend in San Diego at the 2018 U. S. Sand Sculpting Challenge!
Astonishing art awaits visitors on Labor Day weekend in San Diego at the 2018 U. S. Sand Sculpting Challenge!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! 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 photos for you to enjoy!

More colorful street art in City Heights!

A funky face spray painted on a utility box on El Cajon Boulevard in City Heights.
A funky face has been spray painted on a utility box on El Cajon Boulevard in City Heights.

I recently walked through several blocks of City Heights, along a short stretch of El Cajon Boulevard from 35th Street to Interstate 15. I remained on the south side of San Diego’s historic boulevard, where I saw many examples of colorful street art.

Enjoy these photos!

Another side of the cool box.
Another side of the cool box.
And another!
And another!
This utility box is decorated with unusual fast food street art. A lady with crossed out eyes speaks pizza.
This utility box is decorated with unusual fast food street art. A lady with crossed out eyes speaks pizza.
Drinking through a straw on the sidewalk.
Drinking through a straw on a seemingly littered sidewalk.
Bunches of odd, globular faces make for some unique street art.
Bunches of odd, globular faces make for some unique street art.
All sorts of humanish expressions.
All sorts of humanish expressions.
Now I'm walking east along El Cajon Boulevard approaching the Soda Bar.
Now I’m walking east along El Cajon Boulevard approaching the Soda Bar.
Fun emoji-like faces on the wall of the Soda Bar in City Heights.
Fun emoji-like faces on the wall of the Soda Bar in City Heights.
Cool art in a window of Allegory Tattoo.
Cool art in a window of Allegory Tattoo.
Bees in a hive on this eye-catching electrical box.
Bees in a hive on this eye-catching electrical box.
Trashcans on the sidewalk feature the Boulevard graphics.
Trashcans on the sidewalk feature iconic the Boulevard graphics.
Beautiful flowers painted on a transformer box.
Beautiful flowers painted on a transformer box.
A child reaches out to touch a bright green essence.
A child reaches out to touch a bright green essence.
Surprising street art on El Cajon Boulevard in City Heights.
Surprising street art on El Cajon Boulevard in City Heights.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! 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 photos for you to enjoy!

Sand sculptures appear for big Labor Day event!

A sand sculpture rises at the foot of Broadway Pier in San Diego. It depicts fireworks above the Port Pavilion, site of the 2018 U. S. Sand Sculpting Challenge on this upcoming Labor Day weekend!
A sand sculpture rises at the foot of Broadway Pier in San Diego. It depicts fireworks above the Port Pavilion, site of the 2018 U. S. Sand Sculpting Challenge this upcoming Labor Day weekend!

It’s almost Labor Day weekend! That means a huge, super cool event is almost here!

The 2018 U. S. Sand Sculpting Challenge and 3D Art Expo will be held on Broadway Pier again this year, and if it’s anything like past competitions, the sand art will be absolutely unbelievable. Some of the world’s top sand sculptors will compete inside the Port Pavilion, turning huge piles of sand into jaw-dropping masterpieces!

In addition to live music, food and lots of non-sand artwork at the dimensional art exhibition, World Master sculptors from all around the planet will be competing. So will three amazing teams from Imperial Beach!

Some early sand sculptures are already being built outside on the pier. The four I saw today either welcome visitors, or promote event sponsors. The competing sculptures inside the Port Pavilion will be much more elaborate. I’m not exaggerating when I say many of the sculptures from years past could be considered fine art.

This annual event opens Friday and runs through Monday.

I can’t wait!

Bumble Bee Jalapeno is advertised with a fun sand sculpture in front of the Port Pavilion.
Bumble Bee Jalapeño is advertised with a fun sand sculpture in front of the Port Pavilion.
MTS will be promoting Free Ride Day on October 2 with this sand sculpture.
MTS will be promoting Free Ride Day on October 2 with this sand sculpture, which is a work still in progress.
New event sponsor T-Mobile presents the Hall of Lame on this funny sand sculpture!
Another pile of sand is being shaped. New event sponsor T-Mobile presents the Hall of Lame with this funny sand sculpture!
Getting ready for Labor Day weekend and the 2018 U. S. Sand Sculpting Challenge on Broadway Pier!
Using a shovel to get ready for this Labor Day weekend and the very cool 2018 U. S. Sand Sculpting Challenge on Broadway Pier!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! 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 photos for you to enjoy!

More color and creativity in Spanish Village!

Visitors to the Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park walk through a sunlit paradise of color and creativity.
Visitors to the Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park walk through a sunlit paradise of color and creativity.

Over the past five years, I’ve blogged about Spanish Village Art Center many times, on Cool San Diego Sights and on my other website Beautiful Balboa Park. Spanish Village is one of my go-to places when I need to feel optimistic, free and alive.

Whenever I stroll around the many art studios, I feel like I’ve entered a kaleidoscope of living color and creativity. It’s a wonderful place to visit if you want to be inspired.

Lovers of art in San Diego need to swing on by. You’ll find yourself lingering. And smiling.

Sign lists 2018 events, including special shows and sales, in Spanish Village Art Studios in Balboa Park.
Sign lists 2018 events, including special shows and sales, in Spanish Village Art Studios in Balboa Park.
Patio tiles leading visitors to the front door of Studio 26 seem like a Yellow Brick Road of many colors.
Patio tiles leading visitors to the front door of Studio 26 seem like a Yellow Brick Road of many colors.
Surprising color fills four pots.
Surprising colors grow in four pots.
The rear of the Uni-two-corn by sculptor Kim Ogburn, which functions as a seat for two.
The rear of the Uni-two-corn by sculptor Kim Ogburn, which functions as a seat for two.
A dreamlike canvas in front of Studio 31 in Spanish Village.
A dreamlike canvas in front of Studio 31 in Spanish Village.
Someone admires a glass vase created by the friendly glassblowers in Studio 19.
Someone admires a glass vase created by the friendly glassblowers in Studio 19.
Beautiful cacti in a planter near the front door of Studio 18.
Beautiful cacti in a planter near the front door of Studio 18.
An amazing flower outside the San Diego Mineral and Gem Society building in Spanish Village.
An amazing flower outside the San Diego Mineral and Gem Society building in Spanish Village.
Colorful cats have gathered on the patio in front of Studio 16 in Spanish Village.
Colorful cats have gathered on the patio in front of Studio 16 in Spanish Village.
The local artists in Studio 14 specialize in Kaleidoscopes, Egg Art and Handmade Art.
The local artists in Studio 14 specialize in Kaleidoscopes, Egg Art and Handmade Art.
A painter creates new artwork outside the window of the Southwestern Artists' Association Gallery in Studio 23.
A painter creates new artwork outside the window of the Southwestern Artists’ Association Gallery in Studio 23.
Mary-Ella Bowles in Studio 6 created this fun Fairy House out of a gigantic gourd!
Mary-Ella Bowles in Studio 6 created this fun Fairy House out of a gigantic hollow gourd!
A colorful frog is standing on a leaf outside Studio 10.
A colorful frog is standing on a big leaf outside Studio 10.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! 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 photos for you to enjoy!

US National Beat Poet Laureate in Balboa Park!

Chris Vannoy, US National Beat Poet Laureate 2018-2019, reads live poetry in the Zoro Garden during the Garden Theatre Festival in Balboa Park.
Chris Vannoy, US National Beat Poet Laureate 2018-2019, reads live poetry in the Zoro Garden during the Garden Theatre Festival in Balboa Park.

Tomorrow you have a chance to hear US National Beat Poet Laureate 2018-2019, Chris Vannoy, read live poetry in Balboa Park! He’ll be performing with local poetry group The Mightier P.E.N.S. (Poetic Expeditionary Nation of Semanticists) in the Zoro Garden beginning at 2 pm.

Today during my extensive walk through Balboa Park, I happened to stumble upon this summer’s weekend Garden Theatre Festival. As I entered the stony, amphitheater-like Zoro Garden, live poetry readings were underway. Everyone in the audience was invited up to the microphone to read poetry!

And wouldn’t you know it, I was fortunate to enjoy several readings by Chris Vannoy, who will soon be named the United States Beat Poet Laureate by the National Beat Poetry Foundation!

I’d heard Chris perform with The Mightier P. E. N. S. a couple years ago, and blogged about that event here.

His hard-hitting beat poetry is vivid and resonant. His words are like the many butterflies that flit through the garden–bright sparks in the sunlight–burning red hot for just a moment–each a revelation–a brief glimpse of something elemental. Delicate words, transient words, an incantation of power spoken briefly into the wind.

Congratulations to a local poet whose voice is now magnified! And whose smile appears to be indomitable!

The Garden Theatre Festival continues through Sunday August 19, 2018. Live performances are enjoyed free to the public in Balboa Park's Zoro Garden.
The Garden Theatre Festival continues through Sunday August 19, 2018. Live performances are enjoyed free to the public in Balboa Park’s Zoro Garden.
Chris Vannoy of the local poetry group The Mightier P.E.N.S. expresses thought and emotion with vigorous words as the audience listens and reacts.
Chris Vannoy of the San Diego poetry group The Mightier P.E.N.S. expresses complex thought and emotion with vigorous words as the audience listens and reacts.
Two in the audience listen to powerfully spoken truth.
Two in the audience listen to a poet’s powerfully spoken truth.
Someone in the audience signs up to read a poem. Anybody could participate during the event.
Someone in the audience signs up to read a poem. Anybody could participate during the event.
Chris Vannoy, who will be named US National Beat Poet Laureate in September, finishes and earns enthusiastic applause.
Chris Vannoy, who will be named US National Beat Poet Laureate in September, finishes his reading and earns enthusiastic applause.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! 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 photos for you to enjoy!

Cleverly designed furniture is surprising, playful art!

Artwork now on display in the SDSU Downtown Gallery includes extraordinary furniture!
Artwork now on display in the SDSU Downtown Gallery includes extraordinary furniture!

Some fantastic, highly innovative art is now on display at the SDSU Downtown Gallery. Tom Loeser: Please Please Please is the title of the surprising exhibition.

Walk through the door of the SDSU Downtown Gallery and you might not be sure whether you’ve entered a bizarre furniture and hardware store or a dream-place where art conforms to your body. Those abstract paintings on the wall actually unfold into chairs! Those shovel handles in a row form the back of a beautifully crafted wooden bench! That colorful “luggage” tossed in a heap in one corner seems more appropriate for a comfortable living room than a cargo hold!

According to a sign in the gallery, Tom Loeser imagines new ways that the body, furniture and space can interact. He wonders: if the furniture we sit on were totally different, how might our lives be different too?

I can tell you resting on these pieces (and you’re allowed to actually sit on a few of his tumblers) would put me in a very creative and happy state of mind.

As I sat I might gaze at Tom Loeser’s artwork on the gallery’s walls, which includes fantastic blue cyanotypes and strangely elemental pyrography. Transformed by the artist’s genius, ordinary objects seem to radiate a weird spiritual essence. The images, like his furniture, seem to present a vision of unexpected potentialities in our practical, solidly physical world.

If you love really clever art, check out the SDSU Downtown Gallery before this exhibition ends on October 28, 2018!

The art exhibition Tom Loeser: Please Please Please is now showing in downtown San Diego.
The art exhibition Tom Loeser: Please Please Please is now showing in downtown San Diego.
Two works of art by Tom Loeser. Not a Dozen Even, 2014, cyanotype. Double Dig, 2016, white oak and shovel handles.
Two works of art by Tom Loeser. Not a Dozen Even, 2014, cyanotype. Double Dig, 2016, white oak and shovel handles.
S/M/L, 2014, cyanotype by artist Tom Loeser.
S/M/L, 2014, cyanotype by artist Tom Loeser.
A room full of practical objects made dreamlike.
A room full of practical objects made dreamlike.
Dig for Three, 2015, walnut and shovel handles by artist Tom Loeser.
Dig for Three, 2015, walnut and shovel handles by artist Tom Loeser.
LA/Chicago/New York, 2016, plywood, wood, felt, paint by artist Tom Loeser.
LA/Chicago/New York, 2016, plywood, wood, felt, paint by artist Tom Loeser.
A colorful tumbler that can be sat upon comfortably any which way.
A colorful tumbler that can be sat upon comfortably any which way.
Folding Chair, 1987, painted plywood, maple, stainless steel by artist Tom Loeser.
Folding Chair, 1987, painted plywood, maple, stainless steel by artist Tom Loeser.
Scythe by Scythe, 2016, maple, hickory, scythe handles by artist Tom Loeser.
Scythe by Scythe, 2016, maple, hickory, scythe handles by artist Tom Loeser.

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

The Syfy fan awards, cosplay, and craziness!

A fan at 2018 Comic-Con receives an award from Syfy in the Gaslamp on Saturday afternoon!
A fan at 2018 Comic-Con receives an award from Syfy in the Gaslamp on Saturday afternoon!

Breaking News!

I was going to post photos from my late morning walk through The Experience at 2018 Comic-Con, but an unforeseen event this afternoon has disrupted my plans!

In the mid-afternoon Syfy arrived in the Gaslamp Quarter to award medals to winners of their fan art competition, and . . . you’ll have to see what happened! Read the captions!

On Saturday at 2018 Comic-Con, the craziness gets underway.
On Saturday afternoon at 2018 Comic-Con, the craziness gets underway.
Waiting for a trolley with a shark fin hat.
Waiting for a trolley with a shark fin hat.
Bumblebee had a tough time squeezing into this trolley, but made it!
Bumblebee had a tough time squeezing into this trolley, but made it!
Pikachu was making a new friend.
Pikachu was making a new friend.
Someone appeared to be really hungry.
Someone appeared to be really hungry.
What planet is this? What's going on here?
What planet is this? What’s going on here?
It seems to be a planet that's packed with crazy Comic-Con fans!
It seems to be a planet that’s packed with crazy, fun-loving Comic-Con fans!
I don't know if these guys were making a political statement, or just looking a bit silly.
I don’t know if these guys were making a political statement, or just looking a bit silly.
Speaking of silly, here's a fantastic Batman photo op!
Speaking of silly, here’s a super fantastic Batman photo op!
Where did he come from? I barely got away in time.
Where did he come from? I barely got away in time.
Everyone's a kid during Comic-Con.
Everyone’s a kid during Comic-Con.
Everyone likes posing with superheroes.
Everyone likes posing with superheroes.
Kids liked this colorful robot.
Kids liked this colorful robot.
Will these guys pose for a group cosplay photo?
Will these guys pose for a group cosplay photo?
Of course! It's Comic-Con!
Of course! It’s Comic-Con!
This guy clearly has issues.
This guy clearly has issues.
It's a Comic-Con exclusive life-size Star Trek Barbee, mint in box!
It’s a Comic-Con exclusive life-size Star Trek Barbee, mint in box!
A great Ming the Merciless cosplay!
A great Ming the Merciless cosplay!
Aquaman is being pursued by a toothy sea creature.
Aquaman is being pursued by a toothy sea creature.
Someone went to the Gaslamp Quarter for a martini, and look what they saw.
Someone went to the Gaslamp Quarter for a martini, and look what they saw.
I see Other Mother in front of LAIKA LIVE San Diego!
I see Other Mother in front of LAIKA LIVE San Diego!
And here's Logan in padding. Perhaps his healing factor isn't what it used to be.
And here’s Logan in padding. Perhaps his healing factor isn’t what it used to be.
Instead of breaking Batman's back, Bane goes after the neck of an innocent bystander.
Instead of breaking Batman’s back, Bane goes after the neck of an innocent bystander.
Look what's coming down Fifth Avenue! It's the Syfy Fan Creator Award show for Comic-Con 2018!
Look what’s coming down Fifth Avenue! It’s the Syfy Fan Creator Award show for Comic-Con 2018!
The Syfy drum line gets the crowd in an even more excited mood.
The Syfy drum line gets the crowd in an even more excited mood.
Time for another selfie.
Time for another selfie.
A Syfy fan who made some super cool art gets a medal, then speaks a few words to the gathered crowd.
A Syfy fan who made some super cool art gets a medal, then speaks a few words to the gathered crowd.
Everyone's having a great--if wacky--time.
Everyone’s having a great–if wacky–time.
The Syfy band played the theme from Ghostbusters. A kid wearing a Ghostbusters t-shirt receives a medal and a high five!
The Syfy band played the theme from Ghostbusters. A kid wearing a Ghostbusters t-shirt receives a medal and a high five!
Let the insanity resume.
Let sheer insanity resume.
Deadpool makes some gyrating moves.
Deadpool makes some gyrating moves.
Apparently his dance worked. He attracted a unicorn!
Apparently his dance worked. He attracted a rainbow unicorn!
Members of the Justice League has descended into the Gaslamp Quarter. Have no fear.
Members of the Justice League of America have descended into the Gaslamp Quarter. Have no fear, good citizens!
Another photo that says it all.
Another photo that says it all.
A fuzzy pic. I feel fortunate that I took if from a safe distance.
A fuzzy pic. I feel fortunate that I took if from a safe distance.
Super-tall-Spock coolly analyzes the situation.
Super-tall-Spock coolly analyzes the situation.
While Captain Kirk is with the ladies.
While Captain Kirk is with the ladies.
More fun, creative, absurd cosplay.
More fun, creative, absurd cosplay.
Yes, it seems everyone is little off their rocker this afternoon.
Yes, it seems everyone is little off their rocker this afternoon.
Another day at Comic-Con.
Another day at Comic-Con.
Another Saturday afternoon, that is.
Another Saturday afternoon, that is.
The Guardians of the Galaxy have arrived to help guard the Gaslamp Quarter for a bit.
The Guardians of the Galaxy have arrived to help guard the Gaslamp Quarter for a bit.
Yes, the full tilt craziness has just begun.
Yes, the full tilt craziness has just begun.
Here come some fast food superheroes. First up are McDonalds and Wendys.
Here come some fast food superheroes. First up are McDonalds and Wendys.
Grimace is a big time superhero.
I bet you didn’t know Grimace is a big time purple superhero.
Jack in the Box casts his taco spell on me, making my head spin.
Jack in the Box casts his taco spell on me, making my head spin.
Panda Express and KFC complete the Legion of Indigestion.
Panda Express and KFC complete the Legion of Indigestion.
If you bite one of those apples, you'll get worse than indigestion!
If you bite one of those apples, you’ll get worse than indigestion!
Everything is returning to normal. Good old Wonder Woman and Superman are coming down Fifth Avenue.
Everything is returning to normal. Good old Wonder Woman and Superman are coming down Fifth Avenue.
And these guys, too.
And these guys, too.
She-Ra and her pal have things under control.
She-Ra and her pal have things under control.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! 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 photos for you to enjoy!

Cosplay and magic at 2018 Comic-Con!

Cosplay and magic fill the area behind the San Diego Convention Center during 2018 Comic-Con!
Cosplay and magic fill the area behind the San Diego Convention Center during 2018 Comic-Con!

Late this morning I enjoyed Comic-Con by walking behind the San Diego Convention Center, then through The Experience by Petco Park. This first batch of fun photos is from the area behind the convention center.

As usual, I encountered a bunch of super creative cosplay and magic at every turn!

A Star Wars stormtropper holds a humorous sign. Support the Troops.
A Star Wars stormtropper holds a humorous sign. Support the Troops.
Long morning lines wrapped this way and that, but nobody seemed to mind.
Long morning lines wrapped this way and that, but nobody seemed to mind.
Cedric Diggory cosplay. An early glimpse of magic.
Cedric Diggory cosplay. An early glimpse of magic.
Some cosplay pooches are part of the big spectacle.
Some cosplay pooches are part of the big spectacle.
These Wonder Women made cool skirts out of old Justice League swag bags!
These Wonder Women made cool superhero skirts out of old Justice League swag bags!
Good thing Nick Fury called Captain Marvel. Here she comes now to save the day!
Good thing Nick Fury called Captain Marvel. Here she comes now to save the day!
These zombies paused for a photo at the foot of the steps up to the convention center.
These zombies paused for a photo at the foot of the steps up to the convention center.
I was told this cosplay is Bird Person.
I was told this cosplay is Bird Person.
Check out this awesome cosplay! It's Fire Archangel Velajuel, a Summoners War Sky Arena Monster.
Check out this awesome cosplay! It’s Fire Archangel Velajuel, a Summoners War Sky Arena Monster.
I was told this funny cosplay is Pac-Gentleman.
I was told this funny cosplay is Pac-Gentleman.
Lots of visitors to 2018 Comic-Con were checking out the Bandai Dragon Ball activation.
Lots of visitors to 2018 Comic-Con were checking out the Bandai Dragon Ball activation.
Vegeta cosplay.
Vegeta cosplay.
Mario and Luigi prepare for battle.
Mario and Luigi prepare for battle.
I was told this cosplay is Radioactive Man.
I was told this cosplay is Radioactive Man.
That's my kind of superhero. One who brings ice cream! Who needs a utility belt?
That’s my kind of superhero. One who brings ice cream! Who needs a utility belt?
Cyclops was good enough not to remove his visor.
Cyclops was good enough not to remove his visor. The ice cream might melt.
Cosplay of some Mad Max post-apocalyptic characters.
Amazing cosplay of some Mad Max post-apocalyptic characters.
Hopefully Kylo Ren does me in before I have to witness one of his temper tantrums.
Hopefully Kylo Ren does me in before I have to witness another one of his ridiculous temper tantrums.
At the FOX activation for The Passage, a scientist in a white lab jacket shows the first human to be resistant to all known diseases. Unfortunately he has to drink blood.
At the FOX activation for The Passage, a scientist in a white lab jacket shows me the first human to be resistant to all known diseases. Unfortunately he has to drink human blood.
Rorschach cosplay. Somehow he could make the inkblot on his mask change appearance.
Rorschach cosplay. Somehow using his lips he could make the inkblot on his mask change appearance.
Some poor guy is caught between a fight between Peter Griffin and Ernie the Giant Chicken.
Some poor guy is caught between a fight between Peter Griffin and Ernie the Giant Chicken.
A look at the FXhibition area near the Hilton Bayfront, behind the San Diego Convention Center.
A look at the FXhibition area near the Hilton Bayfront, behind the San Diego Convention Center.
Another look. It's late Saturday morning at 2018 Comic-Con.
Another look. It’s late Saturday morning at 2018 Comic-Con.
People place their heads in Archer character cubes for an unusual photo opportunity.
People place their heads in Archer character cubes for an unusual photo opportunity.
Here's Camp Paddy's outhouse.
Here’s Camp Paddy’s outhouse.
Now that's one very bizarre photograph being taken.
Now that’s one very bizarre photograph being taken.
Zatanna cosplay. Magic is her specialty.
Zatanna cosplay. Magic is her specialty.
She must have waved her magic wand, because there's wonderful cosplay all over the place!
She must have waved her magic wand, because there’s wonderful cosplay all over the place!
A cool FX guy poses beside a Mayans MC motorcycle for my camera.
A cool FX guy poses beside a Mayans MC motorcycle for my camera.
Mera blinked. Must be all that dry air outside of the water.
Mera blinked. Must be all that dry air above the water.
Chillin' at the FXhibition.
Chillin’ at the FXhibition.
Magicians perform, delighting young and old alike. There's endless magic at Comic-Con!
Magicians perform, delighting young and old alike. There’s endless magic at Comic-Con!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! 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 photos for you to enjoy!

Fun, creative cosplay photos from Comic-Con!

Electro cosplay.
Electro cosplay.

I got some more photographs of fun, very creative cosplay outside of San Diego Comic-Con today!

Here they are! Enjoy!

Sora cosplay from Kingdom Hearts.
Sora cosplay from Kingdom Hearts.
A steampunk cosplay.
A steampunk cosplay.
Loki and Thor cosplay. That weapon looks like the one Thor used on Sakaar fighting Hulk.
Loki and Thor cosplay. That weapon looks like the one Thor used on Sakaar fighting Hulk.
Cosplay of Demon Worker from Your Pretty Face is Going to Hell.
Cosplay of Demon Worker from Your Pretty Face is Going to Hell.
Batman grins. I'm not sure about the cosplay next to him.
Batman grins. I’m not sure about the cosplay next to him.
The Avengers' Quinjet must be out of action. Here comes Spiderman, Captain America and Black Widow on scooters!
The Avengers’ quinjet must be out of action. Here come Spiderman, Captain America and Black Widow on scooters!
Cosplay of Haru from The Cat Returns.
Cosplay of Haru from The Cat Returns.
A disco Darth Vader with flashy clothes and an Afro.
A disco Darth Vader with flashy clothes and an Afro.
I was told this is Super Fan!
I was told this is Super Fan!
Cosplay of Kevin from Up!
Cosplay of Kevin from Up!
Harley Quinn got off her scooter for a photo!
Harley Quinn got off her scooter for a photo!
Halo cosplay by a happy family at Comic-Con!
Halo cosplay by a happy family at Comic-Con!
Halo family poses with a Star Wars stormtrooper.
Halo family poses with a Star Wars stormtrooper.
I hope Bane realizes the Grim Reaper is nearby. I don't believe the drug Venom makes him immortal.
I hope Bane realizes the Grim Reaper is nearby. I don’t believe the drug Venom makes him immortal.
Here's another Harley!
Here’s another Harley!
Cosplay of Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish from Game of Thrones.
Cosplay of Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish from Game of Thrones.
Captain America and Wolverine cosplay.
Captain America and Wolverine cosplay.
These might be garden gnomes, but I really don't know.
These might be garden gnomes, but I really don’t know. UPDATE! I learned they are, indeed, garden gnomes!
Captain Jean-Luc Picard cosplay. Ready to take the photo? Make it so.
Captain Jean-Luc Picard cosplay. Ready to take the photo? Make it so.
It's another Harley! I think this one is teasing me! I hope Joker doesn't find out.
It’s another Harley! I think this one is teasing me! I hope Joker doesn’t find out.
Cosplay of Negan of The Walking Dead.
Cosplay of Negan of The Walking Dead.
I don't recognize this cosplay. Leave a comment if you know!
I don’t recognize this cosplay. UPDATE! It finally occurred to me. It’s a Harry Potter Death Eater! I believe that’s the mask of Lucius Malfoy.
Cosplays of Gamzee Makara and Nepeta Leijon from Homestuck.
Cosplays of Gamzee Makara and Nepeta Leijon from Homestuck.
Umbrella Corporation cosplay from Resident Evil.
Umbrella Corporation cosplay from Resident Evil.
Boba Fett cosplay.
Boba Fett cosplay.
Yikes! Looks like these guys were caught in another Sharknado.
Yikes! Looks like these guys were caught in another Sharknado.
Judge Dredd and Judge Death cosplay.
Judge Dredd and Judge Death cosplay.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! 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 photos for you to enjoy!

Future technology showcased at 2018 Comic-Con!

Visitors to the Future Tech Live! exhibition at 2018 San Diego Comic-Con have fun making a cool 3-D video courtesy of the Overwatch Payload Tour.
Visitors to the Future Tech Live! exhibition at 2018 San Diego Comic-Con have fun making a dynamic 3-D video courtesy of the Overwatch Payload Tour.

Anyone attending 2018 San Diego Comic-Con who loves gaming, augmented and virtual reality, and the very latest in cool technology should definitely head over to the Omni Hotel to check out Future Tech Live!

You’ll discover a wide variety of exhibitors demonstrating all sorts of innovations. There are augmented and virtual reality products, and visitors can experience the latest in eye-popping video game play. There are innovative robots, some amazing art, and several opportunities to learn about cryptocurrency and using the blockchain to buy and sell video games and make in-game purchases. There’s even a Bitcoin ATM!

You’ll also find a couple of friendly scientists who are ready to answer any sort of scientific question, plus some fascinating exhibits by UC San Diego. And if you work up an appetite, grab some free treats, courtesy of 7-Eleven!

These photos provide a sample of what you’ll find!

(Unlike last year, when the exhibition was called the Futurism & Tech Pavilion, in 2018 you’ll need a Comic-Con badge to gain entry.)

Future Tech Live! can be found in the Omni Hotel, across from the San Diego Convention Center during 2018 Comic-Con.
Future Tech Live! can be found in the Omni Hotel, across from the San Diego Convention Center during 2018 Comic-Con.
Multiple players enjoy a team gaming experience inside a Hologate virtual reality system.
Multiple players enjoy a team gaming experience inside an incredible Hologate virtual reality system.
Ozobot showcases Evo, a robot that is controlled with magic markers or stickers!
Ozobot showcases Evo, a robot that is controlled with magic markers or stickers!
Evo follows drawn lines and turns depending upon color sequences that it detects.
Evo follows drawn lines and turns depending upon color sequences that it detects. It’s a fun and visually creative way to teach coding concepts to kids.
Eric Ninaltowski shows some of the super cool pop culture art that he has created.
Eric Ninaltowski is showing some of the super cool pop culture art that he has created.
Someone engages in an augmented reality lightsaber battle courtesy of Star Wars Jedi Challenges by Lenovo.
A visitor to Future Tech Live! engages in an augmented reality lightsaber battle courtesy of Star Wars Jedi Challenges by Lenovo.
A friendly guy representing Stimuli VR demonstrates glasses that convert almost any smart phone into a virtual reality device!
A friendly guy representing Stimuli VR demonstrates amazing glasses that convert almost any smart phone into a virtual reality device!

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