Tag: imagination

Photos of cool sand sculptures at Sun and Sea Festival!

A long time ago at a beach very very close...it is a period of sand wars. Cool Star Wars sand sculpture at the Imperial Beach Sun and Sea Festival!
A long time ago at a beach very very close…it is a period of sand wars… Star Wars sand sculpture at the Imperial Beach Sun and Sea Festival!

The 2015 Sun and Sea Festival at Imperial Beach today had almost everything. Lots of good food, live music, happy people, the beautiful ocean, and, of course, a whole bunch of awesome sand sculptures. What it didn’t have was sun. Monsoon conditions in San Diego have produced dark skies, frequent showers, even thunder and lightning this weekend.

But nothing could stop the crowds from enjoying this great annual tradition.

Ready to see the cool photos? Here they are…

The annual Sun and Sea Festival in IB features food, music, fun, people-watching and sand castles galore! This banner is hung on the pier above the beach.
The annual Sun and Sea Festival in IB features food, music, fun, people-watching and sand castles galore! This banner is hung on the pier above the beach.
The Port of San Diego is a sponsor of the yearly festival, home of the famous Imperial Beach Sandcastle Competition. This sculpture was created by sand master Kirk Rademaker.
The Port of San Diego is a sponsor of the yearly festival, home of the famous Imperial Beach Sandcastle Competition. This sculpture was created by sand master Kirk Rademaker.
A second photo of Kirk Rademaker's sculpture. Tiny sand people stand out on a sand IB pier over the sandy Pacific Ocean!
A second photo of Kirk Rademaker’s sculpture. Tiny sand people stand out on a sand IB pier over the sandy Pacific Ocean!
Sandstorm Fabrication team seems to be creating a large Viking head sand sculpture.
Sandstorm Fabrication team seems to be creating a large Viking head sand sculpture.
Cool froglike creature coming to life on the beach conveys a Help Conserve Water message.
Cool frog-like creature coming to life on the beach conveys a Help Conserve Water message.
The Sandcastle Man team is building an elaborate sandcastle! Of course!
The Sandcastle Man team is building an elaborate sandcastle! Of course!
The I.B. Posse team is crafting a complex, exotic scene of Myths and Legends out of sand near the Imperial Beach pier.
The I.B. Posse team is crafting a complex, exotic scene of Myths and Legends out of sand near the Imperial Beach pier.
Looks like the fallen head of a classic statue from a time long ago.
Looks like the fallen head of a classic statue from a time long ago.
Sand sculptor is closely watched by the unblinking eyes of an inanimate subject.
Sand sculptor is closely watched by the unblinking eyes of his inanimate subject.
This team wearing tie-dye was creating a hip sand scene with a fun, fanciful 60s flavor.
This team wearing tie-dye was creating a hip sand scene with a fun, fanciful 60s flavor.
Is that a mud-covered hippopotamus rising from a river? No. Just some imaginative Southern California artwork!
Is that a mud-covered hippopotamus rising from a river? No. Just some imaginative Southern California artwork.
Peace and Love. Hippie Hippos are cool, groovy and happening!
Peace and Love. Hippie Hippos are cool, groovy and happening!
These are my favorite sand sculptures: Star Wars. Chewbacca, R2-D2, stormtroopers, the Millennium Falcon and an X-Wing starfighter. 'Nuff said.
These are my favorite sand sculptures. Star Wars icons Chewbacca, R2-D2, stormtroopers, the Millennium Falcon and an X-Wing starfighter!
Fierce looking stormtroopers seem to be hanging out on sandy Tatooine. Where it happens to be raining today.
Fierce looking stormtroopers seem to be hanging out on sandy Tatooine. Where it happens to be raining today.
Han Solo is probably hoping this gifted sand artist can get the Millennium Falcon to jump to light speed.
Han Solo is probably hoping this gifted sand artist can get the Millennium Falcon to jump to light speed.
Okay. You have to admit this is a lot of fun.
Okay. You have to admit this is a lot of fun.
San Diego Sand Castles was skillfully carving toothy land sharks.
San Diego Sand Castles was skillfully carving toothy land sharks.
Hope it doesn't bite.
Hope it doesn’t bite.
Over here we have a large mechanical shark, driven by a small fish! The real shark must be terrified.
Over here we have a large mechanical shark, driven by a small fish! The “real” shark must be terrified.
This team seemed to be digging out a whale. It's huge!
This team seemed to be digging out a whale. It’s huge!
Of course, there were Minions. Lots of Minions. Oodles of 'em. They were popping out of the sand everywhere you turned.
Of course, there were Minions. Lots of Minions. Oodles of ’em. They were popping out of the sand everywhere you turned.
Five silly Minions seem to be having a party in a sand pit.
Five silly Minions seem to be having a party in a sand pit.
Another team had some Minions, too. This guy is just riding a sand wave on a surfboard. Too bad the sun isn't out.
Another team had some Minions, too. This guy is riding a sand wave while sitting on a surfboard. Too bad the sun isn’t out.
Lastly, I spotted Baymax of Big Hero 6 being created out of sand. Lots of sculptures at the family friendly festival appealed to kids.
Lastly, I spotted Baymax of Big Hero 6 being created out of sand. Lots of sculptures at the family friendly festival appealed to kids.
A cloudy, showery day with lightning, thunder and crowds on the beach enjoying a cool Imperial Beach tradition.
A cloudy, showery day with lightning, thunder, and crowds on the beach enjoying an awesome Imperial Beach tradition.

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More super awesome Comic-Con cosplay photos!

Supergirl crosses the Harbor Drive bridge with a cool companion. Is that some sort of Star Wars stormtrooper.
Supergirl crosses the Harbor Drive bridge with a cool companion. Is that some sort of Star Wars stormtrooper?

Here’s batch number two of super awesome cosplay photos taken at 2015 San Diego Comic-Con!

Okay, I admit I don’t know half these characters. But who cares? It was a lot of fun just seeing them all! Comic-Con is all about human imagination.  These cool costumes are living representations of the unlimited creative power that each of us possesses!

(For those of you following this blog who’d like to see something other than Comic-Con, have no fear! The big annual event is drawing to a close, and I’m sure we’ll have oodles and oodles of brand new cool San Diego sights ahead!)

It's another Snow White! She seemed exceptionally nice, even for a Disney character.
It’s another Snow White! This one seemed exceptionally nice, even for a Disney character.
The Walking Dead took over Petco Park today. That must be why I spotted the King County Sheriff with the ghost-busting Geek Outlaw.
The Walking Dead took over Petco Park today. That must be why I spotted the King County Sheriff with the ghost-busting Geek Outlaw.
Who on Earth is that crazy guy with a big-eared helmet! Don't ask me!
Who on Earth is that crazy guy with a big-eared helmet? Don’t ask me!
Perhaps this nice couple came from Scotland. Or maybe they're promoting Outlander.
Perhaps this nicely-dressed couple came from Scotland. Or maybe they’re promoting Outlander.
Guys walk along reading books while wearing question marks. Makes me feel better that I don't recognize who the heck they are.
Guys walk along reading books while wearing question mark masks. Makes me feel better that I don’t recognize who the heck they are.
What big claws you have Wolverine! Let me take a picture!
What big claws you have Wolverine! Let me take a picture!
Not sure who these folks are dressed up to be. One's got a big bloody axe.
Not sure who these folks are dressed up to be. One’s got a big bloody axe.
I'm guessing this is the nice Deadpool family.
I’m guessing this is the nice Deadpool family.
Somebody help me with this one. These characters seem familiar but my brain has stopped working.
Somebody help me with this one. These characters seem familiar but my brain has stopped working.
Lots of fun cosplay action behind the San Diego Convention Center during 2015 Comic-Con.
Lots of fun cosplay action behind the San Diego Convention Center during 2015 Comic-Con.
The alluring tattooed Blindspot lady has been joined by sneaky Catwoman! Watch out guys!
The alluring tattooed Blindspot lady has been joined by sneaky Catwoman! Watch out guys!
The Black Mage of Final Fantasy is joined by frolicking super heroines including Supergirl.
The Black Mage of Final Fantasy is joined by frolicking super heroines including another Supergirl.
Should I be concerned that the evil nefarious Poison Ivy is smiling at me.
Should I be concerned that the evil, nefarious Poison Ivy is smiling at me?
Okay, I do know that these awesome people are cosplaying Mad Max movie characters. Because they told me!
Okay, I do know that these awesome people are cosplaying Mad Max movie characters. Because they told me!
Henchman 21 of The Venture Brothers is Hench 4 Life!
Henchman 21 of The Venture Brothers is Hench 4 Life!
This bright yellow sunny cosplay is Dayman. That sunshine is perfect here in San Diego!
This bright yellow sunny cosplay is Dayman. That sunshine is perfect here in San Diego!
It's the vile Lord Hater of animated show Wander Over Yonder!
It’s the vile Lord Hater of animated show Wander Over Yonder!
Uh, oh. Better call the Caped Crusader. Because I've spotted Scarecrow. You don't scare me!
Uh, oh. Better call the Caped Crusader. Because I’ve spotted Scarecrow. You don’t scare me!
Captain America is walking among happy citizens, protecting all those who are visiting downtown San Diego for Comic-Con.
Captain America is walking among happy citizens, protecting all those who are visiting downtown San Diego for Comic-Con.
Boba Fett costumes are always cool. This is no exception.
Boba Fett costumes are always cool. This is no exception.
Spidey is always a big favorite when it comes time for kids to pose at San Diego Comic-Con.
Spidey is always a big favorite when it comes time for kids to pose at San Diego Comic-Con.
The smiling CEO of Jack in the Box just happened to be walking about the Gaslamp among a bunch of cosplayers.
The smiling CEO of Jack in the Box just happened to be walking about the Gaslamp among a bunch of cosplayers.
Clark Kent opens up his shirt to reveal the Superman emblem! Another cool sight at 2015 San Diego Comic-Con!
Clark Kent opens up his shirt to reveal the Superman emblem! Another cool sight at 2015 San Diego Comic-Con!

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Art tiles painted by East Village neighbors.

Exotic mask with horns painted on a tile.
Exotic mask with horns painted on a tile.

The other day I walked down 11th Avenue through East Village. For a few moments I paused to again enjoy The Power of Collective Thought urban art tile mosaic. I took a few photos of individual tiles hand-painted by creative San Diego neighbors. Many caught my eye…

Robert and his mom hold hands beneath trees.
Robert and his mom hold hands beneath trees.
I large open eye gazes at people passing down the sidewalk.
I large open eye gazes at people passing down the sidewalk.
Another eye on a fiery, dazzling art tile.
Another eye on a fiery, dazzling art tile.
A sun painted on a tinted sky.
A sun painted on a tinted sky.
Smiling sun and blue moon fused into one.
Smiling sun and blue moon fused into one.
Cool cat dances under a crescent moon.
Cool cat dances under a crescent moon.
A dinosaur among dots.
A dinosaur among dots.
Ghostly figures rise like swirls of color.
Ghostly figures rise like swirls of color.
One cool painted tile in The Power of Collective Thought.
Cool painted tile in The Power of Collective Thought.
A blue peacock and two fruit trees.
A blue peacock and two fruit trees.
A fun dragonfly with a human-like face.
A fun dragonfly with human-like face.
Female head with curly hair and yellow flowers.
Female head with curly hair and yellow flowers.
A kimono and umbrella.
A kimono and umbrella.
Two people connect on a purple tile.
Two people connect on a purple tile.
A mysterious monster rises from the deep!
A mysterious monster rises from the deep!
A colorful abstract design.
A colorful abstract design.
A sailboat and shell in San Diego.
A sailboat and shell in San Diego.
A smiling face peers back at you!
A smiling face peers back at you!

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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at IDW comic art gallery!

A very cool comic art gallery created by IDW Publishing opened a little over a week ago in San Diego's Liberty Station.
A very cool comic art gallery created by IDW Publishing opened a little over a week ago in San Diego’s Liberty Station.

This morning I enjoyed an incredible treat. I checked out the new San Diego Comic Art Gallery, part of IDW Publishing’s new headquarters at NTC Liberty Station. IDW is the fourth largest comic book publisher in the United States, and their rapid expansion was the reason for their move. Their new home is in a renovated barracks at the historic Naval Training Center San Diego, located in Point Loma. NTC Liberty Station has become home to a number of other museums, galleries and cultural attractions, a few of which I’ve blogged about already.

The first exhibition at the San Diego Comic Art Gallery concerns the art of Kevin Eastman. He is a co-creator of the stupendously successful Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He and Peter Laird imagined the funny characters during a casual brainstorming session over thirty years ago. Their Mirage Studios was founded in 1983. IDW now owns publishing rights to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, so original artwork provided by Kevin Eastman appropriately fills the comic gallery for the public to freely enjoy. Perhaps the most incredible part of the exhibition is a realistic representation of his studio, filled with creative materials and his own personal collectibles. There are shelves and shelves of toys, figurines and cool pop culture stuff!

Flash photography is not allowed in the museum-like gallery, because the light degrades the extremely valuable artwork. Consequently, many of my photos came out dim or blurred. Here are a few which turned out reasonably okay. They provide a flavor of what you’ll see should you visit!

The first exhibition of the San Diego Comic Art Gallery features the work of Kevin Eastman, co-creator of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
The first exhibition of the San Diego Comic Art Gallery features the work of Kevin Eastman, co-creator of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Kevin Eastman began reading comics and drawing at a very young age. Major influences include Jack Kirby and science fiction. He created a character named Ninja Turtle just for fun.
Kevin Eastman began reading comics and drawing at a very young age. Major influences include Jack Kirby and science fiction. He created a character named Ninja Turtle just for fun.
One of several TMNT drawings in a front window at the new San Diego Comic Art Gallery.
One of several TMNT drawings in a front window at the new San Diego Comic Art Gallery.
Many examples of original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle artwork are on display in the fun, family-friendly museum.
Many examples of original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle artwork are on display in the fun, family-friendly museum.
Foot Warrior Chick and a Foot Ninja with cloak, two enemies of the world-famous comic book, movie and cartoon turtles.
Foot Warrior Chick and a Foot Ninja with cloak, two enemies of the world-famous comic book, movie and cartoon turtles.
Images in one display show some work of comic artist Kevin Eastman and the studio where he has worked.
Images in one display show some work of comic artist Kevin Eastman and the studio where he has worked.
The studio you see before you is what I work in today. Every item has been brought from my home studio, and personal collections spanning over thirty five years. Cowabunga Dude!
The studio you see before you is what I work in today. Every item has been brought from my home studio, and personal collections spanning over thirty five years. Cowabunga Dude!
Photo through glass of the Kevin Eastman studio, transported to San Diego for this special exhibition.
Photo through glass of the Kevin Eastman studio, transported to San Diego for this special exhibition.
Wood panel by studio window shows the four funny, dynamic turtles in action.
Wood panel by studio window shows the four funny, dynamic turtles in action.
Leonardo, wearing a blue mask, overlooks visitors to a room where kids and adults are encouraged to draw, experience and read about comic art.
Venus, wearing a blue mask, overlooks visitors to a room where kids and adults are encouraged to draw, experience and read about comic art.
Inked panel is one sample of the fun TMNT artwork on display at the Kevin Eastman exhibition.
Inked panel is one sample of the fun TMNT artwork on display at the Kevin Eastman exhibition.
From sketch to finished page, visitors to the gallery can view a comic book's creative process.
From sketch to finished page, visitors to the gallery can view a comic book’s creative process.
Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael, Donatello and Splinter, the Turtles’ sensei.
Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael, Donatello and Splinter, the Turtles’ sensei.
Shredder, the villainous leader of the Foot Clan in New York City.
Shredder, the villainous leader of the Foot Clan in New York City.
Colorful graphic depicts Raphael, of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Colorful graphic depicts Raphael, of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Life is Art. Paint your Dreams.
Life is Art. Paint your Dreams.

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Bart Club street art utility box in North Park.

Bart Simpson takes many strange forms on one sidewalk in North Park. He's elongated at times, or has multiple eyes.
Bart Simpson takes many strange forms on one sidewalk in North Park. He’s elongated at times, or has multiple eyes.

Here’s another branch of San Diego’s strange and whimsical Bart Club! This example of Bart Simpson street art decorates a single utility box, located in North Park at the intersection of 30th and Adams Avenue.

More zany, bizarre Bart Club street art can be found in downtown San Diego’s East village at the intersection of Eighth Avenue and G Street, and at SILO.

This side of the fun Bart Club utility box has the funny cartoon character's face in need of a shave!
This side of the Bart Club utility box has the funny television cartoon character’s face in need of a shave!
A two-headed Bart Simpson makes for some very cool and unique San Diego street art.
A two-headed Bart Simpson makes for some very cool and unique San Diego street art.
Here's some more Bart art. He's looking like a spotted, floppy-eared dog!
Here’s some more Bart art. He’s looking like a spotted, floppy-eared dog!

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Creative trashcan art adds fun to Hillcrest streets.

Dozens of trashcans on the streets of Hillcrest have been painted by local artists.
Dozens of trashcans on the streets of Hillcrest have been painted by local artists.

In the past couple years, most of the trashcans lining the streets of Hillcrest have been colorfully painted by local artists. During a recent walk, I passed quite a few of these street art trashcans and took some photos. Many of these fun creations were seen along University Avenue, between Fourth Avenue and Park Boulevard.

Every sort of colorful design can be found on these decorated trash cans.
Every sort of colorful design can be found on these decorated trash cans.
Lighted buildings rise next to a guitar player strumming under the stars.
Lighted buildings rise next to a guitar player strumming under the stars.
Many of the trashcans have a carnival theme, with masks, happy faces and crazy fun.
Many of the trashcans have a carnival theme, with masks, happy faces and crazy fun.
People walk past a cool spot to toss garbage, on University Avenue near Fourth Avenue in Hillcrest.
People walk past a cool spot to toss garbage, on University Avenue near Fourth Avenue in Hillcrest.
This looks like some sort of strange bug jester.
This looks like some sort of strange bug jester.
Wildly creative street art can be found throughout San Diego's Hillcrest community.
Wildly creative street art can be found throughout San Diego’s Hillcrest community.
A purple mask-like face that's difficult to miss!
A purple mask-like face that’s very difficult to miss!
An exotic blue face near a dirty orange construction cone.
An exotic blue face near a dirty orange construction cone.
Bicyclist in Hillcrest rides down the sidewalk past another great example of trashcan art.
Bicyclist in Hillcrest rides down the sidewalk past another great example of trashcan art.
I think I saw this green face on Star Trek.
I think I saw this green face on Star Trek.
An artistic trashcan waits by a bus stop near the Hillcrest landmark sign.
An artistic trashcan waits by a bus stop near the Hillcrest landmark sign.
Masks and confetti represent the party atmosphere in youthful Hillcrest.
Masks and confetti reflect the party atmosphere in youthful Hillcrest.
A big, joyful saxophone has been painted on this trashcan.
A big, joyful saxophone has been painted on this trashcan.
Here's an urban rooster.
Here’s an urban rooster.
Pineapple, fresh strawberries, watermelon, and some litter.
Pineapple, fresh strawberries, watermelon, and some litter.
These trashcans with images of food are located near Normal Street.
These trashcans with images of food are located near Normal Street.
A tree along busy University Avenue adds even more life to the city.
A tree along busy University Avenue adds life to the city.
Trashcan with Sphinx and pyramids is appropriate for the Egyptian Quarter, near the intersection of University and Park Boulevard.
Trashcan with Sphinx and pyramids is appropriate for the Egyptian Quarter, near the intersection of University and Park Boulevard.
Female face with Pharoah mask was painted by a local artist on Park Boulevard.
Female face with a Pharoah headdress was painted by a local artist on Park Boulevard.

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Fishes of the Ocean huge art canvas in Balboa Park!

Painted underwater scenes on the grass at the Balboa Park Centennial 2015 Philippine American Celebration.
Painted underwater scenes on the grass at the Balboa Park Centennial 2015 Philippine American Celebration.

Astonished eyes were staring down at the ground at the Balboa Park Centennial 2015 Philippine American Celebration. That’s because a very colorful, very long painted canvas had been unrolled on a patch of grass for festival visitors to admire.

What you see in these photos is a segment of the seven kilometer long “Fishes of the Ocean” painting. The amazing artwork, depicting marine life, was created by thousands of mostly young people in the Philippines from 2006 to 2009. The project was an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for longest painting on a single canvas!

I did some research on the internet, but I’m still not sure whether a record was officially set. If you can provide more info, leave a comment below!

Small segment of the amazing seven kilometer long Fishes of the Ocean painting.
Small segment of the amazing seven kilometer long Fishes of the Ocean painting.
Talented young artists, mostly unknown, contributed to this colorful environmental art.
Talented young artists, mostly unknown, contributed to this colorful environmental art.
Abstract fish forms swim in a school on a very large canvas.
Abstract fish forms swim in a school on a very large canvas.
All sorts of exotic tropical fish are swimming at the ocean's bottom.
All sorts of exotic tropical fish are swimming at the ocean’s bottom.
Sea life painted in many vivid colors.
Sea life painted in many vivid colors.
Fishes of the Ocean was created in the Philippines in an attempt to break a Guinness World Record.
Fishes of the Ocean was created in the Philippines in an attempt to break a Guinness World Record.
Visitors to Balboa Park in San Diego walk past an unexpected cool sight!
Visitors to Balboa Park in San Diego walk past an unexpected cool sight!
A land shark waits motionless in the grass!
A land shark waits motionless in the grass!
The long strip of fun art zigzagged across the grass near the International Cottages.
The long strip of fun art zigzagged across the grass near the International Cottages.
Creativity is one of the attractions at the annual Filipino cultural festival.
Creativity is one of the attractions at the annual Filipino cultural festival.
Just a wonderful product of human imagination.
Just a wonderful product of human imagination.
This appears to be a scene from a coral reef.
This appears to be a scene from a coral reef.
A scuba diver among bubbles and rays of colored light.
A scuba diver among bubbles and rays of colored light.
I see a turtle, whale, starfish and octopus.
I see a turtle, whale, starfish and octopus.
Cartoon ocean creatures prompt smiles in Balboa Park!
Cartoon ocean creatures prompt smiles in Balboa Park!

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Weathered yellow arches and a bold blue door.

Photo of shuttered windows taken through dark, weathered archway.
Photo of old, shuttered windows taken through dark, weathered archway.

During my recent ramble around NTC Liberty Station, I did some nosing around. I took a few interesting photos of a lonely portion of the old Naval Training Center San Diego that has yet to be renovated. A row of old, weathered barracks along the North Promenade are vacant and locked shut. But if you listen closely, and use a little imagination, it might be possible to hear the echoing footsteps of naval recruits from decades ago.

The old Naval Training Center in Point Loma is a fascinating place with a significant place in United States history. The idea of training sailors in San Diego was first explored in 1915 by Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Franklin D. Roosevelt. When the complex was finally built in 1921, it was a modest affair, with several barracks, a mess hall, dispensary, and a few other buildings. It expanded over the years, and during World War II accommodated as many as 25,000 naval recruits. The center remained a vital resource of the United States Navy until 1997, when it was finally closed. Today around 50 original buildings along the beautiful promenade (which also includes the old base’s command center and parade ground) have been restored. Liberty Station has become a popular destination for shopping, recreation and a variety of cultural attractions.

In the following photos, you might note the architecture is mostly based on the Spanish Colonial Revival style, particularly the long arcades. The design of the Naval Training Center was directly influenced by buildings constructed for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition in San Diego’s Balboa Park.

Looking along the length of long-abandoned Barracks 5 at NTC Liberty Station.
Looking along the length of long-abandoned Barracks 5 at NTC Liberty Station.
Some old base signs still can be seen at the historic Naval Training Center San Diego.
Some old military base signs still can be seen at the historic Naval Training Center San Diego.
Buildings 18 and 25 remain empty. Most structures in the complex are renovated and have commercial or nonprofit tenants.
Buildings 18 and 25 remain empty. Most structures in the complex are renovated and have commercial or nonprofit tenants.
Simple geometry of functional architecture influenced by the Spanish Colonial Revival style.
Simple geometry of functional architecture influenced by the Spanish Colonial Revival style.
Peeling yellow paint on buildings where new United States Navy recruits used to train.
Peeling yellow paint on buildings where new United States Navy recruits used to train.
There's something strangely picturesque in this image of lonely decay.
There’s something strangely picturesque in this image of lonely decay.
With a bit of imagination, one can picture newly recruited sailors moving and marching through the Naval Training Center years ago.
With a bit of imagination, one can picture newly recruited sailors moving and marching through the Naval Training Center years ago.
This boldly painted blue door really catches the eye!
This boldly painted blue door really catches the eye!
Walking around NTC Liberty Station is like taking a small voyage back into history.
Walking around NTC Liberty Station is like taking a small voyage back into history.

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Balloons, wings, stars and the wisdom of Seuss.

Panda with star on belly is lifted by colorful balloons, and floats away into the blue sky.
Panda with star on belly is lifted by colorful balloons, and floats away into the blue sky.

No matter how different people might appear, we all live among the same bright stars.

Perhaps that’s a bit of wisdom inferred from a book by one of my favorite authors, Dr. Seuss.

That also seems to be the elevating message of this cool street art in Bankers Hill.

While words and art might eventually fade (as these photos prove), the stars buried within us do not.

These three transformer boxes in Bankers Hill are painted with unbounded imagination.
These three transformer boxes in Bankers Hill are painted with unbounded imagination.
Jazzy guy plays keyboard in a boat that soars above the surf and a star-bellied bird.
Jazzy guy plays keyboard in a boat that soars above the surf and a star-bellied bird.
Flowers in hair, on shoulders. A golden star joins the sun and sunflower in symbolic street art.
Flowers in hair, on shoulders. A golden star on a dress joins the sun and sunflower in symbolic street art.
Part of faded Dr. Seuss verse. That day, all the Sneetches forgot about stars and whether they had one, or not, upon thars.
Part of slowly fading Dr. Seuss verse: “That day, all the Sneetches forgot about stars and whether they had one, or not, upon thars.”
Winged angel dog in heaven plays a drum.
Winged angel dog in heaven plays a drum.
Silly green-headed alien frolics on red planet.
Happy, unique green alien frolics on red planet.
Musician in cool sunglasses plays guitar where he stands in the cosmos.
Musician plays his guitar where he stands in the cosmos.
A zany peek over Mars, under stars.
A zany peek over Mars, under stars.

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Cool utility box artwork around San Diego.

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

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

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

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