Tag: imagination

Cool street mural celebrates human imagination.

Lizards undergo transformations in a very creative street mural in San Diego.
Lizards undergo transformations in a very creative street mural in San Diego.

Here’s a very cool mural I spotted last weekend after I watched the Boulevard BOO! Parade. I was just walking along through a neighborhood west of San Diego’s College area.

You can find this artwork at the corner of 56th Street and El Cajon Boulevard.

Ant and cacti grown to gigantic proportions beside an ordinary sidewalk.
Ant and cacti grown to gigantic proportions beside an ordinary sidewalk.
Cool urban art attracts the eye and stimulates the mind of those passing by.
Cool urban art attracts the eye and stimulates the mind of those passing by.
Colorful images on a building at 56th and El Cajon Boulevard in San Diego.
Colorful images on a building at 56th Street and El Cajon Boulevard in San Diego.

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Colorful mosaic sculptures near Mingei Museum.

Nikigator is a fun mosaic sculpture in front of the Mingei Museum.
Nikigator is a fun mosaic sculpture in front of the Mingei Museum.

It seems everybody loves these two colorful sculptures located near the entrance of Balboa Park’s Mingei Museum. They were created by world-famous Franco-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle, whose fanciful works can be seen in a few different San Diego locations. Earlier this year I posted some pics of her Coming Together sculpture near the San Diego Convention Center.

These imaginative mosaic sculptures are made primarily of tile, glass and stones. The alligator-like Nikigator is an absolute favorite of kids, who ride the whimsical creature as if it were alive. The second artwork contains ancient symbolism and is titled Poet and Muse. A female muse emerges from the shoulders of a male poet as his poetry takes flight.

The nearby Mingei Museum contains a fascinating collection of international folk art, crafts and design. The museum was founded by American artist Martha Longenecker, who was a close friend of Niki.

Kids play on crazy creature created by Franco-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle.
Kids play on creature sculpture  by Franco-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle.
Someone photographs Le Poète et sa Muse--Poet and Muse.
Someone photographs Le Poète et sa Muse–Poet and Muse.
Famed sculptor was friend of Balboa Park's Mingei Museum.
Famed sculptor was benefactor of Balboa Park’s Mingei Museum.

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The fun, whimsical Sixth Avenue playground.

Imaginative children's playground in Balboa Park.
Imaginative children’s playground in Balboa Park.

Whenever I walk past the Sixth Avenue playground, located among pine trees in the northwest corner of Balboa Park, I wish I were a child again. To romp, climb and swing through this crazy colorful jumble would be a ton of fun!

The fun, whimsical Sixth Avenue playground.
The fun, whimsical Sixth Avenue playground.
Morning view of what is probably a fairly ordinary playground, but I still like it!
Morning view of what is probably just an ordinary playground, but I still like it!

Boring object transformed by inspiration.

transformer transformed into cacti

During my walk through Old Town I spotted this electrical transformer in a patch of cacti. It was artfully painted to fit right in!

I love how a little imagination can change a dull, boring object into an inspired piece that fits into greater beauty. Very cool!

Utility box in Old Town painted with cacti.
Ugly transformer in Old Town transformed into cacti.