Tag: public art

Fun photos of Trolley Dances in water fountain!

Dancers in the fountain at San Diego's Waterfront Park reach skyward during the Trolley Dances.
Dancers in the fountain at San Diego’s Waterfront Park reach skyward during the Trolley Dances.

This morning I caught the very first performance of the Trolley Dances. The venue for the first stage of the Trolley Dances in 2015 is the County Administration Center Waterfront Park–to be exact, the long fountain on the north side of the County Administration Building.

When I arrived, a group of dancers was rehearsing and a videographer was setting up near the end of the fountain where the audience would watch. After a few minutes, the first mobile audience arrived, and I enjoyed a cool performance. And I mean cool. It was a water dance! On a very warm and muggy morning, I wouldn’t have minded rolling through and leaping about the refreshing water, either! But, alas, nobody who is sane would pay even a nickel to watch me dance.

The Trolley Dances is a unique tradition in San Diego. Put on by the San Diego Dance Theater, the outdoor performances occur in often surprising public places.  Those who watch get started every 45 minutes, traveling from one site to the next on foot and by public transit. This year, groups travel from the Waterfront Park to Balboa Park, taking one of the new MTS Rapid buses from Santa Fe Depot.

Anyone in San Diego who loves dance must check out the Trolley Dances. Performances continue throughout the day on Saturdays and Sundays, September 26 – 27 and October 3 – 4. More info can be found on their website.

Rehearsing and getting the video camera ready before the first Trolley Dances mobile audience arrives at 10 o'clock.
Rehearsing and getting the video camera ready before the first Trolley Dances mobile audience arrives at 10 o’clock.
A beautiful venue for a dance. Palm trees along the Embarcadero and San Diego Bay provide a perfect stage.
A beautiful venue for a dance. Palm trees along the Embarcadero and San Diego Bay provide a perfect stage.
Dancers rehearse the very beginning of the performance, which involves rolling out through the shallow fountain.
Dancers rehearse the very beginning of the performance, which involves rolling out through the shallow fountain.
They're rolling! During the summer, many tourists and visitors love running through the water. On such a warm morning, I almost jumped in myself!
They’re rolling! During the summer, many tourists and visitors love running through the water. On such a warm morning, I almost jumped in myself!
This nice lady saw my camera and provided a super smile!
This nice lady saw my camera and provided a super smile!
Stephan Koplowitz, an award-winning director and choreographer provides the dancers with some final advice before the first audience arrives.
Stephan Koplowitz, an award-winning director and choreographer provides the dancers with some final advice before the first audience arrives.
And here they come! Guides with Trolley Dances signs lead the way to the first unusual outdoor dance site.
And here they come! Guides with Trolley Dances signs lead the way to the first unusual outdoor dance site.
The dancers are lying in the water as everyone trickles in and finds a place to sit or stand.
The dancers are lying in the water as everyone trickles in and finds a place to sit or stand.
The first audience is ready! Here we go!
The first audience is ready! Here we go!
Slowly rolling...
Slowly rolling…
OH, NO!!! A child playing in the park nearby is heading out to join the dancers! Horrors!
OH, NO!!! A child playing in the park nearby is heading out to join the dancers! Horrors!
The young child is intercepted. I'm sorry, but this to me was the highlight of the performance!
The young child is intercepted. I’m sorry, but this to me was the highlight of the performance!
The dancers rise up as individuals, like living things emerging from primordial waters.
The dancers rise up as individuals, like living things emerging from primordial waters.
Some still lay flat on their backs, moving their feet as if coming to life. The dance was very organic, and very watery!
Some still lay flat on their backs, moving their feet as if coming to life. The dance was very organic, and very watery!
Rising up from the liquid into freedom and boundless space.
Rising up from the liquid into freedom and boundless space.
The free form dance was a very cool spectacle that everyone should enjoy.
The free form dance was a very cool spectacle that everyone should enjoy.
Now the dancers rise in unison, plunging forward, swirling, alive!
Now the dancers rise in unison, plunging forward, swirling, alive!
Dancers from San Diego Dance Theater provide wonderful entertainment on a sunny weekend day!
Dancers from San Diego Dance Theater provide wonderful entertainment on a sunny weekend day!
Clusters of dancers merge, writhe, change shape, like strange newborn beings experiencing life for the first time.
Clusters of dancers merge, writhe, change shape, like strange newborn beings experiencing life for the first time.
This artistic group seemed to be evolving, ascending into the world.
This artistic group seemed to be evolving, ascending into the world.
Flying skyward through the fountain!
Flying skyward through the fountain!
More beauty and mystery, as the dancers slowly spread south, away from the seated audience.
More beauty and mystery, as the dancers slowly spread south, away from the seated audience.
Another dynamic photo.
Another dynamic photo.
The dancers are now clearly moving away from the audience, pushing out into the broader world, over this bridge.
The dancers are now clearly moving away from the audience, pushing out into the broader world, over this bridge.
It is a shining, watery path that passes through many splashing fountains.
It is a shining, watery path that passes through many splashing fountains.
Moving outward, away, slowly, with poise.
Moving outward, away, slowly, with poise.
Beyond white curtains of water, away, into the unknown future...
Beyond white curtains of water, away, into the unknown future…
And the stunning performance is over. The dancers paused and bowed, as the mobile audience drew up beside them and applauded.
And the stunning performance is over. The dancers paused and bowed, as the mobile audience drew up beside them and applauded.

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Images of Saint Junipero Serra in San Diego.

Molded plaster figure of newly canonized Saint Junipero Serra at top of the California Building’s facade in Balboa Park.
Molded plaster figure of Saint Junipero Serra at top of the California Building’s facade in Balboa Park.  The Museum of Man occupies this landmark building.  The ornate facade contains many sculpted historical figures and busts created by the Piccirilli brothers, famous marble carvers who immigrated from Italy in 1888.

Today, during Pope Francis’ historic first visit to the United States, Junipero Serra was canonized by the Roman Catholic Church. Father Serra was declared a saint by the Holy See at a ceremony conducted by Pope Francis at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.

Saint Junipero Serra played a large role in San Diego’s early history. The Franciscan friar established the first nine of 21 Roman Catholic Spanish missions in what today is California.  The very first of those nine, founded on July 16, 1769, was located in San Diego. The primary purpose of the missions was to convert the native peoples to Christianity; another purpose was to solidify a claim over this valuable corner of the New World for Spain.

The Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá is located in Mission Valley and remains to this day an active church. It’s popularity as a destination for tourists and the faithful will likely increase with the canonization of Serra.

Because of Saint Junipero Serra’s historical importance in San Diego, many images of him are found throughout our city. Some of the most prominent and well known representations can be seen in Balboa Park. The park’s Spanish Colonial Revival Style buildings created for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition include lavish ornamentation, with many illustrations of people and scenes important to San Diego history.

The following notable bits of art in Balboa Park depict Saint Junipero Serra during his time in San Diego.

Ornamental art on Balboa Park's Casa del Prado depicts Saint Junipero Serra holding a cross among Spanish soldiers and native peoples in what today is California.
Ornamental art on Balboa Park’s Casa del Prado shows Saint Junipero Serra holding a cross among Spanish soldiers and native peoples in what today is California.  In 1769, San Diego was part of Alta California in the Province of Las Californias in New Spain.
More artwork seen from Balboa Park's historic El Prado shows Franciscan friar on a horse near the Roman Catholic Mission San Diego de Alcalá, which was founded in 1769.
More artwork seen on Balboa Park’s historic El Prado shows Franciscan friar on a horse near the Mission San Diego de Alcalá, which was built near the San Diego River, several miles inland from San Diego Bay.
Junipero Serra Memorial, created 1914. Staff plaster original ornamentation from the Food Products Building, of the Panama-California Exposition. Now located in the Sculpture Court.
Junipero Serra Memorial, created in 1914. Staff plaster original ornamentation from the Food Products Building, of the Panama-California Exposition. This elegant work of art was preserved and is now located in the Casa del Prado’s Sculpture Court.

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Pacific Rim nations celebrated with beautiful art.

A portion of the elegant Pearl of the Pacific, by artist James T. Hubbell.
A portion of the elegant Pearl of the Pacific, by artist James T. Hubbell.

On the southwest end of Shelter Island you’ll discover some wonderful public art titled Pearl of the Pacific. Benches, a soaring sculpture, and a circle of colorful tiles arranged around a pearl-like bubbling fountain celebrate the diverse nations of the Pacific Rim. Local artist James Hubbell and a group of architectural students worked with artists from San Diego’s sister cities Vladivostok, Russia, Tijuana, Mexico and Yantai, China, to create this very cool sight. The central mosaic of tiles, pointing north, south, east and west like a fantastic compass, includes images that represent the sister cities. Pearl of the Pacific pays tribute to San Diego’s cultural and economic relations with peaceful neighbors united by the ocean.

I’ve already blogged about several of James Hubbell’s works of art around San Diego. You might enjoy seeing his Pacific Portal, Sea Passage and Pacific Spirit.

Gazing south past Pearl of the Pacific toward the channel that leads from San Diego Bay to the ocean.
Gazing south past Pearl of the Pacific toward the channel that leads from San Diego Bay to the ocean.
At the southwest end of Shelter Island, a circle of colorful tiles is arranged about a large pearl.
At the southwest end of Shelter Island, a circle of colorful tiles is arranged about a large pearl.
The central pearl is a fountain that bubbles with water. It wasn't running the day I took these photographs.
The central pearl is a fountain that bubbles with water. It wasn’t running the day I took these photographs.
Pearl of the Pacific Park plaque describes tile images and their meaning.
Pearl of the Pacific Park plaque describes tile images and their meaning.
North.
North. An inspirational American bird.
South.
South. The mythical Quetzalcoatl of Mexico.
West.
West. A Siberian tiger from Russia.
East. A dragon representing China.
East. A dragon representing China.
Plaque reads Tijuana, Mexico.
Plaque reads Tijuana, Mexico.
One column contains a pearl-like globe of shining blue tiles.
One column contains a pearl-like globe of shining blue tiles.
A soaring sculptural arch made of beautiful ironwork.
A soaring sculptural arch made of beautiful ironwork.
A bench in the small park-like area is topped with more colorful tiles.
A bench in the small park-like area is topped with more colorful tiles.
Another artistic bench. This is a good spot to watch sailboats and ships on the nearby water.
Another artistic bench. This is a good spot to watch sailboats and ships on the nearby water.
Bits of sea shells, broken pottery and cultural motifs in a curving concrete wall.
Bits of sea shells, broken pottery and cultural motifs in a curving concrete wall.
Pearl of the Pacific pays tribute to San Diego's ocean neighbors and sister cities.
Pearl of the Pacific pays tribute to San Diego’s ocean neighbors and sister cities.

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Balboa Park Activity Center’s The Circle and the Self.

The Earth and a crescent moon. One of 26 terrazzo inserts arranged in a circle in the entrance plaza of the Balboa Park Activity Center. Created in 1999 by artist Joyce Cutler-Shaw.
The Earth and a crescent moon. One of 26 terrazzo inserts arranged in a circle at entrance plaza of the Balboa Park Activity Center. Created in 1999 by artist Joyce Cutler-Shaw.

I recently enjoyed looking at some very cool public artwork. Located in front of the Balboa Park Activity Center, The Circle and the Self: A Picture Story by artist Joyce Cutler-Shaw is a series of images that tells a unique story about human activity and sport. Twenty six terrazzo inserts are arranged in a circle on the building’s south plaza, within a large tile map of the western United States, which was designed by another artist Raul Guerrero. I took a close-up photo of each terrazzo square and show them in sequence. That way you can easily follow the artist’s narrative, and the thought-provoking transformations.

The gymnasium-like Balboa Park Activity Center is where many San Diego residents go to participate in badminton, table tennis and volleyball. Similar artwork by the same artist can be found inside the building. Seventy two laser-cut metal plates depict the bodies of athletes engaged in sport, in many different, often imaginative environments.

Human figure poses beneath the slender blue moon. That moon will transform as the narrative moves counter-clockwise around the circle.
Human figure poses beneath the slender blue moon. That moon will transform as the narrative moves counter-clockwise around the circle.
Reaching up toward the ring-like moon. Striving toward hopes and dreams.
Reaching up toward the ring-like moon. Striving toward hopes and dreams.
After grabbing hold of the ring, and another, a gymnast swings through space.
After grabbing hold of the ring, and another, a gymnast swings through space.
This outdoor public art titled The Circle and the Self tells the story of human athletic pursuit and competitive sport. Each tile measures 16 by 16 inches square.
This outdoor public art titled The Circle and the Self tells the story of human athletic pursuit and competitive sport. Each tile measures 16 by 16 inches square.
Planet Earth seems to transform into a ball. Is it a tennis ball being served?
Planet Earth seems to transform into a ball. Is it a tennis ball being served?
Here's a planet-sized ball swooshing through a cosmic basketball net.
Here’s a planet-sized ball swooshing through a cosmic basketball net!
Perhaps that ball is a round blue moon orbiting the Earth.
Perhaps that ball is a round blue moon orbiting the Earth.
A player tosses the ball toward the net.
A player tosses the ball toward the net.
This fun artwork causes the curious viewer to actively walk around the large Activity Center patio. Now that's true kinetic art!
This fun artwork causes the curious viewer to actively walk around the large Activity Center patio. Now that’s true kinetic art!
A ball and net, half light, half shadow.
A ball and net, half light, half shadow.
A competitor leaps!
A competitor leaps!
Another figure aims to shoot the ball.
Another figure aims to shoot the ball.
Is this an Olympic athlete engaged in shot put competition?
Is this an Olympic athlete engaged in shot put competition?
Circles are a common image in sport. A sphere moves and bounces equally. The playing field is level.
The circle is a common image in sport. A sphere moves and bounces equally. The playing field is level.
Is that a flying ball and baseball player?
Is that a flying ball and baseball player?
Here comes the ever-changing blue ball!
Here comes the ever-changing blue ball!
Getting ready to catch the ball--or is it the Earth flying through space?
Getting ready to catch the ball–or is it the Earth moving through space?
Dynamic artwork shows human physical activity while moving along life's circle.
Dynamic artwork shows human physical activity while traveling along life’s circle.
Is this man playing handball?
Is this man playing handball?
A blue circle on a stick. What sport is this?
A blue ball on a stick. What sport is this?
Perhaps this ball is about to be served in table tennis.
Perhaps this ball is about to be served in table tennis.
The magical blue ball suddenly grows!
The magical blue ball suddenly grows!
The blue circle now seems to be a lake inside the contours of an ocean coast.
The blue circle now seems to be a lake inside the contours of an ocean coast.
As scale is altered and perspective changes, ocean and coastline become the planet Earth once more. Other blue circles are heavenly bodies throughout the universe.
As scale is altered and perspective changes, ocean and coastline become the planet Earth once more. Other blue circles are heavenly bodies throughout the universe.
Our big blue marble is third planet from the sun. It has its own small orbiting moon.
Our big blue marble is third planet from the sun. It has its own small orbiting moon.
The viewer of this art has returned to the beginning. We've come full circle.
The viewer of this art has returned to the beginning. We’ve come full circle.
The Circle and the Self by Joyce Cutler Shaw, 1999. City of San Diego Civic Art Collection. Commissioned for the citizens of San Diego.
The Circle and the Self by Joyce Cutler Shaw, 1999. City of San Diego Civic Art Collection. Commissioned for the citizens of San Diego.

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Listen to the Earth whisper at Fault Line Park!

Morning photo of the new Fault Line Park in San Diego's East Village. The Central Library's dome is visible in the background.
Morning photo of the new Fault Line Park in San Diego’s East Village. The Central Library’s dome is visible in the background.

An incredibly cool new public park opened in East Village a couple weeks ago. It’s called Fault Line Park, and is located south of Island Avenue between 14th and 15th Street. The park is situated directly above a shallow rupture of the Rose Canyon Fault System, which stretches through downtown San Diego.

In addition to a children’s playground and places to sit and walk, the 1.3 acre Fault Line Park contains a really unique feature. A public art installation, titled Fault Whisper, by artist Po Shu Wang of Living Lenses, allows visitors to monitor our active planet. Large, shining spheres stand on either side of the fault line.  At the west sphere, curious ears can listen to the Earth’s subterranean movements, which are recorded by a seismometer embedded below in the actual fault! They can also look through an eyepiece toward the opposite sphere, to see whether the Earth has shifted!

What brilliant, interesting artwork!

Even though I listened intently, I couldn’t hear the Earth whispering early this morning when I took these pics. Perhaps old Mother Earth was still sleeping!

This line marks where a part of the Rose Canyon Fault System has ruptured, just 14 feet below the surface. The fault line isn't considered dangerous.
This line marks where a part of the Rose Canyon Fault System has ruptured, just 14 feet below the surface. According to geologists, there’s no great earthquake danger here.
Photographer records cool reflections in one of the large stainless steel spheres in Fault Line Park.
Photographer records cool reflections in one of the large stainless steel spheres in Fault Line Park.
Plaque describes Fault Whisper public art, created by Po Shu Wang in 2014. Two spheres stand on either side of the fault line. From one you can listen to the Earth and monitor movement.
Plaque describes Fault Whisper public art, created by Po Shu Wang in 2014. Two spheres stand on either side of the fault line. From one you can listen to the Earth and monitor movement.
Here's the opening where you can press your ear to listen. There's a speaker just inside. The Earth's movements are translated into musical notes.
Here’s the opening where you can press your ear to listen. There’s a speaker just inside. The Earth’s movements are translated into musical notes.
Looking through the eyepiece at the opposing sphere. If the Pacific and North American tectonic plates have shifted since the art's installation, it isn't noticeable.
Looking through eyepiece at the opposing sphere. If the Pacific and North American tectonic plates have shifted since the art’s installation, it isn’t very noticeable.
Stella Public House restaurant in East Village is located right next to the cool new Fault Line Park.
Stella Public House restaurant in East Village is located right next to the cool new Fault Line Park.
If Stella Public House is as awesome as the super friendly employee I met, you'd better head over there at once!
If Stella Public House is as awesome as the super friendly employee I met, you’d better head over there at once!
View of Fault Line Park in East Village from outdoor patio shared by Stella Public House and Halcyon coffeehouse and cocktail lounge.
View of Fault Line Park in East Village from outdoor patio shared by Stella Public House and Halcyon coffeehouse and cocktail lounge.

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Photos of amazing, incredible sand sculptures!

Many of the world's best sand artists are in San Diego for the 2015 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge.
Many of the world’s best sand artists are in San Diego for the 2015 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge.

Right now, the world’s most amazing sand sculptures are standing on the B Street Pier on San Diego’s Embarcadero. They were created by a select group of international sand masters for the 2015 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge. These talented sculptors are world-class artists, as you can see from the following images. My photos were taken on Saturday morning shortly after the gate opened.  All of the competing artists were on the pier adding the final touches to their incredible artwork. The sculptures will be officially judged this afternoon.

The theme of the U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge this year is the Olympic Games. Many of the sand masterpieces had a classic, sculptural relief appearance. Every one was sensational.

The competitive event, which takes place downtown at the edge of our beautiful bay next to the Cruise Ship Terminal, continues through Labor Day weekend. If you can’t make it, enjoy these photos!

John Gowdy, Jersey Boy, now living in Italy, has been sand sculpting since 1990. He was winner of Sand Wars on the Travel Channel.
John Gowdy, Jersey Boy, now living in Italy, has been sand sculpting since 1990. He was winner of Sand Wars on the Travel Channel.
John Gowdy's Olympics-themed sculpture features Bruce Jenner, men's decathlon winner in 1976, and his transformation to female Caitlyn.
John Gowdy’s Olympics-themed sculpture features Bruce Jenner, men’s decathlon winner in 1976, and his transformation to female Caitlyn.
Bruce Jender. I am Cait...now.
Bruce Jender. I am Cait…now.
Unzipping a past gold-winning athlete. A new person emerges.
Unzipping a past gold-winning athlete. A new person emerges.
John Gowdy is interviewed by a video production crew at the 2015 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge.
John Gowdy is interviewed by a video production crew at the 2015 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge.
Sue McGrew, from Tacoma, Washington, is also accomplished in snow and ice sculpting.
Sue McGrew, from Tacoma, Washington, is also accomplished in snow and ice sculpting.
Sue McGrew's sand sculpture titled Father of the Game, a statue-like image of Zeus, Greek king of the gods of Mount Olympus.
Sue McGrew’s sand sculpture titled Father of the Game, a statue-like image of Zeus, king of the Greek gods on Mount Olympus.
Amazing artistic skill is required to sculpt sand so perfectly. These sand masters, like Olympians, are the best in the world!
Amazing artistic skill is required to sculpt sand so perfectly. These sand masters, like Olympic athletes, are the best in the world!
Zeus seems to be sitting at the edge of the B Street Pier in downtown San Diego! The Port Pavilion and the Broadway Pier are in the background.
Zeus seems to be sitting at the edge of the B Street Pier in downtown San Diego! The Port Pavilion and the Broadway Pier are in the background.
JOOheng Tan, of Singapore, won last year's competition! He has been called Vincent Sand Gogh!
JOOheng Tan, of Singapore, won last year’s competition! He has been called Vincent Sand Gogh!
JOOheng Tan's sculpture, Game Over, is a striking work of art that immediately caught and held my eye.
JOOheng Tan’s sculpture, Game Over, is a striking work of art that immediately caught and held my eye.
Just an amazing, breathtaking work of art. You don't see something like this everyday! In a few days it will be swept away.
Just an amazing, incredible work of art. You don’t see something like this everyday! In a few days it will be swept away.
The artists are still at work, getting their pieces ready to be judged this afternoon.
The artists are still at work, getting their pieces ready to be judged this afternoon.
Ilya Filimontsev, from Moscow, Russia, is competing here for the first time, and I predict he will win an award! I voted for him and saw others doing the same.
Ilya Filimontsev, from Moscow, Russia, is competing here for the first time, and I predict he will win an award! I voted for him and saw others doing the same.
Ilya Filimontsev's sculpture is titled Never Give Up!!! Wow! Now that's an impressive sand sculpture. And he wasn't finished!
Ilya Filimontsev’s sculpture is titled Never Give Up!!! Wow! Now that’s an impressive sand sculpture. And he wasn’t finished!
Carefully working beneath a wing and Olympic olive wreath on a sunny San Diego Labor Day weekend.
Carefully working beneath a wing and Olympic wreath on a sunny San Diego Labor Day weekend.
A masterpiece of sand is being created as the public watches and takes photographs.
A masterpiece of sand is being created as the public watches and takes photographs.
Fergus Mulvany is from Dublin, Ireland. He studied fine art and became a sand artist as a student by chance!
Fergus Mulvany is from Dublin, Ireland. He studied fine art and became a sand artist as a student by chance!
Fergus Mulvany is working on his creation called The Threshold of Momentum. It's a fantastic piece, one of my favorites.
Fergus Mulvany is working on his creation called The Threshold of Momentum. It’s a fantastic piece, one of my favorites.
Closer photo shows superb detail work of the kinetic sand sculpture.
Closer photo shows superb detail work of the kinetic sand sculpture.
Back side of The Threshold of Momentum is simple and stylish.
Back side of The Threshold of Momentum is simple and stylish.
The artists were all friendly and didn't seem to mind chatting with folks who were admiring their works in progress.
The artists were all friendly and didn’t seem to mind chatting with folks who were admiring their works in progress.
Dan Belcher, of St. Louis, Missouri, is 14 time world champion sand sculptor!
Dan Belcher, of St. Louis, Missouri, is 14 time world champion sand sculptor!
I can see why Dan Belcher has won so many world championships. The artistry of his piece, Citius, Altius, Fortius, is exceptional.
I can see why Dan Belcher has won so many world championships. The artistry of his piece, Citius, Altius, Fortius, is exceptional.
Citius, Altius, Fortius is Latin for Faster, Higher, Stronger. It's the Olympic Motto.
Citius, Altius, Fortius is Latin for Faster, Higher, Stronger. It’s the Olympic Motto.
Human figures shaped from sand have bold form and physical presence.
Human figures shaped from sand have bold form and physical presence.
Susanne Ruseler, from the Netherlands, studied biology and thereby learned to represent and beautify human beings and all creatures. She has won many contests.
Susanne Ruseler, from the Netherlands, studied biology and thereby learned to represent and beautify human beings and all creatures. She has won many contests.
Susanne Ruseler's sculpture is called Long Jump. An Olympic athlete leaps like a rabbit!
Susanne Ruseler’s sculpture is called Long Jump. An Olympic athlete leaps like a rabbit!
Flowing hair made of sand. Incredible.
Flowing hair made of sand. Incredible.
I saw lots of water hoses, buckets, shovels and carving tools being used on the large sand creations.
I saw lots of water hoses, buckets, shovels and carving tools being used on the large sand creations.
Morgan Rudluff is from Santa Cruz, California. She considers herself to be quite fortunate and rich in many ways. Sand sculpting has her heart.
Morgan Rudluff is from Santa Cruz, California. She considers herself to be quite fortunate and rich in many ways. Sand sculpting has her heart.
Morgan Rudluff's sand sculpture is Perseverance. It appears to be a tower of Greek columns and abstract human forms.
Morgan Rudluff’s sand sculpture is Perseverance. It appears to be a tower made of a Greek column and abstract human forms.
We're nearing the end of the B Street Pier, gazing out at blue San Diego Bay.
We’re nearing the end of the B Street Pier, gazing out at blue San Diego Bay.
Many hours of hard work and perseverance combined with imagination and skill produces a fine result.
Many hours of hard work and perseverance combined with imagination and skill produces a fine result.
The steady hand of a world-class sand artist.
The steady hand of a world-class sand artist.
Kirk Rademaker comes from Stinson Beach, California. His nickname is The Sand Guy. Fantastical mechanical machines are his trademark.
Kirk Rademaker comes from Stinson Beach, California. His nickname is The Sand Guy. Fantastical mechanical machines are his trademark.
Kirk Rademaker is creating a piece called Anchor Leg, which indeed resembles an anchor. How appropriate, because it's by the water!
Kirk Rademaker is creating a piece called Anchor Leg, which indeed resembles an anchor. How appropriate, because it’s by the water!
The skyline of downtown San Diego can be seen to the east. It's a warm day and promises big crowds.
The skyline of downtown San Diego can be seen to the east. It’s a warm day and promises big crowds.
This sand sculpture was quite fantastic and left much to the imagination
This sand sculpture was quite fantastic and left much to the imagination
Melineige Beauregard is from Quebec, Canada. Some believe sand sculpting is art, some believe it's a sport. She believes it's a spiritual experience.
Melineige Beauregard is from Quebec, Canada. Some believe sand sculpting is art, some believe it’s a sport. She believes it’s a spiritual experience.
Melineige Beauregard's artwork is called In The Zone. I believe it was the most original creation of all the entries. You'll see why.
Melineige Beauregard’s artwork is called In The Zone. I believe it was the most original creation of all the entries. You’ll see why.
An interesting face decorates one end of the complicated multi-part sand sculpture.
An interesting face decorates one end of the complicated multi-part sand sculpture.
The opposite end features a circle, like an eyepiece, through which visitors are meant to look.
The opposite end features a circle, like an eyepiece, through which visitors are meant to look.
And this is what we see! An Olympic runner ready to race at the starting blocks!
And this is what we see! An Olympic runner ready to race at the starting blocks!
Jorvis Kivits, of the Netherlands, believes that in art, beauty should shine through. He has recently begun sculpting marble.
Jorvis Kivits, of the Netherlands, believes that in art, beauty should shine through. He has recently begun sculpting marble.
Photo Finish is the name of Jorvis Kivits' curvy piece. It's an unusual, wonderful thing to behold!
Photo Finish is the name of Jorvis Kivits’ curvy piece. It’s an unusual, wonderful thing to behold!
Gazing through some world-class sand art across San Diego Bay toward North Island.
Gazing through some world-class sand art across San Diego Bay toward North Island.
Eleven amazing works of art on the B Street Pier. Plus there are other team sand sculptures getting started, and a few finished pieces by event sponsors. Lots of cool stuff!
Eleven amazing works of art on the B Street Pier. Plus there are other team sand sculptures getting started, and a few finished sculptures by event sponsors. Lots of cool stuff all over!
As of this moment, these are the finest sand sculptures in the whole wide world. In a few days...they vanish! Go see them now, if you can!
As of this moment, these are the finest sand sculptures in the whole wide world. In a few days…they vanish! Go see them now, if you can!

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Team USA Olympics sand sculpture in San Diego!

Sand sculpture in front of U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge in San Diego shows Team USA and Olympians on the Road to Rio!
Sand sculpture welcoming visitors to the U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge in San Diego shows Team USA and Olympians on the Road to Rio!

A sand sculpture that pays tribute to Team USA and the upcoming 2016 Olympic games in Rio de Janeiro is now standing at the foot of the B Street Pier in downtown San Diego. I thought you might enjoy seeing the finished artwork!

Several days ago I blogged about how the sculpture was being created by Dan Belcher from St. Louis, Missouri and Ilya Filimontsev from Moscow, Russia. They’re both world-class sand masters who will be competing in Labor Day weekend’s big international U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge. This fantastic sand art will welcome visitors to the annual event!

The beautiful result of friendship between American and Russian artists is on display in San Diego!

Banner on fence at B Street Pier near Cruise Ship Terminal promotes the 2015 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge and Dimensional Art Exposition in San Diego.
Banner on fence at B Street Pier near Cruise Ship Terminal promotes the 2015 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge and Dimensional Art Exposition in San Diego.
Team USA, American Olympic gymnasts and a United States flag decorates one side of a sand sculpture at the foot of the B Street Pier in San Diego!
Team USA, American Olympic athletes and a United States flag decorate one side of a sand sculpture at the foot of the B Street Pier in San Diego!

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World’s top sand sculptors warm up in San Diego.

Dan Belcher from St. Louis, Missouri and Ilya Filimontsev from Moscow, Russia, work together on the big event's welcoming Team USA sand sculpture.
Dan Belcher from St. Louis, Missouri and Ilya Filimontsev from Moscow, Russia, work together on the big event’s welcoming “Team USA” sand sculpture.

The 2015 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge and Dimensional Art Exposition is coming next weekend! Between this very special annual event, and the equally amazing Festival of Sail which will be held a short distance up the Embarcadero, the long Labor Day weekend is going to be awesome!

Today I walked along the waterfront in the warm sunshine to see if anything interesting was going on.

Not only has quarry sand been dumped in large piles along the B Street Pier, right next to the Cruise Ship Terminal, but sand sculptures which welcome visitors to the event were being readied by a few of the world’s top sand masters! I briefly met Dan Belcher, Ilya Filimontsev and Susanne Ruseler, three of the best, most talented sand sculptors on the planet! And all were really nice people! They and the other world-class sand artists who will compete at the event have won many top awards. Dan, alone, has won 14 world championships!

Ilya is new to the San Diego competition this year, and so is Susanne. When I spoke to Susanne, I remembered how Chris Guinto, several days before last year’s competition, told me his still unformed creation was secret. Susanne remarked that plans aren’t so much a secret–it’s that they’re only partially formed when the work begins. The act of sand sculpting is dynamic, and sometimes changes have to be made mid-creation for either artistic or structural reasons. I asked if she ever accidentally knocked down portions of a sand sculpture and she replied: “Yes!” But it’s something you get used to and work around. It’s just something one can expect when working with sand.

Funny. According to a notification I received from WordPress, today is the two year anniversary of Cool San Diego Sights. And during those two years, the most “liked” blog post is from last year’s U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge! You might enjoy seeing last year’s jaw-dropping entries!

The 2015 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge is coming to San Diego's B Street Pier, next to the Cruise Ship Terminal, this Labor Day weekend!
The 2015 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge is coming to San Diego’s B Street Pier, next to the Cruise Ship Terminal, this Labor Day weekend!
Dan is helping to create this non-competitive sculpture near the entrance to the 2015 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge at Harbor Drive.
Dan is helping to prepare this sculpture near the entrance to the 2015 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge at Harbor Drive.
These mounds of quarry sand from East County were dumped on the B Street Pier several days ago. They'll be used by the competing sand masters later this week.
These mounds of quarry sand from East County were dumped on the B Street Pier several days ago. They’ll be used by the competing sand masters later this week.
Susanne Ruseler, from the Netherlands, is another new competitor this year. She was super nice and talked for a bit.
Susanne Ruseler, from the Netherlands, is another new competitor this year. She was super nice and talked for a bit.
Susanne is carefully working on another cool sand sculpture for event visitors. I can't wait to see what she produces during the competition!
Susanne is carefully working on another cool sand sculpture for event visitors. I can’t wait to see what she produces during the competition!

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Photos of cool urban art in the Village of La Jolla.

Photographer and model next to One Pointed Attention, 2014, by artist Kelsey Brookes, in La Jolla.
Photographer and model next to One Pointed Attention, 2014, by artist Kelsey Brookes, on a wall in La Jolla.

Here are some photos of cool art seen while walking about the streets of La Jolla. More specifically, the Village of La Jolla–the central business and cultural district which is the heart of this wonderful community.

La Jolla is an affluent part of San Diego, so there seem to be art galleries wherever one roams. But there are also many eye-catching street murals and works of urban art.

This collection of photos is far from comprehensive. These are just photos taken during several semi-random walks around The Village (including today). That’s the way this blog usually operates!

Classic religious imagery floats above entrance to Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church in La Jolla.
Classic religious imagery floats above entrance to Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church in La Jolla.
A funny walrus and frightened fish along the roof of a shop on Pearl Street.
A funny walrus and frightened fish along the roof of a shop on Pearl Street.
Trashcan street art depicts Native American, whose headdress contains feathers spelling place names.
Trashcan street art depicts Native American, whose headdress contains feathers spelling place names.
Urban art on a La Jolla trashcan shows a boldly colorful Southwestern scene, with mountains and cacti.
Urban art on a La Jolla trashcan shows a boldly colorful Southwestern scene, with mountains and cacti.
A female face painted on a La Jolla garbage container.
A female face painted on a La Jolla garbage container.
Another similar face, composed of different hues.
Another similar face, composed of different hues.
This eye-boggling street mural on Fay Avenue is Sexy Cash, 2015, by Mark Bradford.
This eye-boggling street mural on Fay Avenue is Sexy Cash, 2015, by Mark Bradford.
Most street numbers on city buildings are plain and boring. Not 910 Prospect Street!
Most street numbers on city buildings are plain and boring. Not 910 Prospect Street!
Unusual human sculpture sits near the sidewalk outside La Jolla's Madison Gallery.
Unusual human sculpture sits near the sidewalk outside La Jolla’s Madison Gallery.
Another strange figure squats nearby.
Another strange figure squats nearby.
This cool horse outside a Madison Gallery window was created with large pieces of junk and old machine parts.
This cool horse outside a Madison Gallery window was created with large pieces of junk and old machine parts.
A close-up photo of the imaginative horse sculpture.
A close-up photo of the imaginative horse sculpture.
On Prospect Street, a long narrow mysterious mural and a single underwater eye. Whale, 2014, Nina Katchadourian.
On Prospect Street, a long narrow mysterious mural and a single underwater eye. Whale, 2014, Nina Katchadourian.
Some interesting metal artwork above a store entrance depicts a sailboat and palm trees.
Some interesting metal artwork above a store entrance depicts a sailboat and palm trees.
It's Dr. Seuss' Green Eggs and Ham! This fun art is outside the Legends Gallery in La Jolla, where popular children's book author Theodor Geisel lived.
It’s Dr. Seuss’ Green Eggs and Ham! This fun art is outside the Legends Gallery in La Jolla, the town where popular children’s book author Theodor Geisel lived.
A canvas out on public display in front of the Contemporary Fine Art Gallery in the central business area sometimes called Village of La Jolla.
A canvas out on public display in front of the Contemporary Fine Art Gallery in the central business area sometimes called Village of La Jolla.
Someone walking down Herschel Avenue said she hated this giant mural! It's Blah, Blah, Blah, 2015, by Mel Bochner. Perhaps it gave her the blahs.
Someone walking down Herschel Avenue said she hated this giant mural! It’s Blah, Blah, Blah, 2015, by Mel Bochner. Perhaps it gave her the blahs.
I personally like this mural of a darkly glowing tall ship. at Sea, 2012, Ann Hamilton.
I personally like this mural of a darkly glowing tall ship. It’s titled “at Sea” and was created in 2012 by Ann Hamilton.
A cool fish dangles in front of the Herringbone Restaurant.
A cool fish dangles in front of the Herringbone Restaurant.
Large, unusual metal sculptures in front of the Tasende Gallery in La Jolla.
Large, unusual metal sculptures in front of the Tasende Gallery in La Jolla.
Hummingbird artwork on a bench near a sidewalk, and a rose.
Hummingbird artwork on a bench near a sidewalk, and a rose.
Hammering Man by Jonathan Borofsky at Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego...in La Jolla. I believe years ago this motorized sculpture stood near America Plaza downtown.
Hammering Man by Jonathan Borofsky at Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego’s location in La Jolla. I believe years ago this motorized sculpture stood near America Plaza downtown.
I don't know what this egg-like object is. If you do, please leave a comment!
I don’t know what this egg-like object is. If you do, please leave a comment… UPDATE! According to local author Corey Lynn Fayman, the artist is Andy Goldsworthy. I’ve learned this piece is titled West Coast Cairn. Goldsworthy has two other stone eggs in the United States, in Des Moines, Iowa, and Purchase, New York.

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San Diego and Yokohama: friendship, a girl and a bell.

A simple but meaningful pavilion stands at the west end of Shelter Island. It holds the Bell of Friendship.
A simple but meaningful pavilion stands at the west end of Shelter Island. It holds the Bell of Friendship.

At the west end of Shelter Island, which lies near the entrance to San Diego Bay, you’ll find a testament to the enduring friendship that has been established between two sister cities. San Diego and Yokohama are located on opposite sides of the wide Pacific Ocean, yet these two beautiful cities are closely connected.

In 1958 a large bronze traditional Japanese bell was dedicated on Shelter Island with great ceremony.  It’s located in a prominent spot; ships from countries throughout the world pass it every day. The bell, created by Masahiko Katori, one of Japan’s living National Treasures, was presented during a Centennial Celebration which marked a hundred years of formal relations between the United States and Japan. The bell hangs in a pavilion surrounded by a narrow moat of water and a space of green grass.

The Bell of Friendship, which is six feet high and almost two and half tons, is seldom rung; but on New Year’s Eve the ram strikes the heavy bronze, resonating deeply–many say spiritually–welcoming a hopeful future.

The Japanese Friendship Bell was presented by the City of Yokohama to the people of San Diego in 1958 as a symbol of eternal friendship.
The Japanese Friendship Bell was presented by the City of Yokohama to the people of San Diego in 1958 as a symbol of eternal friendship.
This magnificent bell was cast by the artist Masahiko Katori who has been designated as a living National Treasure by the government of Japan.
This magnificent bell was cast by the artist Masahiko Katori who has been designated as a Living National Treasure by the government of Japan.
The Japanese Friendship Bell is one of several landmarks that can be seen along the length of San Diego's park-like Shelter Island.
The Japanese Friendship Bell is one of several landmarks that can be seen along the length of Shoreline Park on Shelter Island.

At the front of the simple pavilion stands a three foot tall sculpture of a young girl. “The Girl in Red Shoes” by Japanese artist Munehiro Komeno debuted in 2010 and represents the friendship between the ports of San Diego and Yokohama. The sculpture portrays Kimi, a Japanese orphan who was adopted by a loving American couple in the 1920s. The girl was later diagnosed with tuberculosis and couldn’t leave Japan. The touching story has been told many times, and has become a symbol of the goodwill that exists between our two nations. Kimi holds a rose and carnation. The rose symbolizes Yokohama; the carnation is San Diego.

The Girl in Red Shoes by Munehiro Komeno. June 2, 2009. Kimi represents close friendship between the United States and Japan.
The Girl in Red Shoes by Munehiro Komeno. June 2, 2009. Kimi represents close friendship between the United States and Japan.
Biking past a unique and beautiful sight on a glorious summer day.
Biking past a unique and beautiful sight on a glorious summer day.

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