Tag: street art

Unusual sights that make you look twice!

Cross when no one is looking.
Cross when no one is looking.

Here are a few sights that make pedestrians walking down the sidewalk look twice! I know they attracted the attention of my camera! I took all of these photos in downtown San Diego. A couple of the images I captured recently; others are old pics I’ve been holding onto for several months.

Street art on building of someone "singing the blues".
Bold painting on a building of someone singing the “blues”.
A door that might tempt people walking down the sidewalk. A nearby sign reads WELCOME You Love Happy Fun.
This door might tempt people walking down the sidewalk. A nearby sign reads: WELCOME You Love Happy Fun.
A cool dragon mural in the small Chinatown section of downtown San Diego.
A cool dragon mural in the small Chinatown section of downtown San Diego. By artist Mirto Golino.
This freaky alien seems to leap from a weathered painted utility box.
This freaky alien seems to leap from a weathered street art utility box.
What appear to be three sacred geometry mandalas decorate a sidewalk. These and others can be seen in various locations around San Diego.
What appear to be three sacred geometry mandalas decorate a sidewalk. These and others can be seen in various locations around San Diego.
Funky, eye-catching urban art brightens the entrance to a dance studio.
Funky, eye-catching urban art brightens the entrance to a dance studio. I believe it was painted by artist Fizix.
A guy hanging out in front of the Hard Rock Hotel in the Gaslamp made these three dimensional origami stars using scraps of paper. Each one takes about two hours to make.
A guy hanging out in front of the Hard Rock Hotel in the Gaslamp made these three dimensional origami stars using scraps of paper. I was told each one takes about two hours to make.

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A Saturday journey through colorful San Diego.

A group of young skateboarders cruises down C Street.
A group of young skateboarders cruises down C Street.

Here are a few scenes from my walk (and trolley ride) today around downtown San Diego. There is beauty, there is color, there is grit, there is life. My fascination with the dynamic city that I call home is never-ending.

Graffiti on a truck, an old blue house, and a modern high-rise, together in one photo.
Graffiti on a truck, an old blue house, and a modern high-rise, together in one photo.
Colorful art by a downtown San Diego doorway.
Colorful art by a downtown San Diego doorway.
Someone out for a walk passes a window of the Smart Corner building.
Someone out for a walk passes a window of the Smart Corner building.
A truck waits to haul pianos away at the backstage door of Copley Symphony Hall.
A truck waits to haul pianos away at the backstage door of Copley Symphony Hall.
Clean and Safe equipment in the foreground, as a Silver Line vintage trolley approaches the Fifth Avenue station.
Clean and Safe equipment in the foreground, as a Silver Line vintage trolley approaches the Fifth Avenue station.
A couple passengers will take a ride on this restored PCC streetcar, of the San Diego Trolley. I joined them!
Passengers will take a ride on this restored PCC streetcar of the San Diego Trolley. I joined them!
Looking out the vintage trolley window at people walking through the City College station.
Looking out the vintage trolley window at people walking through the City College station.
Heading down Park Boulevard, and people camped on the sidewalk. San Diego, unfortunately, contains many homeless.
Heading down Park Boulevard, and people camped on the sidewalk. San Diego, unfortunately, contains many homeless.
Looking out the trolley window at the Park and Market station.
Looking out the trolley window at the Park and Market station.
A crane above construction near Petco Park holds a POW MIA flag. Banners along Imperial Avenue show Monster Energy Supercross stars. The event is happening this weekend.
A crane above construction near Petco Park holds a POW/MIA flag. Banners along Imperial Avenue show Monster Energy Supercross stars. The event is happening this weekend.
Supercross Party in the Pits is taking place in a parking lot adjacent to Petco Park.
Supercross Party in the Pits is taking place in a parking lot adjacent to Petco Park.
Sign near Downtown Johnny Brown's at Civic Center Plaza reads Eat Drink See Dinosaurs if you drink enough.
Sign near Downtown Johnny Brown’s at Civic Center Plaza reads Eat Drink See Dinosaurs if you drink enough.
Someone looks up at inflatable dinosaur arch outside the entrance to T. Rex Planet at the Community Concourse.
Someone looks up at inflatable dinosaur arch outside the entrance to T. Rex Planet at the Community Concourse.

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Another Bart Club in San Diego’s North Park!

Is it Bartman? No? It must be another funny Bart Simpson superhero identity. This cool utility box is located in North Park!
Is it Bartman? No? Then it must be another funny Bart Simpson superhero identity. This cool utility box is located in North Park!

Here come photos of another Bart Club utility box! This fun street art can be found in North Park at the intersection of El Cajon Boulevard and 30th Street.

This is the fourth instance of zany Bart Simpson artwork I’ve documented on the Cool San Diego Sights blog. You might recall there’s another Bart Club utility box in North Park, not very far from this one.

Looking down San Diego's busy El Cajon Boulevard past some imaginative Bart Club street art.
Looking down El Cajon Boulevard in San Diego past some imaginative Bart Club street art.
Bart Simpson is a cat!
Bart Simpson is a cat!
Bart's face takes on different forms and expressions.
Bart’s face takes on different forms and expressions.
A cyclops eye or three eyes . . . Bart is one versatile cartoon character. A creative artist has fun with The Simpsons, the longest-running animated show in television history.
A cyclops eye or three eyes . . . Bart is one versatile cartoon character! A very creative artist has had some fun with The Simpsons, the longest-running animated show in television history.

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Cool street art faces around North Park!

Let's be friends. Two cool faces on a transformer box in North Park.
Let’s be friends. Two cool faces on a utility box in North Park.

I’ve got so many fun pics from a walk around North Park that I need to break them up into separate blog posts. Here’s a collection of cool street art faces! I took these photos as I strolled along University Avenue and 30th Street.

Hey dude, don't trip! More fun artwork on two other sides of the box.
Hey dude, don’t trip! More fun artwork on two other sides of the box.
A happy sun shines on a sidewalk in San Diego's cool North Park neighborhood.
A happy sun shines on a sidewalk in San Diego’s hip North Park neighborhood.
Two faces rise from one neck in this unusual utility box street art.
Two faces rise from one neck in this unusual utility box street art.
Cool people wait in line. This graphic can be found outside Lucha Libre, a popular gourmet taco shop.
Cool people wait in line. This graphic can be found outside Lucha Libre, a popular gourmet taco shop.
More cool urban art featuring several unique characters.
More colorful urban art featuring several unique characters.
Abstract faces look at each other.
Abstract faces look at each other.
It's hot! A warm welcome on a sign at North Park's Cardamom Cafe and Bakery.
It’s hot! A warm welcome on a sign at North Park’s Cardamom Cafe and Bakery.
Lurking in a North Park alley--it's a graffiti SpongeBob SquarePants! He seems to be blowing a jellyfish bubble!
Lurking in a North Park alley–it’s a graffiti SpongeBob SquarePants! He seems to be blowing a jellyfish bubble!

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Street art depicts history of baseball scandals.

Urban artwork depicts various professional baseball scandals over the years.
Urban artwork depicts professional baseball scandals.

Over the years, in San Diego’s bustling Gaslamp Quarter, countless businesses have come and gone. Restaurants, bars and nightclubs crowd the streets, so there always seems to be some construction or renovation taking place.

In professional baseball, over the decades, headlines have come and gone concerning a variety of scandals.

A temporary wall surrounds some current construction activity in the Gaslamp.  The wall features a collage of images depicting baseball’s history of scandals. The two themes that I noted are gambling and doping. There is particular emphasis on the Black Sox Scandal of 1919.

I took some photos a week or so ago…

Unusual street art at a construction site on Fifth Avenue in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter.
Unusual street art at a construction site on Fifth Avenue in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter.
Images in the collage include Pete Rose and the 1919 World Series Black Sox Scandal.
Images in the collage include Pete Rose and the 1919 World Series Black Sox Scandal.
The MLB logo is transformed. A doping baseball player holds a syringe. Images also include Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa and Roger Clemens.
The MLB logo is transformed. A doping baseball player holds a syringe. Images also include Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa and Roger Clemens.
1919 is spray painted repeatedly on this bold street art in downtown San Diego.
1919 is spray painted repeatedly on this bold street art in downtown San Diego.
During the 1919 World Series, Chicago White Sox players were paid by gamblers to lose games.
During the 1919 World Series, Chicago White Sox players were paid by gamblers to lose games.
A collage of baseball scandals on a temporary construction wall in the Gaslamp Quarter.
A collage of baseball scandals on a temporary construction wall in the Gaslamp Quarter.

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Photos of a walk through Hillcrest’s Egyptian Quarter.

Architectural details on several of the Egyptian Quarter's buildings include pharaohs, scarabs and other surprising designs.
Architectural details on several of the Egyptian Quarter’s buildings include pharaohs, scarabs and other exotic designs. This photo was taken at the Pharaoh’s Court Apartments.

Last weekend I took a long looping walk through North Park. Many cool images are coming soon!

To reach North Park from downtown, I walked through a corner of Hillcrest called the Egyptian Quarter. When you take a look at the following photos, you’ll understand the origin of the unusual name.

These several blocks in San Diego were heavily influenced by the Egyptian Revival and Art Nouveau styles, which where very popular back in the 1920s. In recent years, businesses in the area have banded together to re-emphasize this neighborhood’s exotic identity. Walk anywhere near the corner of Park Boulevard and University Avenue, and you’re bound to think you’ve traveled back in time to ancient Egypt!

An ancient pharaoh seems to look over the Egyptian Quarter. One almost expects to see a pyramid nearby!
An ancient pharaoh seems to look over the Egyptian Quarter. One almost expects to see a pyramid nearby!
One of several trashcans on Park Boulevard and University Avenue painted with colorful Egyptian motifs.
One of several trashcans on Park Boulevard and University Avenue painted with colorful Egyptian motifs.
Cool Egyptian-themed street mural recently painted by local graffiti artist Fizix.
Cool Egyptian-themed street mural recently painted by local graffiti artist Fizix.
A stylish stained glass door in San Diego's unique Egyptian Quarter.
A stylish stained glass door at the Nile Apartments in San Diego’s unique Egyptian Quarter.
Unexpected cool sights abound in the Egyptian Quarter, located in Hillcrest at the geographic edge of North Park.
Unexpected cool sights abound in the Egyptian Quarter, located in Hillcrest at the geographic edge of North Park.

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Super cool mural in North Park at 30th and Gunn!

Super cool mural in North Park at the intersection of 30th Street and Gunn Street.
Super cool mural in North Park at the intersection of 30th Street and Gunn Street.

This morning, before the threatened rain could begin, I took a long walk through San Diego’s very cool North Park neighborhood. I took lots of pics! I’ll be sharing many of them in the days ahead.

I’ve often admired this super colorful mural while driving down 30th Street. As the years have passed, I’ve also noted that the images have changed. After a little searching on Google, I see this mural is part of the “North Park Mural Project” and I identified a few of the artists. Check out the captions!

Right panel of awesome North Park mural contains the word Esperanza, which is Spanish for Hope.
Right panel of awesome North Park mural contains the word Esperanza, which is Spanish for Hope.
Another section of the public artwork depicts a large red rose, among buildings and interesting patterns. Created by Kreashun.
Another section of this cool public artwork depicts a large red rose, among buildings and interesting patterns. Created by Kreashun.
Spray paint art by San Diego artist Maxx Moses. A character composed of many diverse elements, beneath the words Place Labels on Us From Childbirth.
Spray paint art by San Diego artist Maxx Moses. A character composed of many diverse elements, beneath the words Place Labels on Us From Childbirth.
A beautiful figure seems to pray in a wreath of roses.
A beautiful figure seems to pray in a wreath of roses.
A childlike blue face and long, colorful wavy hair, created by Gloria “GLOW” Muriel.
A childlike blue face and long, colorful wavy hair, created by Gloria “GLOW” Muriel.
This street art is on the same building. It reads Reality is Wrong. Dreams are for Real. Hooligan Arts.
This street art is on the same building. It reads Reality is Wrong. Dreams Are For Real. Hooligan Arts.
Cool street art at 30th and Gunn, part of the North Park Mural Project.
Cool street art at 30th and Gunn, part of the North Park Mural Project.

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History of Electricity on a cool OB mural!

Benjamin Franklin with his famous kite, and Thomas Edison, inventor of the light bulb and phonograph, are depicted on very unique mural in Ocean Beach.
Benjamin Franklin with his famous kite, and Thomas Edison, inventor of the light bulb and phonograph, are depicted on a very unique mural in Ocean Beach.

Here’s a cool (and somewhat unusual) mural that I spotted on a wall next to a parking lot in Ocean Beach. It’s called History of Electricity! Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Edison, Guglielmo Marconi and Alessandro Volta share the OB streets with images of pop culture icons and surfers!

This artwork was created by Janis Ambrosiani of Walls With A View. Take a look!

Janis Ambrosiani of Walls With A View painted History of Electricity in Ocean Beach. OB is a cool, laid-back neighborhood with lots of colorful street art.
Janis Ambrosiani of Walls With A View painted History of Electricity in Ocean Beach. OB is a cool, laid-back neighborhood with lots of colorful street art.
Guglielmo Marconi was instrumental in the development of the radio.
Guglielmo Marconi was instrumental in the development of the radio.
Alessandro Volta invented the electrical battery.
Alessandro Volta invented the electrical battery.
Electricity has become a modern necessity. Technology is the backbone of our day-to-day living and central feature of 21st century culture.
Electricity has become a modern necessity. Technology is the backbone of our day-to-day living and central feature of 21st century culture.

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Photos of street art on University Avenue in Hillcrest.

Super cool street art on side of building on University Avenue in Hillcrest.
Super cool street art on side of building on University Avenue in Hillcrest.

A month or so ago I enjoyed a pleasant walk down University Avenue in Hillcrest, a neighborhood just north of downtown San Diego. I spotted a whole bunch of colorful artwork, which I’d like to now share. In no particular order:

I don't know if this qualifies as street art, but I like this cool Jack in the Box sign.
I don’t know if this qualifies as street art, but I like this cool Jack in the Box sign.
Exist1981 street art on a corner of University Avenue in Hillcrest, San Diego.
Exist1981 street art on a corner of University Avenue in Hillcrest, San Diego.
Fun chalk art sign in front of Fiji Yogurt.
Fun chalk art sign in front of Fiji Yogurt.
Long blue hair becomes ocean surf. Artwork painted on California Coast Credit Union.
Long blue hair becomes ocean surf. Artwork painted on California Coast Credit Union.
A colorful image of wine and grapes seen during a walk through Hillcrest.
A colorful image of wine and grapes seen during a walk through Hillcrest.
Filter...Where good things happen!
Filter…Where good things happen!
More cool street art in Hillcrest has a mythical, possibly Egyptian appearance.
More cool street art in Hillcrest has a mythical, possibly Egyptian appearance.
I was told by a worker at this thrift store that the rainbow-like mural is a work in progress.
I was told by a worker at this thrift store that the rainbow-like mural is a work in progress.
This large bold spray paint mural on University Avenue is signed by artists Fizix, Revolver, Eyemax 2015.
This large bold spray paint mural on University Avenue is signed by artists Fizix, Revolver, Eyemax 2015.
This is the best photo I could get of a really long colorful mural along a rooftop. I see James Dean and Muttley!
This is the best photo I could get of a really long colorful mural along a rooftop. I see James Dean and Muttley!
Live a great story. Sticker on a utility box.
Live a great story. Sticker on a utility box.
A school of fish on an electrical transformer box.
A school of fish on an electrical transformer box.
A windtorn mountaintop meditation, face in hands.
A windtorn mountaintop meditation, face in hands.

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Early morning photos of a walk down Eighth Avenue.

Sunrise in downtown San Diego. Photo taken from Eighth Avenue and A Street.
Sunrise in downtown San Diego. Photo taken from Eighth Avenue and A Street.

Early yesterday morning I walked down Eighth Avenue, from the top of Cortez Hill to Petco Park. Here are a few random, interesting photos…

Blue Sky apartment tower under construction in downtown San Diego.
Blue Sky apartment tower under construction in downtown San Diego.
Cool street art visible from Eighth Avenue, south of Broadway.
Cool street art visible from Eighth Avenue, south of Broadway.
Early morning activity in front of Lucky D's Hostel.
Early morning activity in front of Lucky D’s Hostel.
Some faded utility box artwork on a sidewalk in San Diego's East Village.
Some faded utility box artwork on a sidewalk in San Diego’s East Village.
A boy jumps rope on one October morning in a downtown San Diego parking lot.
A boy jumps rope on one October morning in a downtown San Diego parking lot.
Birds in a row atop a street lamp. Bright clouds as day begins.
Birds in a row atop a street lamp. Bright clouds as day begins.
Surveyors have begun their work early in a parking lot beside Market Street. Another utility box with colorful street art.
Surveyors have begun their work early in a parking lot beside Market Street. Another utility box with colorful street art.
The recently completed Sempra building, just north of Petco Park, reflects clouds and blue sky in the morning.
The recently completed Sempra building, just north of Petco Park, reflects clouds and blue sky in the morning.
Worker inside old brick building that is being renovated. Cool posters in windows advertise Underground Elephant.
Worker inside old brick building that is being renovated. Cool posters in windows advertise Underground Elephant.

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