Tag: urban art

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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Before I Die: chalk street art dreams in Hillcrest.

People walk down a Hillcrest sidewalk past chalk street art desires.
People walk down a Hillcrest sidewalk past chalk street art dreams.

Human dreams are wildly varied and ever-changing. I saw proof of this in Hillcrest. Dozens of desires have been documented at a street corner on University Avenue, written in chalk on what appears to be a very large chalkboard. People passing by have paused for a moment to write what they would like to accomplish before they die.

This dynamic neighborhood, just north of downtown San Diego, is youthful and worldly. Those who’ve chosen to contribute to this participative street art have listed many dreams. Some are crude, some are desperate, some are erased.  Some are possible, some are impossible.  Some are profound. The absurd and the serious mingle together. Some dreams are mere whims, other dreams are ambitious. Some are selfish, some are unselfish.

Before I die I want to... Hunt mud ducks. Feel I am worthy.
Before I die I want to… Hunt mud ducks. Feel I am worthy.
Save the world. Make love. Visit Paris. Meet my biological parents.
Save the world. Make love. Visit Paris. Meet my biological parents.
Publish a book. Drink one more drink.
Publish a book. Drink one more drink.
Find hidden treasure. Find Waldo.
Find hidden treasure. Find Waldo.
People walk toward Alibi as they review reasons for living.
People walk toward Alibi as they review reasons for living.

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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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Life, art, food and home on National Avenue.

Awesome street art on a chiropractic office near Cesar Chavez Pkwy.
Awesome street art on a chiropractic office near Cesar Chavez Pkwy in Barrio Logan.

I have some time off from work, so I’m able to do a little more weekday walking than usual. Yesterday I wandered through a gritty but fascinating neighborhood near downtown that’s a bit off the beaten track. A stretch of National Avenue runs through a narrow section of the city between Logan Heights and downtown San Diego, directly east of the rail and trolley yards; I walked from Imperial Avenue to Cesar E. Chavez Parkway, then back.

The area contains many car repair shops, welding shops, warehouses, and other small businesses which occupy modest, often decayed buildings. In a few places, groups of homeless had gathered. Small, neglected shanty-like houses are interspersed with elegant historic old homes and newer apartment buildings. Yet vibrant life was active everywhere. And everyone I met gave me a friendly greeting!

Cool mural on residential building features an eagle, cacti, palm trees.
Cool mural on residential building features an eagle, cacti, palm trees.
Quaint narrow house on National Avenue near downtown San Diego.
Quaint narrow house on National Avenue near downtown San Diego.
Portion of colorful graffiti in a weedy space between buildings.
Portion of colorful graffiti in a weedy space between buildings.
This very cool mural caught my eye as I walked down the street. It's on Logan Avenue, one block from National Avenue.
This very cool mural caught my eye as I walked down the street. It’s on Logan Avenue, a couple blocks from National Avenue.
Plaque on La Entrada project explains reconstructed Mission Revival facade.
Plaque on La Entrada project explains reconstructed Mission Revival facade.
The Mission Revival facade on La Entrada apartments is an homage to the neighborhood's history.
The Mission Revival facade on La Entrada apartments is an homage to the region’s history.
Local vendor is selling tamales under a canopy by the sidewalk.
Local vendor is selling tamales under a canopy by the sidewalk.
Mother's Nutritional Center helps local low-income women with young children.
Mother’s Nutritional Center helps local low-income women with young children.
A soccer ball on utility box by a small local market known for their sub sandwiches.
A soccer ball on utility box by a small local market known for their sub sandwiches.
One word on this old wall says it all--Life.
One word on this fantastic old wall says it all: Life.

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Cool sights from a walk down Seventh Avenue.

Several faces line the bottom of a closed shop window.
Several faces line the bottom of a downtown window.

Yesterday morning I walked south on Seventh Avenue through a thin slice of downtown San Diego. I began at the tippy top of Cortez Hill and ended near Petco Park. Looking about for random cool sights, just swinging my camera right or left, I took a few pics…

Classic figures in a frieze on a building at the corner of Seventh and C Street. The cool Computer Museum of America used to be here.
Classic figures in a frieze on a building at the corner of Seventh and C Street. The cool Computer Museum of America used to be here.
View of the iconic America's Finest City mural from a spot on Seventh Avenue.
View of the iconic America’s Finest City mural from a spot on Seventh Avenue.
Happy reveler painted at the corner of Seventh and E Street.
Happy reveler painted at the corner of Seventh and E Street.
More cool street art on some boxes at Seventh and F Street.
More cool street art on some boxes at Seventh and F Street.
Fun utility box artwork seen during a walk down Seventh Avenue in downtown San Diego.
Fun utility box street art photographed during a morning walk through downtown San Diego.
The images might be weathered, but the playful spirit remains strong.
The images might be weathered, but the playful spirit remains strong.
Gigantic eye stares out window at me as I continue to walk south down Seventh Avenue.
Gigantic eye stares out of one window at me as I continue to walk south down Seventh Avenue.
The Clermont/Coast Hotel, built in 1887, is a Black Historic Site. During the days of racial segregation, is was one of the largest colored hotels in downtown San Diego.
The Clermont/Coast Hotel, built in 1887, is a Black Historic Site. During the days of racial segregation, is was one of the largest “colored” hotels in downtown San Diego.
Seventh Avenue has turned into Tony Gwynn Drive. With the new Padres baseball season, brand new graphics have appeared on the sign behind Petco Park’s big videoboard.
Seventh Avenue has turned into Tony Gwynn Drive. With the new Padres baseball season, brand new graphics have appeared on the sign behind Petco Park’s big videoboard.
Poster inside Omni Hotel window looks forward to San Diego's 2016 All-Star Game.
Poster inside Omni Hotel window looks forward to San Diego’s 2016 All-Star Game.
Sweeping the front of Lucky's Lunch Counter early one weekday morning.
Sweeping the front of Lucky’s Lunch Counter early one weekday morning.

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The dramatic faces of Ion Theatre’s street mural.

Dramatic faces compose Ion Theatre's complex outdoor mural. The photos are taken from past productions.
Dramatic faces compose Ion Theatre’s complex outdoor mural. The photos are taken from past productions.

I walked past the Ion Theatre in Hillcrest early this afternoon. I’d planned to take some pics of their cool new street mural, which I’d seen several times while heading up Sixth Avenue.

Not only did I get photos of the mural, but I caught some folks setting up for the Ion Theatre Company’s big outdoor I’ll Take Manhattan gala!

The eye-popping black-and-white photomosaic, I was told, is composed of images from Ion’s 72 productions over their 10 years of history. Ion Theatre has become an important cultural presence in San Diego. According to their mission statement, they are dedicated to “forging bold, vital, diverse new work…powerful, provocative new plays from emerging playwrights… (and reimagining) classics using the lens of theatrical innovation…”

Support local artists and check out their website!

A visual mosaic of human stories dazzles the viewer.
This mosaic containing many human stories dazzles the eye.
Ion's parking lot becomes the unique setting for a fundraising gala.
Ion’s parking lot becomes the unique setting for a fundraising event.
I'm told this image is from Ion Theatre's latest play, Kin.
I’m told this image is from Ion Theatre’s most recent play, Kin.
Jumbled emotions seen from the street become more potent when approached.
Jumbled emotions seen from the street become more potent when approached.
Countless expressions on faces that are turned in all directions.
Countless expressions on faces that are turned in all directions.
This is a one very engaging piece of urban art!
This is an extremely engaging piece of urban art!
Ion Theatre and its mural are located in San Diego's Hillcrest neighborhood.
Ion Theatre and its mural are located in San Diego’s Hillcrest neighborhood.
A timeworn face on a city wall that, too, will soon become weathered.
A timeworn face on an ordinary city wall that, too, will soon become weathered.
Setting up for a special gala in the small parking lot.
Setting up for a special gala in the small parking lot.
The Ion Theatre Company provides a cool sight for my camera!
The Ion Theatre Company provides a cool sight for my camera!

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Don’t Believe the Hype painted on Horton Plaza!

A shopper standing on the asphalt braces against a Horton Plaza parking lot wall. Others have climbed up onto her shoulders.
A shopper standing on the asphalt braces against a Horton Plaza parking lot wall. Others have climbed up onto her shoulders.
People mount higher and higher like circus performers, trying to get a glimpse over the wall. Something wonderful must await on the other side!
People mount higher and higher like circus performers, trying to get a glimpse over the wall. Something wonderful must await on the other side!
This stack of humanity is beginning to resemble the Tower of Babel. I hope they don't fall!
This stack of humanity is beginning to resemble the Tower of Babel. I hope they don’t fall!
Don't believe the hype! That's some mighty tall street art!
Don’t believe the hype! That’s some mighty tall street art!

This impressive street art is visible on the south side of the Horton Plaza shopping mall, on G Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue. It was painted in 2010 by Brazilian graffiti artists Os Gemeos, which is Portuguese for The Twins. The artists, who were breakdancers before they started painting graffiti almost 30 years ago, have become quite a sensation! The project was sponsored and promoted by the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. But should we believe the hype?

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It’s always sunny in Hillcrest!

I believe in rollerblading! More fun utility box art in a San Diego neighborhood.
I believe in rollerblading. More fun utility box art in a San Diego neighborhood.

At the corner of Fifth and Spruce is a convenience store. Stop here on a sunny day and you can do more than grab a bag of chips. You can enjoy two colorful examples of street art!

It's always sunny in Hillcrest! (Follow the arrow. This is in Bankers Hill.)
It’s always sunny in Hillcrest!

To be exact, this is Bankers Hill. Hillcrest begins at Upas Street, a couple blocks to the north. I suppose that’s why someone drew an arrow.

Harsh angular shadow eclipses pastoral mural painted on a parking lot wall.
Dark shadow can’t harm this joyful street mural painted on a parking lot wall.
Magical fairy, flowers and tree behind dumpster. A touch of charming creativity in the city.
Magical fairy, flowers and tree behind dumpster. A touch of charming creativity in the city.

UPDATE!

Years later, I noticed the tooth fairy had magically appeared! (I believe the building with the mural is home to a dentist.)

IMG_8742z

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Three sides of fun now served by silly blogger.

Squid with top hat and cane entertains passersby on a Hillcrest utility box.
Squid with top hat and cane entertains passersby on a painted Hillcrest utility box.

I can be lazy. When I began this blog I was often lazy. On a fine October day back in 2013…I was lazy.

I blogged about one funny image on a utility box in Hillcrest. But every side of the box is covered with entertaining street art. Silly me. Time to rectify the problem…

This alien came to Earth for a martini.
This alien came to Earth for a martini.
Lady in kimono enjoys hot tea by a volcano in San Diego.
Lady in kimono enjoys hot tea by a volcano.

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