archiTEXTUREal
homage to downtown los angeles
the many textures of frank gehry’s disney hall and environs…
textural treasures revealed…
Siting Santa Monica: Stumbling Upon Art
Siting Santa Monica: Stumbling Upon Art
Walking in Santa Monica yields beauty and discovery, as well as the unexpected revelation: all manner of art that somehow just happens to be there, as you turn the corner, cross the street, peak into front yard, or stride past a chain link fence. Who has made these things…has these ideas, puts their creations out on the street for the rest of us to be surprised by, revel in, and adore? Above, the “yarn bombers” send out a supportive message and wish to all who walk by and take the time to see it, on 17th Street near Olympic.
This beautiful elephant welcomes walkers on the Southeast corner of Idaho Street (or is it Washington?) somewhere between 17th and 25th Streets.
Adjacent, an all seeing eye is looking at you, kid.
A silvery car decal brings to mind the image of a lotus. Parked at 17th and Wilshire.
I have shared this one a number of times before…magnificent painting on a front gate…somewhere between Wilshire and Montana Street.
Fascinating use of crushed cans…which become a mosaic surface of a building in someone’s artful hands, somewhere south of Wilshire, and west of 17th Street..
I saw this while driving in an area south of Olympic Boulevard, in the Pico neighborhood (as I recall), and was blown away. I had to park, get out, and document this novel use of teapots!
The use of flamingos and butterflies in this yard makes me think of Florida…someone created their own wonderland, visible to and thus shared with those walking northwards towards Montana Street…but on which block, I could not say. Part of the fun is stumbling upon these treasures, and then stumbling on them again.
I saw this leaf on the sidewalk, somewhere south of Wilshire, near 17th…and was struck by its gradated color. Nature’s paintbrush is a hard act to follow, but I am glad the neighbors are trying!
Thank you for the magic, and the transformation of the every day, to remind us that there is no such thing as the “every day”…every day!
Sighting Santa Monica II: Pictogram
Siting Santa Monica II: Pictogram
Behold the visual poetry of a surprisingly mufti-faceted beach town…
First things first….bagels on Wilshire….
Mosaic mural juxtaposed with slatted building…packs the punch
Beach architecture…Santa Monica style…
Ahhh…do we have both the male and the female principal equally represented?
A different take on the design of the Hanukkah Menorah…
Curvilinear…indeed!
What sightings have YOU had lately?
If you feel so inclined, please share them with us here.
We love to hear from YOU.
Remember, we are all sighting this thing called Life, together.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND PEACE AND BLESSINGS TO YOU FOR THE NEW YEAR!
Niki, Too
Niki, Too
Poet and Muse
Mosaic sculpture by Niki de St. Phalle., near the entrance to the Mingei International Museum, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA
Who is the Poet, and Who is the Muse? Does the Poet hold up the Muse, or vica versa? Both are monumental, in Niki’s eyes.
“My feet’s too big….” Not in Niki’s eyes, or hands. Certainly not in her soul.
Nikigator
Mosaic sculpture by Niki de St. Phalle., also adjacent to the Mingei International Museum in San Diego’s Balboa Park.
The elaborate, fantastical “Nikigator” provides fun and fantasy for the young at heart. thrilling their imaginations.
Who needs a playground, when you have a Nikigator?
Too friendly to be ferocious? OR, Too ferocious to be friendly? An easy or uneasy balance between the two?
The Nikigator is encrusted with brilliant “Niki “gems”…
…wild and fantastical designs and patterns that adorn her extravagant creatures…
And delight our souls.
What is your response to “Niki”?
If you feel so inspired, please share it with us here. We love to hear from you.
Remember, we are all creating this thing called Life, together.
Here’s to Imagination…Creativity…DeLight….
Listen “Charlotte Talks“…all about Nikki…her daughter and granddaughter share about this wondrous being… and .prepare to be inspired!
Niki’s Magical World
Niki’s Magical World
Queen Califia, I presume?!
Niki de Saint Phalle, French sculptor, painter, and film maker, was an amazing and inspirational female artist of the 20th Century. Born Catherine-Marie-Agnès Fal de Saint Phalle on 29 October 1930, she graced our world with her presence until 21 May 2002. She continues to grace it still through her extraordinary works which live on in parks, plazas, gardens and public spaces, free for all the world to see, enjoy and celebrate.
Please feast your eyes on these glorious, texture and color-encrusted beings, photographed in Niki’s Queen Califia’s Magical Circle, located in the Sankey Arboretum of Kit Carson Park, in the City of Escondido, near San Diego, CA. As stated on her website, the artist drew much of its imagery from her interpretations of early California history, myth, and legend, Native Americans and Meso-American culture and the study of indigenous plant and wildlife. Bravo, Niki!
Approaching the Magic
Entering the Magical Circle
Goddess…Totem…
Beings of the Circle
Relating…
Interacting…
Myriad of Mosaics
Magnificent use of Materials
Radiant Color
A le prochaine Niki… Shine on…
Have you ever seen a real “Niki”? What does her work say to you?
If you feel so inspired, share your response with us here. We love to hear from you.
Remember, we are all responding to this thing called Life, together.
Listen “Charlotte Talks“…all about Nikki…her daughter and granddaughter share about this wondrous being… and prepare to be inspired!
Artissima - Blog of ArtiFactory Studio 