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You can call me SL, this is about living.  |
Artist Unknown
Istanbul, Turkey from my 2011 archive October 12, 2011 Street Art continued... Surprisingly, there is very little Street Art in Istanbul. I imagined beautiful stylized patterns and Arabic script. A complete naive fantasy. Nevertheless, for a major urban city, I would expect a lot more graffiti. The little amount of graffiti I have seen seems to be done by a handful of artists. This Istanbul version of "The Eye" is not exceptionally skillful, but the artist is committed to it which I respect. It is a bit fun and happy with its accentuated eyelashes and whimsical line quality. I found it in abundance on a quaint sloping cobblestone street that focuses on selling musical instruments. Taking an early morning walk gave me an opportunity to see the work on various roll gates that would otherwise be hidden during shopping hours. archives: Street Art, Travel |
rain washed chalk drawing Upper West Side Manhattan, NY from my 2011 archive September 8, 2011 Street Art continued... It looks like September is taking a cue from August and is producing rain nonstop. I came upon this rain washed chalk drawing on a sidewalk during a lighter moment of rain. As I prepared to take the picture, a man on his cell phone came and stood on top of the image. I kindly asked him to step aside, motioning to my camera. He looked at me, the camera, at the drawing, and laughed (evil Joker laugh). He mumbled something about the drawing not being there anymore. I begged to differ and proceeded with my photo as he looked on. I appreciate the faded quality of the image. The constant rain and the treading upon by passersby have given it an authenticity. The chalk melded into the sidewalk instead of remaining on the surface. Little does the "cell phone man" know that he likely enhanced the drawing. archives: Street Art |
Artist Unknown Williamsburg, NY from my 2011 archive September 1, 2011 Street Art continued... On a Brooklyn street filled with an abundance of graffiti, this piece caught my eye. It stood out amongst the rest, complementary colors will do that. I appreciate the piece being cut out, making it borderless and freeing it. I also like the use of gray tones with a restrained splash of green, it contrasts nicely with the blue construction fence. Andy Warhol was my first love during College. It is impossible to measure how many other artists he has inspired. I know it is many. archives: Street Art |
Roa's work (Title Unknown) altered by some local street artists
Astoria, NY from my 2011 archive August 2, 2011 Street Art continued... The Swede and I were walking to Costco (I love that place, sorry but I do) and he suggested we take a detour to see the updated Roa. I had been avoiding it, fearful that the work had been ruined. I am conflicted. The new additions are beautiful, but Roa's work is Roa's work and powerful on its own. Not sure if I like this version or the original. In the end, I realize they are two different works. I think it would be easier for me to swallow if I knew it was a collaboration. I doubt it and that bothers me. Perhaps I think it is disrespectful, although I think the new additions are done in a thoughtful way. As I said, I am conflicted. Street Art is temporal and I need to remember that. I guess that applies to most everything in life, to remember to live and appreciate things in the moment. archives: Street Art |
Brian Donnelly's "Companion (Passing Through)"
Meatpacking District, NY from my 2011 archive July 11, 2011 Street Art continued... Another clown, but this one is different. Not evil, not scary, not a Stephen King clown. This one is by the Artist, Brian Donnelly who also works under the moniker, KAWS. I can appreciate the posturing and expression of the sculpture. I have felt like this for the past week, and I will likely feel like this for the next two days. Starting today, there is a severe weather alert in effect from 10am through Tuesday at 9pm. The National Weather Service recommends: A heat advisory is issued for New York City when high humidity is expected to combine with hot temperatures to make it feel like it is at least 95 degrees for two consecutive days. Drink plenty of fluids...stay in an air-conditioned room...stay out of the sun...and check up on relatives and neighbors. Sigh... archives: Street Art |
graffiti artists at work
Astoria, NY from my 2011 archive 
tomato plant
Astoria, NY from my 2011 archive June 27, 2011 Over the weekend, a group of graffiti artists were at work changing murals near Plot95. Some new works were a welcome change, others were not. The majority of my favorite works were spared, which is great luck, however Roa's ferret/weasel is getting a new background. I did not stay long enough to see what the artists were painting, but I hope I will like it. Maybe I will even love it. I was also concerned that Peat Wollaeger's Statue of Liberty would be touched, luckily it was not. "The Eyez" on the door are, however, painted over with new work. It was a good reminder of the impermanence of Street Art, enjoy it while it lasts. I also received a surprise while walking around looking at the works in progress, a tomato plant. A tomato plant that was growing from a crack between a wall and the sidewalk. It gave me a smile to find it in the unlikeliest of places. It has been raining quite a bit, so I think it has a good chance at surviving and possibly setting fruit. I know that the wind takes seeds to other locations, but I always imagine this happens in open places, not urban areas with buildings. I like to think the seeds that gave this plant life are from the garden, one block away. A few summers ago, I complimented my Mother on her luscious and bushy tomato plants. I commented, "Wow, you planted tomatoes, they are huge." She replied, "Oh, no, I just threw (fresh) juice pulp out the door and they grew." archives: Garden, Street Art |
photo credit: I.Theorin, Peat Wollaeger's "Eye Love 1984!"
St. Louis, MO from 2011 June 16, 2011 Street Art continued... Mystery solved. The artist behind "The Eye" has been revealed. To make a long story short, The Swede was in St. Louis, Missouri for work and met someone who knows the artist. I have mixed feelings about finding out the artist's identity. He was my supposed to be "my new Banksy." The good thing is that Wollaeger sells his work on his website, so perhaps an artwork of his will make it into my collection one day. (Hint hint to anyone looking for present ideas for me.) He sells small panels from his "Eyez Series" for $40. They are currently sold out but be assured, I will keep checking (and hinting). archives: Street Art |
Urs Fischer's "Untitled, (Lamp/Bear)"
Midtown Manhattan, NY from my 2011 archive 
Urs Fischer's "Untitled, (Lamp/Bear)"
Midtown Manhattan, NY from my 2011 archive May 28, 2011 Street Art continued... I came across this giant Teddy Bear while running late for a meeting. Late or not, I could not resist stopping to take pictures of the giant cuddly sculpture. I quickly ran across the street and carefully snapped a few shots. As I ran off, I turned around to get one last look at the bear and spotted a standing information placard at the rear of the sculpture. I sprinted back, snapped the placard, and then ran off again. I am not sure of the building name, but I do remember many years ago there were oversized Christmas ornament balls displayed in the fountain during the holiday season. Each ornament was several feet in diameter and a shiny crimson color. I will have to remember to pass by this building from time to time to look out for future installations. The placard notes this is one work in an edition of two plus one artist's proof. I typically think of an artist's proof as a two dimensional work, usually a print, not an oversized sculpture. Nice to learn something new. It is refreshing to see such a colorful and lighthearted piece of art located in one of Manhattan's main thoroughfares. I am, however left wondering why the lamp cuts into the Teddy Bear's head...not sure how I feel about that. archives: Street Art |
The Wallnuts Crew's mural, left section
Long Island City, NY from my 2011 archive 
The Wallnuts Crew's mural, middle section
Long Island City, NY from my 2011 archive 
The Wallnuts Crew's mural, right section
Long Island City, NY from my 2011 archive May 19, 2011 Street Art continued... When I was a kid, I loved the circus, naturally since I was obsessed with animals. The first occupation I had professed to do when I grew up was to be "a cat catcher," which meant veterinarian. The stars of the circus were of course the clowns, perpetually smiling and oh so funny. I even liked the clown known as Ronald McDonald (I know, I know). All that changed when Stephen King's book, "It" became a movie. From that point, clowns became scary, evil, and something to fear. I have never really looked at them the same, even now as an adult. While out biking, I came across this circus themed mural by "The Wallnuts Crew." I definitely think the clowns in this mural belong in the "It" category. The mural is massive in scale and executed skillfully with beautiful bold colors. It lies in an alley that is the type portrayed in movies as the one you do not enter. Likely, it is an innocent alley, but the clowns got my imagination running...I think it is time for someone to make a new film about nice clowns, ones without razor sharp teeth and who do not terrorize others. archives: Street Art |
photo credit: I.Theorin, Artist Unknown
South Slope, NY from 2011 
photo credit: I.Theorin, Artist Unknown
South Slope, NY from 2011 May 13, 2011 Street Art continued... "The Eye" strikes again. I am still not sure who the artist is behind the eyes. And I am still fine with it being a mystery. Judging from the discoloration around the farthest left eye, there must have been a fourth tire at some point. I wonder if the artist put the tires there, then painted the eyes, or vice versa. Probably the latter, it does look like a loading dock...so where is that fourth tire? Hmmm...well, does not matter. Loving that the artist is making work using found objects. Clever. archives: Street Art |
Banksy's works
Notting Hill London, UK from my 2006 archive April 27, 2011 Street Art continued... In anticipation of The Royal Wedding, I am sharing work from Banksy. He is after all British, and has made work using THE QUEEN as inspiration...wonder if he is invited to the wedding... Back in 2006, on my first trip to London, I had the opportunity to buy a Banksy for £200. I was in the Tate Modern gift shop, and nestled in amongst other posters were original silkscreened works by him. I was shocked to find them there because (1) he was a street artist and (2) he was still relatively unknown. I had only known of him through a friend who had studied abroad in London for a semester several years prior. I debated between one poster with a young girl hugging a bomb and another which was similar to the Chimpanzees shown above except they said, "Laugh now, but one day we'll be in charge." The works were not signed and I hesitated. I emailed two artist friends back home and asked for their advice. One said it did not matter, the other said it did. I ended up not buying either one. I cannot describe the regret I have felt over the years at my poor choice. The initial £200 investment would have been the best return on any investment I have ever made. It would likely be valued at tens of thousands of dollars or pounds today. So, next time I get the opportunity to buy work from an artist before their fame skyrockets, I promise myself not to hesitate. At the very least, I would have had an artwork which I loved. I have also wondered all the years if the posters were placed there as a stunt, by Banksy himself. archives: Street Art |
photo credit: I.Theorin, the "Chelseamobile"
Chelsea, NY from 2011 April 14, 2011 All that sparkles and shines. I am calling this the "Chelseamobile." While waiting to cross the street, I spotted this car coming from afar (how could you not, it announced itself). The Swede had the camera, so I shouted to him, "Hurry, hurry, the camera, that car, that one, get a picture." He quickly got it out and panned the camera while the car drove by, the technique worked. Good job. Just when you think New York can get a little mundane (I realize what I am saying, but it can), something surprises you. Safe driving, the reflection off that car must be blinding. archives: Street Art |
Roa's work (Title Unknown)
Williamsburg, NY from my 2011 archive 
Roa's work (Title Unknown)
Astoria, NY from my 2011 archive April 5, 2011 Street Art continued... I used to think a work near my community garden by the Street Artist Roa was of a rat. I was wrong. I went back recently to take a better photo of it, and I realized it is a badger, I mean ferret...according to The Swede. Now he thinks it could be a weasel, who really knows. I came to the conclusion it was not a rat after noticing its tail, which is cut off in the photo because of that van. I was lucky however, normally cars are completely obstructing its lower half. On an outing to get coffee from my home state, The Swede and I came across another of Roa's work in Brooklyn. I was able to get the shot of the squirrel just as the sun was going down. By the time I finished taking six or seven photos, it was nearly dark out. The shots nearly made us miss our chance to get coffee. When we arrived, they had closed. Persistence paid off, I knocked on the glass door and convinced them to let me at least buy a bag of beans. Thank you Blue Bottle. archives: Street Art |
Artist Unknown, Astoria, NY from my 2011 archive
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Artist Unknown
Astoria, NY from my 2011 archive |
photo credit: I.Theorin, Artist Unknown
South Slope, NY from 2011 |
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March 20, 2011
Street Art continued... Look what appeared, artwork from the same Street Artist I discovered last month. The name of the artist remains a mystery to me. I kind of like it that way, (s)he is "my new Banksy." I came across two works walking home from the garden, and a few days later The Swede found another work in the South Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn. I hope to see a lot more of this artist's work and to discover what other neighborhoods/cities/states/countries are adorned with it. archives: Street Art |
Manhattan Union Square, NY from my 2011 archive
March 11, 2011 Street Art continued... Normally street art or graffiti on a truck will not particularly catch my eye. In an overloaded visual culture, it is just another thing that whizzes by in my periphery. But I have noticed that for some reason or another, work done on a truck is not typically as masterful as a piece you will see on a wall or some other stationary object. My guess is that the artist wants to be able to go back and see their work from time to time. Upon exiting the subway on a extremely windy, dark, and rainy night, this truck instantly caught my eye. It stood on the street aglow from a nearby street lamp, and the colors popped in contrast to the dark and wet asphalt. It was lovely. If you notice the woman in the upper left corner of the frame, she was probably looking down and laughing...I was taking the picture with one hand while my umbrella whipped around violently in the other. Anything for a picture, right? archives: Street Art |
Artist Unknown, Chelsea Gallery District, NY from my 2011 archive 
Artist Unknown, Chelsea Gallery District, NY from my 2011 archive 
Space Invader piece (Pacman Ghost in green)
Chelsea Gallery District, NY from my 2011 archive February 13, 2011 Street Art My love affair with Street Art continues. The image above is of Space Invader's (French Street Artist, real name unknown) work on the wall of Comme des Garçons's building on West 22nd between 10th and 11th Avenue. Would it be wrong to climb up there and take it for my Collection? Not going to happen, wishful thinking. archives: Street Art |
Upstate New York from my 2009 archive January 15, 2011 Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day! Wishing everyone a great holiday weekend. The month of January signals the New Year and hopes of fresh starts. But it is also a reminder of the long and bitter cold winter days that lie ahead when you live on the east coast. I am already dreaming of warm (but unfortunately humid), long summer days in the garden. archives: Street Art, Miscellaneous |
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