This building was built in 1965 as a branch of the long time defunct Western Savings and Loan. It now houses a branch of the Bank of America. The panels on either side reflect the optimism of a booming economy through agriculture and industry. The architect was Ralph Wyatt and sculptor was Frank Martin an associate of Wyatt’s.
Up until just weeks ago, this building was a stark white. I took many photos of it before but, all that white and the brilliant Arizona sun made it difficult to get a photo that depicts those sculptures. I’m not sure I like the new color but, it was easier to photograph this way.
These sculptures look like something from the art deco period of the 1930's rather than the 1960's.
ReplyDeleteWorkers in Arizona should never work with their shirts off, as these workers are doing. Their skin could never withstand the sun.
Today, rather than an industrial scene, they should show a worker sitting at a computer.
I rather like the new colour.
ReplyDeleteThe new colour is probably easier on the eyes too. Ilike the sculptures that celebrates some important aspects of our culture, esp since local agriculture is making an important come-back!!
ReplyDeleteThe new color blends nicely with the desert. The sculptures almost look Egyptian (to me, anyway!)
ReplyDeleteKind of a desert tan color now...I'm trying to imagine it white...hmmm...I think the white would be more dramatic...
ReplyDeleteNice shots, though. Very interest historically, too.
Love this. I think architecture should go retro.
ReplyDeleteNice sculptures.
ReplyDeletevery nice. i had not seen those. I used to love the art and design of western savings
ReplyDeleteFunny! I was just discussing bas relief sculptures this AM.
ReplyDeleteI like them, they add interest to an otherwise plain box building. You did a good job capturing the sculptures.
ReplyDeleteI love these sculptures - they sure look like 1920s or 30s rather than the 60s!
ReplyDeleteI agree, the new color blends with the desert better, the white is colder.
ReplyDeleteThese are interesting. No, the '60s were not a time when figures like this were common. It is kind of idiosyncratic. I agree with your commenters who are kind to the new color. It seems that it blends in better and is probably easier on the eyes than white would be.
ReplyDeleteI imagine that the sculptures would have looked starker in white. They remind me of Soviet Russia.
ReplyDeleteLove both! I would say these were older and yes, they have that soviet look.
ReplyDeletegreat sculptures.
ReplyDeleteSuch a modern look to them. I agree about the color, but white is just too hard to shot in our Arizona sun.
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