The Blue Lady

 

Just around the corner from the mural I posted last Monday was another neighborhood mural.  This one depicts a blue lady with flowing pink hair.  The signature on this mural is Prime After Prime but I couldn't find any information about an artist that goes by that name.  

Taking part in Monday Murals.  

Stalled or Just Slow?

 

Last weekend, I took another photo of what remains of Copenhaver Castle on the south side of Camelback Mountain.  The first time I featured this Phoenix landmark was back in 2008  when I told about its origins.  The original owner went bankrupt and the castle sat empty for a number of years.  In 2012 a new owner purchased it for 1.45 million dollars.  The new owner's plans were to stabilize it and refurbish it.  That was in 2012.

Here is what it looked like in March of 2017 when I photographed it.  You can see those steel beams protruding from the tall windows.  It looked like the reinforcements had started.  

This is a photo I took on November 17, 2019, almost exactly one year ago.  If I compare this photo to the top photo that I took on November 21st, just last weekend, it looks like nothing has happened for at least one year.  I did some digging online to see if I could find out why.  The only thing I found was that back in 2016 the neighbors got a little upset with the owner and filed several complaints about debris and other things.  It's obvious that more construction has happened since those complaints but I'm wondering what seems to have slowed things now.  Maybe it's just issues because of the pandemic.  However, a quote from one neighbor in the article about the complaints said "He's destroying Camelback Mountain.  It's not going to end well."  That sounds rather ominous.  

I have a new post on Sharon's Sojourns today.  This time it's Rothenburg ob der Tauber.  

A Few Odds and Ends

 

I have a few odd shots today.  Just some random things I've spotted over the last few weeks.  First up is a pretty red leaf that fell to the ground.  I'm not sure what caused the leaf to turn that color because all the trees around here are still green.  It must have wanted to stand out from the crowd.  

This wall surrounds someone's yard and I just liked the way they have planted cactus and flowers on the outside to make the wall look nice.  

Here is a rather unusual cloud formation that I spotted a couple of weeks ago.  It has a rather sinister look to it but no rain or wind ever developed.  

I saw this car in the lane next to me a few weeks ago when I noticed the plate indicating that it was brand new.  That's when I also noticed the RR emblem on the back.  I have never seen a Rolls Royce with this body style before.  

I spotted this "air-bag character" just last weekend.  He was on a corner to attract attention for a yard sale.  Do you see these crazy, dancing "air-bag" creatures where you live?  They are used quite often here to attract attention for a business. This was the first one I've seen in a tux and top hat.  

Old Shoes....New Art

 

Here are two more art pieces from the exhibit called "Reclaimed" at the Shemer Art Center.  Both of these pieces are by Shari Keith.  This one is called "Female".

This second one is called "Assemblage".  These both are very well designed.  There is something about the neatness of the patterns that attracted me.  

Things To Be Thankful For

 

Today is Thanksgiving here in the United States and it got me to thinking about things I am personally thankful for.  Given how awful the year 2020 has been, it took me a few minutes to come up with my list.  So, here goes....

• I'm thankful that 2020 is coming to an end even though much of the world's problems will still be with us, there is new hope on the horizon that progress can be made.
• I'm thankful for the few brave elected or appointed officials who stood up for truth, civility and fairness while lies, acrimony and stupidity seemed to be the order of the day.
• I'm thankful that my two sisters both made it through serious health issues recently and are having a happy and healthy Thanksgiving Day today.
• I'm thankful for my close friends who have found new and fun ways to stay in touch and to make this current physical isolation feel more like a moveable feast.
• I'm thankful for my blogging community.  I get to take a little virtual trip around the world every day. Your photos and words always inspire me. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Turning Trash Into Art

 

I've got two more pieces of art from the Shemer Art Gallery's exhibit called "Reclaimed".  Above is a piece by artist Shari Keith called "Snack Food Triptych".  

Here's a close up segment.  It's made from fused snack food bags and wrappers.  The pieces of the bags and wrappers appear to be fused to little pieces of aluminum.  It certainly makes colorful patterns.

And, speaking of patterns, here is another piece with a similar look.  The artist for this one is Heidi Dauphin and it's called "10 x 10 x10 = 1000".

Here is a close-up of this one.  It's composed of colorful squares which might be pieces of painted wood and each square is covered with tiny objects.  

Two more very clever and attractive pieces that would look great hanging on a wall almost anywhere.

"Reclaimed"

 

On Saturday I visited the Shemer Art Gallery to see an exhibit called "Reclaimed".  It's all about art made from recycled (or as they call it, up cycled) items to create unique and interesting art pieces.  This piece is called "Navajo Nation" by artist Chuck LaVoie.  As you can tell, it's made from old license plates but not just any plates but only Arizona and New Mexico plates.  Both states where the Navajo Nation exists.

I wanted to see this exhibit because one of the members of our Art Challenge Group has two pieces in the show.  Tim Keneipp had the above sculpture called "Curl" made from heavy steel and wood.  Tim is a master at creating all kinds of interesting pieces from scraps of metal and wood.

His second piece was this one called "Into the Woods: Where Do We Go From Here?".  This piece is composed from wood, steel and copper.  

The Shemer Art Gallery is a very small art space that I've featured on this blog a few times before.  This show turned out to be a lot bigger than I expected.  Over 40 artists had pieces on display and they were all so clever and creative.  I'll show you a few more tomorrow.

Neighborhood Mural

 

I found this mural in a residential neighborhood near downtown Phoenix.  It was on a long wall next to a house.  It's signed by BacPac which the same artist that painted the mural at Gateway Community College that I featured last year.  I'm finding more and more murals in residential areas.  

Taking part in Monday Murals.  

November Art Challenge

 

My Art Challenge group met last Friday evening and you might remember that the theme was "Butterfly".  My entry was a photo I recently posted on this blog back in September when the 1st of the month theme was "Favorite Photo".  I knew that string of monarch butterflies was perfect for the theme so that was my official entry.  

The one to the left was an additional piece I did for the event just for fun.

I recently found this art book tucked away in a closet.  I bought it in an art gallery gift shop years ago and I can't even remember where or when.  It contains a lot of numbered image frames and then pages of numbered stickers that you peel off and then put on the matching number of the framework.  One of the patterns was for a butterfly on a flower so I put it together.  

Then I photographed the resulting piece and used some editing tools to brighten the colors and give it a nice background.  It was fun!  

The sticker art is a bit tedious but I enjoyed doing it nonetheless.  

I have a new post on Sharon's Sojourns today.  I'm visiting a place that is known all over the world as a busy place.

Tickle Tickle

 

My friend Glenda moved into her new house back in late May.  You might remember when I posted photos of the spiral staircase that had to be lifted into place. I didn't get to see the completed house until the beginning of October when I finally made a safely distanced visit.  I fell in love with her office space where she has all of her animal accessories and photos.  Visiting that room is like a mini safari.  

At the end of October, I made a second visit and that's when I saw the little elephant carving she had sitting on top of one of the photos.  It had been moved slightly and now looks like the elephant is tickling the lion on the top of its head.  It made me smile.  

Apartments In Between the Houses

 

When I was driving around looking for a certain mural near downtown, I saw this apartment building squeezed into a small lot between two houses.  I liked the look of the building but I have to admit those windows and balconies on the front would be better suited to a place with a view.  I can see a building like this sitting across from a park or a beach or maybe at the top of hill looking into a valley.  Wouldn't an ocean view be perfect for this place?

Rain Lily

 

I spotted this pretty flower at the Desert Botanical Garden way back in January and I had no idea what it was.  It was growing in a very odd place with no identifying sign.  I figured it was just growing there voluntarily and not part of any planned planting.  A few months ago when I visited my friend Julie at her house I saw one blooming in her yard and asked what it was.  She said it's called a rain lily.

Last Saturday when I was at the garden for my walk, I noticed that same plant in the exact same location and blooming again.  As you can see from this shot, it is kind of hidden behind some other plants but it does not seem deterred.  It's still producing pretty pink flowers.

Up Close or Far Away

 

I have posted photos from the SkySong campus many times before but I was reminded of this place last Saturday when I took my walk at the Desert Botanical Garden.

When I climbed the trail to the high point at the garden, I noticed that I could see the top of those sails from far away.  I hadn't realized that I could see that white framework from so far away.

So I took a drive over to the campus to see how much it has grown.  There is now a hotel there and these new apartments.  

As the new buildings go up, it gets harder to get a clear view of that white shade structure.  I did a little research to learn more about that distinctive feature.  I found out that it is 50,000 square feet and covers the intersection of two roads in the heart of this complex.  It's made of PTFE glass fabric.  So what is that? I found out it is Polytetrafluoroethylene.  Apparently that is a synthetic fabric broadly related to teflon.  

By the way, SkySong is an innovative facility of Arizona State University.  ASU partners with  businesses creating a variety of innovative products.  Tenants here are provided direct access to relevant research and educational opportunities.  It's growing like crazy so it must be a successful partnership.  

 

Horses and Coaches

 

There is a house I drive past whenever I head up to the north Scottsdale area that has had these figures in the front yard for as long as I can remember.  

On one side of the yard is the horse pulling the coach and on the other side are these two horses.  The one that is rearing up looks like it would like find greener pastures.  

Famous Faces

 

Last Monday I had a photo of mural that has been painted over.  Just across from that former abstract mural is this one that still remains on the side of the building where the Sun Up brewery makes its beer.  There are quite a few famous faces in this one.  Do you spot anyone you know?  The artist for this one is Gregory Bucher.  

Taking part in Monday Murals.

Time for a Long Walk

 

I went for a long walk at the Desert Botanical Garden yesterday.  I expected it to be pretty quiet but I didn't know it was a "dog day" and there were quite a lot of people walking their dogs.  However, everyone wore masks and kept their distance so it was okay.  I noticed that someone had done a little 'decorating' at one of the fountains.  It looks like someone was practicing making cairns.  

There were quite a few butterflies enjoy the plant called appropriately, butterfly mist.

It was great to be outside enjoying the fresh air, sunshine and scenery.  We had a sudden drop in temperatures about a week and a half ago.  We went from the 100's to the 50's and 60's in a matter of hours.  That was quite a shock to my system.  I've been bundled up in sweaters for a week so it was good to get out without a sweater.  We are supposed to be approaching more normal winter temps this week.

I have a new post on Sharon's Sojourns today.  I'm visiting a rocky part of Arizona.

Revisiting a Historic Building

 

I haven't posted photos of this building in a few years and The Lois Grunow Memorial Clinic is always a great photography subject.  

The first time I posted a photo of this building was in January of 2009.  If you look at that post, read the last two guest comments.  They are from people with connections to the place.

Three years ago, I posted photos from inside the building and the gorgeous lobby.  

Every time I drive by this building, I glance that way to admire that wonderful bas-relief facade.  The building dates back to 1931.

Southwest Architecture

 

It's been a while since I've featured some photos of our southwestern architecture.  This office building in Scottsdale fits that description perfectly.  There is no denying the distinctive style.

If I wander around the building, I find all kinds of ways to admire that wonderful pueblo styling and brilliant color.  

Attention Getting Businesses

 

Here are a few businesses that have caught my eye.  Above is a new music store in Scottsdale.  I loved the keyboard on the awning but I wondered why they didn't paint all the panels like that. I think it needs a full keyboard.

To the left is "CARVANA" a car "vending machine".  Do you have one of these near you?  I hear they have locations all over.  The idea is supposed to be an easy way to buy a car with no haggling or negotiating and easy financing.  One of these days, I'd like to get a photo of this place at night.  It really looks strange lit up at night just like a giant vending machine.  This place is in Tempe.

The breakfast restaurant above has a rather far reaching name.  Are the eggs really that good?

And, to the right is a sign I saw in central Phoenix directing people to a variety of locally owned businesses in the area.  That's quite a variety of businesses.  

More Glowing Animals

 

I have a few more animal lanterns today from the Zoo Lights event last weekend.  I love this cute little koala bear.  

Nearby the koalas, I saw a couple of kangaroos loping across the area.  

Some interesting birds were watching as we drove by.

This rather fierce looking tiger looked like he was about the charge our car.

I really enjoyed seeing all these great animal lanterns.