Strolling Elephants

 

I found these two strolling elephants on entrance to a very small Thai restaurant recently.  They seem very appropriate for a Thai restaurant.  

Taking part in Monday Murals.

The Desert's Garden

 

This mural made of tiles is found in front of the Scottsdale City Hall.  It was created by Tami Lynch-Forrest and depicts the flora and fauna of the desert.

There is a large water fountain in front of the mural but thankfully, that water spray does not reach the mural.  A constant spray of water would not be good for those tiles.  

Taking part in Monday Murals

For the United Valley

 

I discovered a new mural on the back side of the Park Central complex.  It's full of color and features lots of happy faces.

The first time I spotted it, the artist, Liliana Mora was still working on it even though it looked nearly done.

I went back yesterday to have a second look.  The mural was commissioned by the Valley of the Sun United Way who have their offices in that building. It's a lovely way to celebrate the work they do.

Taking part in Monday Murals.

Cactus Flowers

 

I found this mural on the side of a building close to downtown Phoenix.  I didn't see a signature anywhere on it which is rather a shame because it is a stunning piece of art.  Whoever painted it captured those cactus blooms beautifully. 

Taking part in Monday Murals.

P.S. the artist for this is Lauren Lee.  Thank you Dianne for letting me know.

All About the Sauce

 

I found this mural on the side of "Sauce" restaurant which happens to be located on Camelback Road just one block east of Central Avenue.  So that explains the painted street sign.  This is one of those murals designed to attract customers.  I've never eaten at this place so I can't vouch for food however I do like those red cars. They're the color of pizza sauce.  

Taking part in Monday Murals.

In Honor of the Roadrunner

 

There is a brand new set of Apartments on McDowell Road in Scottsdale called Roadrunner on McDowell.  The last time I drove past them I notice that there was a giant mural on one wall depicting a desert scene and a single roadrunner studying the situation.  I didn't see a signature so I don't know who the artist is.  It's a nice addition to the the otherwise 'brown' walls of the building.  

Taking part in Monday Murals.

Above and Below

 

Here is another mural with some of those big, fancy letters in it.  (At least I think those are letters.) I can make out a message in smaller letters.  To the left it says "As Above" and to the right it says "So Below". I believe that is a message of interconnectedness which I might agree with.  It was painted by and artist named "Indoneejah".

Yes, that is the way it appears to be spelled.  

Taking part in Monday Murals.  

Dancing on the Street

 

It took me a while to figure this one out.  I found this mural in a shady residential area on a curved wall.  I had to look at it closely to see that is was two Mexican dancers only we don't see their heads.  All we get to see are the swirling skirts and gaucho pants.  An interesting depiction of a Mexican celebration scene.

Taking part in Monday Murals.

Mural in the Neighborhood

I found this lovely mural on a wall in one of the historic neighborhoods in Phoenix.  It was a long one so I took photos in sections.

It looks a bit like a colorful Mexican village.

Possibly a Mexican village on the west coast of Mexico. I looked at it closely for a signature but I couldn't find one so I can't give the artist credit for the lovely mural.

Taking part in Monday Murals.

Woven From the Womb

 

This mural is located inside the Western Spirit Museum.  It was commissioned by the museum and was painted by Thomas Breeze Marcus. It covers over 1500 square feet of space and 3 walls.

It stretches out over the wall above the stairway down to the first floor.  

It's called "Woven From the Womb" and the geometric patterns represent the traditional basket weaving patterns.  Marcus has Akimel and Thono O'odham Native American heritage.  

Taking part in Monday Murals.  

Oxford Mural

 

I found this mural inside Blackwell's Book Store in Oxford back in August when I was there.  It was so well done I couldn't resit some photos even though it was in a difficult spot. It was on a wall next to a staircase leading down to the lower level.

The mural depicts historic scenes from Oxford's past.  It was created by Edward Bawden in 1979 and still looks like new.  Bawden was known for his book covers, posters and prints of historic places.  This was his last major work.  He passed away in 1989.  

Taking part in Monday Murals

Colorful Corn

 

I saw this mural when I was on my way to meet a friend for lunch last Friday. I decided to head back home on the same path so I could get a photo of it.  It's on the side of a new building called Osborn Point owned by Native American Connections and it recently opened as a permanent, supportive housing community for people in need.  The mural was painted by Native American artist Jesse Yazzie.  

Taking part in Monday Murals.  

The Table is Set

 

I found this little vignette on the back side of an antiques store.  The yellow background is painted but the table, chairs and window are put together with what looks like disassembled furniture.  It's a clever little display.

Taking part in Monday Murals.  

A Busy Mural

 

This is a mural I photographed last month when Steve and I went to see the V & A Storehouse in Hackney Wick, east London.  We saw lots of colorful murals on the walk to storehouse.  Steve posted some of them here.  

This one appears to be the work of multiple artists.  There are so many different styles and concepts happening in this mural.  A couple of the images (upper right and left) have the look of some of the  Edward Gorey characters.

Taking part in Monday Murals.  

Surprise or Embarrassment?

 

I'm not sure if this person has been surprised by something or if a bit of embarrassment has just happened.  

I do know that this was painted by Hugo Medina, a well known mural artist around here.  This is painted on the side of a building on Roosevelt Row in downtown Phoenix.  

Taking part in Monday Murals.

Musical Dreaming

 

This mural is on a narrow wall right next to the sunflowers I posted last Monday.  This one was painted by Shela Yu who also goes by the name Shellshaker.  Shela was born and raised in Mesa Arizona and she has beautiful murals all over the valley.  

Taking part in Monday Murals.  

I Recognize Those Birds

 

Another mural from the Rosevelt Row area in downtown Phoenix.  I recognized those birds immediately.  They are the work of Lauren Lee and this new mural is  called "Three Birds in Bloom".  Over 10 years ago, I posted a photo of a mural of birds that look just like these.  You can see it here.  That building from years ago was torn down so that mural is now gone.  This new project is on the wall of a new electrical sub-station.  The sub-station is behind that wall and in front is a bus stop.  That's what those shade structures are for.

Next to the three birds is another mural.  This one is called "Art is Life" and it was painted by Brian Boner.  

Here is a view of the two murals together.  They are going to make a nice addition to all the art and art related businesses that flourish on this street.

Taking part in Monday Murals.

Beautiful Flowers

 

I found these colorful flowers painted on the front of a tattoo parlor in downtown Phoenix.  The two names to the left are both tattoo artists but I'm getting the impression that they also painted the mural.  It's certainly beautifully done.  I love that they included the little bee to the left.  

Taking part in Monday Murals.  

Winged Horse

 

I found this very dramatic mural in downtown Phoenix along the Roosevelt Row Arts District.  It was on the side of a building as you can see.  This area is full of galleries, shops and places to eat.  I'm not sure what was inside this building but I'm sure it was something artistic.  I don't know the artists name but the mural is quite an attention grabber.  

Taking part in Monday Murals.

Desert Smokers

 

I saw this mural around two months ago but every time I'd drive past there was a row of cars parked in front of it.  Finally I caught a day with no cars. This desert mural was done by the artist who goes by MrDowntownPHX.  I believe his name is Jesse Perry.  This is on the side of Zong! Smoke Shop so all those desert creatures are smoking.

Here's a close up of the smoking rattle snake.  It's nicely painted but I'm hoping those critters will give up the cigarettes soon.  

Taking part in Monday Murals.