Staring down at the pretty circles…

Flying periodically between Southern California and Washington, I constantly look down with awe and wonder. I love a good view, and window seat delivers well. Then, comes two usual questions as I stare down; where am I, and what is that?

I often notice these large man-made circles upon rural flat farmlands of the western U.S. These circles are large and many, very even, and filled with variances of light-dark earthy tones, often adjacent to each other. In clusters, the perfect geometric shapes are wonderous to behold, unreal as part of some gigantic artwork in the grand museum that is our modern world. Or if I imagine hard enough, a surreal game of Connect 4 played by giants.

I learned these man-made wonders are actually center-pivot irrigation circles, where farmland is watered in rotation from a rotating sprinkler anchored at the center. This supposedly cuts down on labor costs and remains an alternative to ground irrigation. I can’t say I understand much more. Irrigation is a complex subject with debates on what is best and the future for our world challenged with climate change and continuous droughts. But, seeing the patterns from above, I see the impact humans have upon the very landscape, where they are microscopic in comparison. Our impact for better or worse, is its own unintended art.

– Orion T

Notice the little angels along the shore…

Today, I took a long walk in my Seattle neighborhood between errands, from the Magnolia Bridge in Interbay to Pike Place Market, mostly along the waterfront trail overlooking Elliot Bay.

The pleasant, mostly concrete path stretched about 2.3 miles (4 km). It took my feet about two hours, as I stopped often to enjoy a little moment, answer a text, eat some snacks, take a few pictures, write. The trail was narrow, with rocks separating much of the developed green and calming waters. The weather was perfect, being that last little bit of warm sunshine, stretched from the summer, mixed with the breeze of this new fall, squeezed by days of much-needed rain.

I noticed some drawn angels etched on some rocks in a few places. The artist is unknown, with an intent purpose to perhaps delight, and maybe let us know…that yes, there are angels out there in unexpected places. I don’t know, but I appreciated their presence.

So, leaving them behind for others to find, I went on keeping my eyes open for more angels. Probably more around on rocks, waiting to be found. Or maybe they are just keeping an eye on us. Who knows?

– Orion T

A small bit of Downtown Los Angeles art…

I spent some hours in Downtown Los Angeles last week, sadly with two little time to explore much of this grand area.

In the past, I would check out the many awesome murals there, and explore its art galleries. This time not, as I there for other meetings, then moving on to my next destination before the sunfall. Yet, with about 15 minutes to spare, I checked out a couple large murals by the Pico public rail station.

The one from the pic above is byFabio Lopez, who goes by his street artist name Dourone, a Spanish artist from Madrid, Spain. His artwork is featured on many walls around the world, each with a different message and unique vision. Check out more his work via instagram @duourone and on his official site dourone.com

Here below is another mural, in beautiful color giving love to the Clippers and its star player, Kawhi Leonard. The surrounding is a mix of positive messages and imagery that matches the vibe of this colorful city. I could not find any info on the artist.

And that was all for my mural gazing in the downtown area for now. I shall return eventually, and hopefully have more time for urban exploring and other grand mural finds.

– Orion T

Making no sense of colour…

“Colour is uncontainable. It effortlessly reveals the limits of language and evades our best attempts to impose a rational order on it… To work with colour is to become acutely aware of the insufficiency of language and theory – which is both disturbing and pleasurable.” – David Batchelor, Scottish artist and writer currently based in London.

– Orion T,

The picture was recently taken up close in a lobby of a new building in downtown Seattle, while waiting for a friend to arrive.

Fun with some things of yesterday…

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The above pic was the side of some house in the Columbia City residential area of South Seattle. Shortly after admiring this display I noticed a yard sale sign pointing to a nearby house. I’m a sucker for yard sales, and finding new use I can make of something leaving an old life.

There, I purchased a round, wooden artwork of an exploring astronaut, perfect for my kitchen. And then, I was greeted by a young girl of elementary school age co-hosting the sale, who invited me to play a little game of skill. Before me upon a driveway, a connected little lane made up of parallel wine corks lined downward. The goal here, to send a narrow roll of once full of masking tape, down but within the cork lane as far as possible. The little host offered a prize depending on skill, but contained with a plastic egg in her basket. I did not get far, but received a tiny porcelain cat, which i would later misplace.

Which is sad, because I enjoyed that little game with that little cat prize. Its place on my shelf would remind me, to perhaps have own moments of joy, maybe recreate that silly game of corks and tape-roll. However, I hold hope that someone would pick that little prize up. Probably, from either the burger restaurant or bus stop where I probably dropped it fumbling for my wallet. Then, continue this silly little story…

– Orion T

Write More About Love

Rats, indeed.

This above pictured is of original art from the recent San Diego Comic-Con I attended. Which got me thinking a lot about the work of Charles Schulz through his strips of Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts gang.

I grew up with the Peanuts strips, then all eventually stopped as I would no longer read the newspaper cartoons, or feel the allure of the paperback compilations. My sequential art appreciation evolved more into serialized comic books with more hard-edged fiction, complex storytelling, and abstract, fantastical settings.

But attending the latest San Diego Comic-Con, I passed by a booth with this displayed for-sale original art strip. The beautiful four-panel magic of Schulz transitional reaction to Lucy’s suggestion of simplifying love by focusing on a particular complexity, perhaps leading to a new emotion. But Snoopy, being a struggling writer who I can relate to, finds such a complex emotion isn’t easily simplified the more you focus on. Agony can be enduring, overbearing to comprehend; especially when expressing deep emotion.

Rats, indeed.

– Orion T

The momentum of the abstract view

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Sometimes, I look up. And, I take a picture with a camera.

Sometimes then, I forget to switch a setting meant for the night. The original shot was kind of boring, while the overexposed revealed a weird dimension of countless angles and forgotten math.

I love it.

The actual shot is below a fixture inside the Oregon Convention Center, in Portland. Further details of the moment are unimportant.

– Orion T

Dazzling Bright in Seattle, at the Borealis Festival of Light

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Last Saturday, I viewed some very bright and colorful lights during the nights, the first annual Borealis, Festival of Light in Seattle.

Such was a four-day event held in the main waterside park area of South Lake Union, where a showcase of light fixtures and interesting little sculptures were scattered about, in and around the area. Some of the visuals were interactive…

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That was all I got from the small stuff, but trust me, there were some cool illuminations around. That second pic above would change with the use of a “magic roller.” Cooool!

Some attendees also brought their own electrical lights…

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From all that, simple minor delights to enjoy for what they are, an appreciation for the use of art in light, through intensity, shape, color, and new technology. I felt a childlike joy, in allowing my imagination slightly drift off, in some weird otherworldy dimension for the moments I had to myself among the strange sights.

Meanwhile, the most interesting and best of it all was its main event, a very huge video projection show of dazzling digital light and sound, all part of a large competition of art teams, from around the world…

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I will share more about that in my next write-up, soon. I promise!

– Orion T

The great Post Alley Art Wall

Between two giant tourist attractions in Seattle, being the Gum Wall and the Pike Place Market is my favorite thing in the area for all visitors to check out…the art on the wall of Post Alley.

You’ll find this in the side of a downwards driveway below the big sign to the left, towards the Gum Wall from the west end of Pike Street. It’s hard to miss, unless really tired. But, I love it any time as it is always changing. It’s full of social messages, with some politics. Also full of adverts, shameless self-promotion, heads up on local events, and some puzzling stuff.

That’s all for today. I think the imagery has at least a thousand more words that speak to the reader than I can put forth for now. Just click on to enlarge and explore!

– Orion T

Street-painting the sidewalks at the Belltown Chalk Art Festival

Last weekend, many chalk artists got down and arty in Seattle, for the 2018 Belltown Chalk Art Festival.

This exhibition of professional artists busted out some fancy chalk sticks of many colors, to create large murals for two days directly on the Bell street pavement. Add music, open areas for folk of all ages can join in, and voting participation…and we got a cool, free show open for the public to enjoy.

I meanwhile, caught a bit of this on Saturday, on my way to a little lunch date. I saw early stages of work, piquing my curiosity for the finished work. The came back on Sunday, to see some awesome progression.

There was something special to these chalk artists, to see their dedication in action, with every stroke and brushing for all to see in each step. To witness each piece in development on this grand scale, is a special show to behold.

And, I also talked with a new friend among the chalk artists, Raziah Roushan. Here, Raziah posed with her latest work in Belltown, inspired by a photograph she came across.

Since 2004, Raziah produced many grand sidewalk works in many US states. She holds much lot of passion for her work, often experimenting with different styles, making each large artwork noteworthy and memorable. She took some time out to share with me her artwork through the years, and give a little insight on the life of a chalk artist. Check out her work at raziahroushan.com

Meanwhile, other artists delivered high impressions with their chalk murals. Many of them were not quite finished during the noontime. But, I took some shots and noted some of the artwork, now featured below with links…

Gabrielle Abbot (www.gabrielleabbott.com, @GabrielleAbbot on instagram)

Chelsey Dustin (@artofchelsey for Instagram/Twitter/Facebook)

Lori Antoinette (www.lantart.com and @ishyla on Instagram)

Ten Hundred (@tenhun on Instagram)

Donovan Sterling (@vibrassponder on Instagram)

Merkuria Czerwinska (@merkuriaart on Instagram)

Jennifer Ripassa (@indofire on Instagram)

Chalk Riot (@chalkriot on Instagram)

Sarah Martin (@sarahrecycled on Instagram)

That was not all, or even close, as there were more amazing chalked work, of which I was either too early, or missed on getting some linked info. Meanwhile, more chalk art festivals are happening around the world, with one maybe near you. Keep a look out for one, than see for yourself some awesome art in action.

– Orion T

The Post Alley Times

Sometimes, I cut through a part of Post Alley from the main Pike Place Market area in the Seattle city.

That is a moment with an atmosphere I enjoy, with the echoes of its partial underground amplifying the joys of tourists chatting and the busy street traffic above (being that this alley dips under into a slight ditch and tunnel).

The overall Post Alley is a place of disconnected fragments, confusing to newcomers. There segments are close to each other in the area, each with a separate charm to itself. The particular area I enjoy, is the one with the famous Gum Wall of which I shared some findings on, here. There is much else, including a few old shops, some bars, the entrance to a small theater I have yet to visit.

But cutting through, I take a moment to see what’s new on the walls not covered by sticky gum and windows. Always, there is varied art and self-promotion here. Much in the past of such, I have shared on this blog. The view is never the same, and always changing, with some reflection of the times. The other day was the shot above, and below here:

A little more promotion than usual, but that’s okay. Much here is a reminder of the happenings of Seattle, and social joys one can connect with. Take it all in with these gifts of randomness present. Try not to process all, or look too hard at some meanings.

Then, walk away feeling some kind of emotion. Mind is usually simple joy, with sprinkles of inspiration.

– Orion T

Picture of Today 5/24/2017, The Excessories Odd-Yssey, Parked

Photo May 24, 10 07 26 PM

A curious minivan remained parked around the corner from home, covered in fashionable accessories and dazzling decorative art.

I admired much but had little time to study further (very busy evening). I did shoot some pictures but regret not getting much further on the close details.

I just did a bit more research and found that the car is named the Excessories Odd-Yssey, decorated by local artist Kelly Lyles. Her website is http://www.kellyspot.com, and definitely worth a look if you would like to see more of this awesome car, and the creative mind behind the wheels.

Photo May 24, 7 22 43 PM Photo May 24, 7 22 05 PM Photo May 24, 7 21 44 PM Photo May 24, 7 21 57 PM

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Pictures of Yesterday 11/5/16, Short Run Thrills

Moments from yesterday’s annual Short Run Comix & Arts Festival included much local art in the form of sequential arts and comics, prints and more.

I met some interesting people while a good friend purchased some awesome prints. Some of which is shown below..

Overall, a worthwhile good time for this Short Run!

– Orion T

Picture of Today 5/25/16, Let the Dark Out

The electric lights were out for about an hour in the Emerald City today..

Almost in time for a lunch break for many, as the power failure was sudden around 11:30 AM until 12:30 PM. The Seattle Fire Department reported 15 elevator rescues and 10 fire alarms responds. The cause is yet unclear, as far as I know.

What that has to do with the picture above is little. The cat cut is just a cool Japanese style art thing above on Yesler Street that remains now whether the lights are on or not. But it looks cooler on a gloomy late afternoon with less light, I think.

– Orion T

Pictures of Today 4/24/16, Alley Cats Blue

A return to the ol Post Alley almost below and besides Seattle’s Pike Place Market front entrance, where the street art is ever-changing.

And a little more here..

with more around the corner..

And, that was the most to this otherwise quite and sleepy Sunday…

– Orion T

The Seattle Gum Wall Sticky Situation…

Behold, the great Seattle Gum Wall to its fullest potential.

For over 20 years, this small south Post Alley area within the Pike Place Public Market welcomed people to place chewed sugary bubble gum remains upon a large wall. Tourists and locals constantly added to it, enhancing its disgustingness into an old wall (now walls, as it spread to the neighboring surfaces and pipes).

Soon, all the sticky chewings shall be removed, and the walls will go through a massive cleansing, to remove chemical buildup and potential harm upon the aged building. The Seattle Times reports that an industrial steam machine till be used. “The machine will melt the gum with 280-degree steam; it will fall to the ground, and a two- to three-man crew will collect the gum in five-gallon buckets.”

I recently dropped by after work long after sunset. I admire how the street lights adds mystique to the germy area. I may return again before the final removal of sticky contents. But for now, here are some pics from I:

– Orion T

Weekend Adventuring in Olympia, Washington

Check out the Olympia town in Washington State, when exploring the Pacific Northwest.

Olympia a wonderful stop, halfway between the Portland and Seattle cities, close to the 5 and one 101 freeway intersection. This area is also the best stop for food and a stretch when traveling the between the major cities in no particular hurry. You’ll find much to love for any length of time you spend here.

A few things special about Olympia. You will find much art around many corners, more notably upon the walls of allies and businesses. This brings much color and uniqueness to the area. There are also some fantastic sources for literature, with some bookstores I checked out (Browsers Book Store and Danger Room Comics Store). The variety of food is excellent, with the best of it from local businesses. Also, lots of vintage antiques are also visible and up for buying. In between and throughout, you may also notice multiple signs of social activism and awareness with Black Lives Matters signs, climate change awareness, and other messages of modern progressivism. Olympia shows character aplenty in its overall presentation.

For me, it was all about stepping out from the weekday work stress. With a friend as company, I went to explore, and seek interesting visuals, eats, and a little shopping. Olympia did not disappoint, as this was my second visit to the city. Last visit, I barely walked around. This time,we had no particular direction here, other than its main downtown center.

Here are some findings in pictures, with some more notes on the area..

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One of Olympia’s prominent buildings, the Old Capitol Building. It’s now the office home of the Superintendent of Public Instruction since 1906. Before in Sylvester Park, stands John Rankin Rogers..twice governor of Washington State, who believed in giving a fair education to “every poor son of the commonwealth.”

Some up close sculpting on that building. Love the detail here..

The charming outside of Darby’s Cafe and neighboring local businesses on a 5th avenue block. I love the random little deco touches upon this old building…

The Capitol Theater across the street from Darby’s. I love the look of this old movie theater, and will look into seeing its inside in a future visit.

The inside of Darby’s Cafe, to a wall of wild art…

Above and around inside Darby’s Cafe, a tribute to the Wizard of Oz. The food was quite good too. I had a Brocco Burger (Broccoli, white cheddar, other good stuff) with fries (a bit too much they give) and a root beer float (root beer can be replaced with an alcoholic alternative). All quite good, and filling enough until my trip back to the Emerald City.

Some art on the side of The Great Cuisine of India restaurant. Many of the following pics are select examples of the overall mural art scene of the Olympia area.

The Olympia Rafah Solidarity Mural. from About this from olympiarafahmural.org. “Four thousand sq. ft., interdisciplinary mural with over 200 participants from all over the world. Project celebrates and mourns Rachel Corrie through action. Rachel was born in Olympia and killed in Gaza when run over by an Israeli driven bulldozer in 2003. ORSMP mourns and celebrates the lives of all who struggle for justice.”

Up close on a select section of the Rafah Mural..

A mural inside the alley of next to the building of the Old School Pizzeria. A wonderful and very colorful tribute to the imagination..

The best thing for us comic nerds out there, this old school tribute to the classic Marvel Comics. Located to the side of the Old School Pizzeria. I love this.

The inside of the Old School Pizzeria is pretty awesome too. Lots of vintage nostalgia all around, and the pizza was pretty awesome too.

Capitol Lake, with what I think is the Washington State House of Representatives capitol building.

The lake itself is very serene, and calming for anyone who enjoys a nice walk in the park.

That’s all for now on this amazing area of the Pacific Northwest. I will be back, with a look at other interesting signs and aspects of this interesting area.

– Orion T

Picture of Today 8/6/2015, Museum Friends

African masks on display, at the third floor of the Seattle Art Museum.

These two are among many related native African art pieces. These in particular, have my front attention as their placement is near the escalator, somewhat facing those entering the third floor. They seem lively, with their modernized dress and mimicked posture. The mask on the male is a Knife Yam (Mma Jii), and often used in theatrical performances in the region of Afikpo of Nigeria. I believe the one on the female is used for the same. I will try and remember to take notes and add to this upon my next visit.

This highlight was during my third visit on a Thursday afternoon, the first week of a month. During this time, this and many other museums have free admission times in Seattle (possible other cities as well). Great for a casual visit, as I am usually on my way home at the end of the day. A visit to the museum adds cheer to a usually work-stressed Thursday.

– Orion T

Last weekend, a stroll and chillax through Long Beach, California..

Ah..Long Beach, California.

This is a city ups and downs, at the southwest corner of Los Angeles County. Also, the birthplace of pop-culture icons, Nicolas Cage and Snoop Doggy Dogg. I lived for nearly two years about 7 trips around the sun ago, and came back last weekend to visit old friends for some days.

Unfortunately, I was sick and recovering from the crazy San Diego Comic Con adventure I had (of which I will bring up again in more detail, soon). I eventually recuperated, and had a some days left to get some outside air, and walk around in the Long Beach city area. Unfortunately, I did not have my good camera on me, so I took some pictures using my tablet. Here below, are some raw unedits of some sites admired…

First off, not quite Long Beach. This is further south in Seal Beach, in Orange County. In the far distance, you can make out the outline of Long Beach’s Downtown area. Sadly, the rain and heavy humidity was difficult on me. But at least, others there had fun…

The I met with the sun some days later. I walked around, noticed some new art on some buildings. This work is an alley, in the East Village area..by “Drew”

This is on the same building, on a different side. By DABSMYLA

This is in the same block, next to Cafe Berlin. I didn’t get the name of the artist..

Having enough of urban art and errands, I went to Shoreline Village at the waterfront. Here, is a colorful place with many crowded restaurants..

Ah, the ol Hot Licks, a store for the hotter sauce connoisseurs. I love that sign mascot.

The Rocky Mountain Factory Chocolate Factory shop. That bear makes me smile…

I enjoyed some good BBQ dinner and yams at Louisiana Charlies restaurant still inside Shoreline Village, and headed around to the other side of the waterfront. I looked to the boat, with a yearning to jump on and go on some wacky old timey adventure .

I took some time out, to look down and admire this curvatures of the brake layout on the long pathway walked (part of an area called the Pike)..

Also, this fishy bike rack!

And around to this lighthouse, a favorite place to rest when I lived here. I once again sat on the grass hill around it until the sunset, reading a stack of free comic books I took in San Diego..

The Queen Mary ocean liner (now stationary as a tourist attraction and hotel), in the distance. If I had more time, I would have went..

And the Rainbow Harbor Bridge, that leads to the Queen Mary and some industrialized areas. Also, very cool if you stay late, to gaze upon the awesome water reflection of the colorful bridge.

That was pretty much all I could do for this visit. Here is the one last sunset I look had, before leaving (and battery exhausted on my tablet).

– Orion T

Picture of Today 5/7/15, Life Cycled..

“Fish swim in the dizzying vortex of a trap. Tiny sacred diamond shapes swirl in circles that relate to the waters around them. This work commemorates a sacred expanse of water where great ancestral forces were brought to bear. In that water, one can find established laws, clan estates, and policies to govern language. Such ritual and visual patterns signal paths to take through life.”

Buyku (2008) by Djirrirra Wunungmurra, an Australian Aboriginal artist, Dhalwangu artist from Gurrumurru, near Yirrkala. This work was done using natural pigments on eucalyptus bark.

This shot is zoomed in from larger work, to show the detail I admire. This art was among other similar Aboriginal artworks with water themes on display, at the Seattle Art Museum (SAM). This was my favorite exhibit of many, of which I highly recommend for visitors to the Downtown area. The rest of the museum is also worthwhile of your attention.

– Orion T

Special thanks to Wedgewood in Seattle History, for recommending a visit to a museum for the first Thursday this month; of which many have free admission at set times. I would have otherwise missed this at the end of my day, in my usual casual walk home. Also, special thanks to the Seattle Art Museum for the free admission from 5-9pm on the first Thursday, this month.

Picture of Today 4/12/15, Underpassed Art..

I took a short stroll under a bridge through the Northeast Campus Parkway, near the University District in Seattle. This after,I noticed notice some crazy colors to the side, at the end of a long bus ride.

And there I was, on this quiet day. The streets were still damp, from the heavy rains of past days. The walls seemed washed, cleaned. The street art, urban graffiti, whatever you want to call it..brought a sense of youthful expression to this area of higher education. I know little of the artists who add magnificent style in their signatures. I can appreciate their work, and enjoy the small messages and subtle details for those who really take time to visually explore these walls. I am also particular fond of inclusion of the 1990s comic character and MTV cartoon star, The Maxx (pictured below)

The mural’s origins can be traced back to 2004, with this article I G~~oogled~~ researched. Here, explains what began as the project of UW art grad Jill Rothenburger, who found the underpass previously “drab and depressing.” With encouragement and permission from the city, that was changed. City officials were worried this could be spread, or encouraged towards illegal “tagging.” Jill defended the bridge in her quote from that article:

“Vandalism is illegal, but how can a style be illegal?…Graffiti is a style. It’s the visual manifestation of hip-hop culture. Hip-hop is youth culture. Does the city really want to be against that?”

So, the city allowed. Over 10 years later the underpass mural continues to impress, though with some changes to the art over time (much of it painted over older art). Here below, are some shots of its current appearance..

– Orion T

Memories of an Emerald City Comic Con (2015)

I love a good comic convention, and any geek-out gathering of a similar nature. For me, it’s all about my comic/graphic novel appreciations, and all the connecting fantasy and science fiction driven art. To be among the creatives, and to converse with them is a complex joy that never ends for me.

I also enjoy the thrill of a good hunt, to peek through the exhibit floors.Through the aisles I explore the artist alleys, company booths, dealer tables, and demo stops. I take much with me. All including (but not limited to) my personal favorite things to take home are: sketches, cheap loose figures, vintage magazines, bargain comics (including graphic novels, trade paperbacks), special edition exclusives, free swag, samples, and the occasional new thing an exhibitor successfully pitched .

I also take home some interesting memories, and fun sights. I love taking pictures of people and happenings, to treasure the shows further. Every convention over the last 20 years (lost count of how many of these now), has had something special. I often meet someone new, or see some interesting gathering. I meet an admired creator, or listen to the words of some interesting celebrity to the realms of geek. This is all great fun.

Here are some wonderful memories of this Emerald City Comic Con (my third attended) for 2015.

The gathering of Spider-Man and related Marvel Comics cosplayers. Among them were many Deadpools, and some Spider-Gwens (a new character to the Marvel Universe, long story), and a classic Electro (a personal fav to my childhood cartoon viewing).

I noticed an abundance of loose action figure toys. Much of which I feel somewhat amused, that an appreciation of plastic detailing and articulated mobility could still be a fun novelty, in my grown-up years.

Paul Tobin (writer) and Colleen Cloover (artist), of the Bandette comics; a personal favorite (and highly recommended) series of a whimsical super-hero thief. Both a married couple hosting their own booth, and a joy to meet.

Long Vo and Joe Ng, at the Udon Booth. Both, drawing two video game favorites; Mega Man and Akuma (Street Fighter). I cam back at short times a bit later to see what they were up to. Both very friendly, and put much love into their work

Christopher Pike, and Harry Mudd cosplay; from the Classic Star Trek series.

I love seeing comic book covers of different areas on display and in boxes. There is an awesome nostalgic beauty to all this.

DC Comics “Bombshell” versions of Wonder Woman, Black Canary, Harley Quinn, and Batwoman. All brought to life, from a series of variant comic covers showing the heroines with vintage pulp cover twists. Well done.

Alana and Marko cosplayers, from the Saga comics series. Saga (by Fiona Staple and Brian K. Vaughan) is the best sci-fantasy comic series currently released on the shelves now.

A vintage Batman playset still in the box. Will Batman save Robin in time, or will the Joker have the last laugh?

Jim Mahfood, an admired artist over my last two decades of comic reading. He is the perfect match for the new Tank Girl series coming out. He also drew me a cool Batman sketch.

And here, are the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Seattle is safe for now!

Doctor Doom vs. Judge Dredd. Place your bets!

They let me go, after showing them the droids they were looking for.

Sailor Scouts, crossplayin

The Gundam Wing 1/100 Endless Waltz model kits. Not shown is my favorite, Duo Maxwell and his Deathscythe Hell Custom.

A new Mega Man figure coming from Bluefin toys. Multi-articulated with LED lights, and pop-out compartments. This was originally promoted as a Kickstarter campaign for fans, now with all goals met.

The Image Comics booth, once again standing tall as my favorite current comics publisher.

Some of the later stage cosplayers showcased that Saturday weekend night. There were many groups, with incredible detail and craftsmanship. The Troll from World of Warcraft (fifth from the left) I think won best in show.

On the last day and outside the convention, lucky fans got an up close performance from the D20 Brass Band. Many cheered to the Legend of Zelda theme, and other classic tunes.

Gotta love the some of the really geeky merch. I was seriously considering buying that Chewbacca robe in the top right corner.

Rob McDaniel at work, sculpting with clay one of this amazing creatures. For the show, his work is inside the fantasy anthology series, Monsterpedia.

My obtained sketches on small trading card sized boards, from the show. From the top and left…Leonardo by Albert Nguyen, Batman by Jim Mahfood, Miniature Man by Steven Butler, random lady sketch by Enfu (local Seattle Artist), from the upcoming Faster Than Light augmented reality comics by Brian Haberlin (Anomaly) Inspector Belgique by Colleen Cloover (from Bandette), and Gyro Gearloose by Don Rosa!

Well, that’s all for now, with Gender Bender taking us out.

Until the next Con (probably San Diego in the summer)..

– Orion T

Pictures of Days 3/21-3/26/15, Of Recent Randoms

Here below are some observations, in the great Seattle city. All were captured with my camera that barely works now.

High in the sky before the Key Arena entrance..

Noticed a little timey wimey stuck with a little icky sticky. By the way, today (March 26th) marks the 10th anniversary of the day Doctor Who new revival run began, initially starring Christopher Eccleston. He was a fantastic Doctor..

Singin the rain. Here is Hobbit and Hare, a wonderful Pike Market street performer duo..

Wow, look at these mushrooms (Pike Place Market)..

Gotta heart the Seattle spirit, as someone took time and effort for to bring smiles to those looking down..

Back in Post Alley, one could get lost in art.

In Fremont, I took a friend of mine to make friends with a troll.

The colorful interior basement of the Narwhal, underneath the Unicorn Bar..

Back in Capitol Hill, on Pike Street and 11th..

After the rains..

A bird enjoying a small meal, I think.

Me..

Chihuly Glass Art at the Benaroya Concert Hall..

Walk around Downtown Seattle enough, and eventually you will notice the strange glass art of Dale Chihuly, famed artist of curvy glass sculptures. I have seen his work is at the public library, various local businesses, and his museum neighboring the Space Needle. But of his most profound work I have personally seen, is at the Benaroya Concert Hall in the Downtown area.

Here, there are two monster sculptures at opposite ends of the long hall entrance, titled the “Crystal Cascade.” Both way three tons, and each measure about 12 feet wide by 15 feet long. Both are made up of many individual glass pieces, somewhere brought together and hung as the strangest of chandeliers.

Below are pictures I shot over the weekend, of this Crystal Cascade (from the side, and from the bottom)..

For more on Dave Chihuly, visit Chihuly.com.

Picture of Today 1/20/15, Light Ride

Just a bike,
painted white.

Or not.

Pictures of Today 1/16/15, Hiding Art

Today would have been an otherwise regular day, if it weren’t for the little discoveries I find.

This mural, is the other side of a building I often pass on Broadway street in Capitol Hill (17th and John). I cut through Cal Anderson Park to the back of the building, and I notice this lengthy work of art along the back. There is posted credits to Baso Fibonacci, Zach Rockstad, and Japhy White.

Here is a shot further on. The back residential street is very narrow, with cars back to back along the way. Shots from afar were not good, and filled with much cars. But I like this angle, though it only captures a small part. The first shot above is the best I could do. I like it.

Tis cool to know what kind of sights are around the corner to my otherwise familiar paths. Perhaps, I’ll come back when there are no cars and try for a wider shot of the long art.

Much later and further away to the Downtown Seattle area, I cut through the Post Alley underpass at Pike Place Market for another errand. And here, the wall art (which I post up occasionally) is ever changing with something new and thought provoking..

Cool.

Pictures of the Night (Part 1), Strangers in the Fog..

Lost in spirit…..

In the middle of somewhere, by a transit station in Federal Way (further south of Seattle)..I missed the bus back home, after leaving another bus from work. I was early for the next, by 45 minutes. I could wait impatiently and wear down my phone battery with obsessive social media play. Or, I could let my curiosity take over and walk away with the phone buried in my knapsack.

So, I wandered in the fog further away from the station and around the corner, drawn towards different lights. Between them, odd silhouettes stranded about.. These were the strangest strangers, frozen in the fog.

And, I wondered in my wandering..Who or what were these strange stone apparitions? Did they also miss the bus? Would I join them?

There is no escape. I am among them now..

This one is important. A spell or counterspell in process, I can only guess..

Here, I think is some part of a grand epic with an aquatic setting. Details are difficult, as the night hides much.

This one is different, and most suspicious…

And this one, I think strays from all company. It stays alone, especially tonight.

I could find no more information while here, other than shadowy visuals. Perhaps in the future, I will google this place. But for this foggy night, I like mysteries to stay as they are.

But, I noticed something else in the distance, far beyond this tree. It was enough to draw me away from the binding spell of the this strange gathering.

(To be continued.. )

Pictures of Today 1/3/15, de Lights

Let me show you some lights..

Big and small, in many shapes, connected and apart, in many colors or just one..
But I will only show a few for now. Some are enough for one night…

Especially, in the freezing cold.

TRAVELING ORION

My frequent blog of my adventures in writing, discovery, and learning.

Tag Archives: art

Staring down at the pretty circles…

Notice the little angels along the shore…

A small bit of Downtown Los Angeles art…

Making no sense of colour…

Fun with some things of yesterday…

Write More About Love

The momentum of the abstract view

Dazzling Bright in Seattle, at the Borealis Festival of Light

Street-painting the sidewalks at the Belltown Chalk Art Festival

The Post Alley Times

Picture of Today 5/24/2017, The Excessories Odd-Yssey, Parked

Pictures of Yesterday 11/5/16, Short Run Thrills

Picture of Today 5/25/16, Let the Dark Out

Pictures of Today 4/24/16, Alley Cats Blue

The Seattle Gum Wall Sticky Situation…

Weekend Adventuring in Olympia, Washington

Picture of Today 8/6/2015, Museum Friends

Last weekend, a stroll and chillax through Long Beach, California..

Picture of Today 5/7/15, Life Cycled..

Picture of Today 4/12/15, Underpassed Art..

Memories of an Emerald City Comic Con (2015)

Pictures of Days 3/21-3/26/15, Of Recent Randoms

Chihuly Glass Art at the Benaroya Concert Hall..

Picture of Today 1/20/15, Light Ride

Pictures of Today 1/16/15, Hiding Art

Pictures of the Night (Part 1), Strangers in the Fog..

Pictures of Today 1/3/15, de Lights

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