Tag Archives: downtown

Chihuly Glass Art at the Benaroya Concert Hall..

IMG_3197

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)..

IMG_3193

IMG_3227-0

IMG_3194

IMG_3226-0

For more on Dave Chihuly, visit Chihuly.com.

Picture of Today 2/1/15, Keep the Lights on

IMG_3221

Today will be a day not forgotten by Seahawk fans, or sports fans in general.

In short, the home team would have won this Super Bowl football finale. Both teams played a great, very tough game. The difference in victory was less than a yard to go. But in the end, a terrible call happened for the Seahawks, and perhaps the worst play in football (definitely in Super Bowl history) was made. Even so, it’s all a reminder of how human we can all be. Mistakes can be made, as imperfections are born from our god-given ability to make them. The best thing to do is brush them off, learn from these, and move on.

Then with new wisdom, there will be new victories to strive toward..like next season for the Seattle team. I look forward.

(Go Hawks!)

IMG_3222

Picture of Today 1/20/15, Light Ride

2015/01/img_3099.jpg

Just a bike,
painted white.

Or not.

Pictures of Today 1/18/15, Seahawk Night

2015/01/img_3091.jpg

Today, will be a day long remembered by football fans who followed today’s epic game between Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers.

After a brutal first half, the Seattle Seahawks came back with a vengeance (two touchdowns in 44 seconds!) in the late 4th quarter, and to score a final win in overtime. Though Green Bay played great all through, the real losers were some scattered Seahawk fans who reportedly left the stadium and local bars during halftime; probably missing out on that sweet comeback later on. Those who had faith or stuck to cheer on when things looked bleak, shared more in the grand victory.

After some rain, the night was cold for my walk home. I heard Sea…….Hawk chants everywhere which warmed the heart, and with some shouts for a Super Bowl repeat win in two weeks. Meanwhile, I took some pics of the more grand tributes to our home team spirit, above and below.

2015/01/img_3094.jpg

2015/01/img_3095.jpg

Picture of Today 1/17/15, Let it Rain..

2015/01/img_3080.jpg

Not the best picture I could take, but fits the mood perfect.

Also, it’s hard to hold an umbrella and a camera at the same time in this situation. Rain was pouring crazy, but strangely beautiful to look at.

Here is another difficult shot.

2015/01/img_3079.jpg

Pictures of Today 1/16/15, Hiding Art

2015/01/img_3071.jpg

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.

2015/01/img_3073.jpg

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..

2015/01/img_3052.jpg

2015/01/img_3074.jpg

Cool.

Pictures of Today 1/3/15, de Lights

Photo Jan 03, 9 41 42 PM

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.

Photo Jan 03, 9 44 49 PM
Photo Jan 03, 9 47 14 PM
Photo Jan 03, 10 16 09 PM

Picture of Today 12/22/14, Late Night Cheer

/home/wpcom/public_html/wp-content/blogs.dir/82d/12486084/files/2014/12/img_2635.jpg

Some little holiday cheer and colour to share
before I go home.

Picture of Today 12/18/14, Around in the Rain..

/home/wpcom/public_html/wp-content/blogs.dir/82d/12486084/files/2014/12/img_2639-3.jpg

Serious rain happened this evening. From the sky, everything drenched below to these streets of the Emerald City. For us getting home from work, we hurried. For others getting the holiday shopping done, they hurried. For the rest, there were whimsical choices and not the need to escape the nightly showers..which is why this merry-go-round was ready to go this late evening.

Also, one can never be too wet for mini-donuts and hot chocolate..

/home/wpcom/public_html/wp-content/blogs.dir/82d/12486084/files/2014/12/img_2638.jpg

Picture of Today 12/16/14, Holidays Bound II

/home/wpcom/public_html/wp-content/blogs.dir/82d/12486084/files/2014/12/img_2622-1.jpg

More lights!!

Same place as yesterday, at the Westlake Center by the Westlake Mall in the jolly Emerald City of Seattle. Enjoy these lights, especially when put up in such a brilliant and strategic pattern.

Picture of Today 12/13/14, Rein Downtown

IMG_2611.JPG

A giant reindeer stands it ground in the deep downtown jungle.

It reminds me to get the holiday shopping done this weekend.

Picture of Today 12/12/14 II, Friday Night..

IMG_2609.JPG

And I feel all right..
Up here in downtown Seattle.

(Taken from floor 73 of the Columbia Tower, see previous post)

IMG_2605.JPG

Picture of Today 12/8/14, the 5 Point Cafe and Bar

IMG_2533.JPG

The 5 Point Cafe and Bar, located very close to the Space Needle of Seattle.

A nice place to eat and sit for a late rainy night, especially when you are not ready to go home just yet. They have good steak dishes, and beer.

Picture of Today 11/12/14

IMG_2288.JPG

This evening, life goes on for this city of Seattle. The wind picks up and the current temperature chills down to around 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Outside, most people are either coming or going to where they must. Inside, I will soon cook mash potatoes and smoked salmon.

I look back to what made this day special..

Earlier and 510 million miles away, on a comet traveling at 24,600 miles per hour; the Philae probe made its successful landing upon its surface. This journey took more than 10 years in space travel, with many risks along the way. The purpose is to collect and send data (along with the separated Rosetta spacecraft) that may give further insight to the scientific origins of life on earth. More on that at esa.int.

Cheers to this special day.

Picture of Today 11/9/14

IMG_7265.JPG

The Cinerama movie theater, here in downtown Seattle.

The mural above you see is fresh, unveiled recently. I love the art style though I wish I knew the artist. The red and blues look great on a rainy day.

The theater itself has been around since 1963, and now closed since late summer for renovations. I often come for special showings of original I look forward to the new changes on the inside (kept covered for now), expecting such to be as amazing as the outside. I’m hoping some of the traditions of old are continued; the chocolate covered popcorn, and the original movie costume props on display.

After it opens, I’ll be sure to take some pictures on the inside. I can’t wait. In the meantime, here are some different angles of the outside..

IMG_7267.JPG

IMG_7260.JPG

Picture of Today 11/8/14

IMG_2177-3.JPG

Just another night in Seattle.

The view is always fantastic from Pier 66. And looking toward, I admire the fresh lights renewing life in the city, preparing for each unpredictable long fall night ahead. Behind me there sets the sun again, but never quite the same in sight as the other evenings. Here was that view, from the other direction…

IMG_2178.JPG

Picture of Today 11/6/14

IMG_2131.JPG

The night is cold and windy.

Also, very quiet. I can hear the cold and the wind.

Pictures of Yesterday 2/26/14

Photo Feb 26, 6 15 39 AM

Here, is the view from the 40th floor of the Columbia Tower; the middle of the tallest building in downtown Seattle. There is a Starbucks here, open to the public during business hours. You can  get a better view on the 76th floor (and very top) for a small price.

This was good enough, and relaxing for me. I was here for some hours working on a special project. The sunset was a great distraction.

Photo Feb 26, 6 31 54 AM

Photo Feb 26, 6 39 11 AM

…
Pictures by Orion Tippens. Note: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved

Snowy Day in Seattle II (last pics from days ago)

084

Enjoy every step while they last..

And here in Seattle, is my final stretch before a work day at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show. I took a long detour through Myrtle Edwards Park to Sculpture Park and down the downtown waterfront.

Here’s to the peaceful memories..

079

083

085

087

101

107

102

122

118

069

135

….

Pictures by Orion Tippens. NOTE: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved.

Picture of Today 2/1/14

20140201-222532.jpg

The eve for the Super Bowl XLVIII, 2014

Here in Seattle, there is much 12th Man excitement for their mighty Seahawks football team, as they face off against the Denver Broncos tomorrow, in New York City. This will be their second Super Bowl, after making it thus far in their 2005 season.

So what does 12 represent?

A football team has 11 players. The 12th man is..are the fans, all legion as one; showing their support, and becoming a big motivator for victory.

Why Seattle?

The 12th man goes back further for back for decades, with the originators for the fandom term being Texas A&M University. Through stubborn continuation of the 12th Man (and an eventual settlement with Texas A&M in 2003), Seahawks became the official team in the NFL to now use this phrase.

Go Seahawks!

20140201-221841.jpg

20140201-222548.jpg

….

Pictures by Orion Tippens. NOTE: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2014 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved

That Seattle Holiday Spirit..

Seattle Holiday Needle

Beautiful, and festive.

Yes, this comes to mind looking at the Space Needle with its Holiday hat in the late midnight, now with 13 days to go until Christmas Day. This special time adds needed warmth, for the current chilly nights and earlier nightfall. Walk through the Downtown areas of Westlake, Pioneer Square, Pike Market, and you will find special, colorful Christmas deco; some very creative, unique adding to the Emerald City’s artistic vibe. These wonderful holiday illuminations, brings special color and vibrancy to the chilly nights of Seattle’s prime center. So if here in Seattle, or any wonderful city development in the spirit, take a walk outside and enjoy the seasonal sights.

I will, with more pictures to follow.

Seattle Holiday Needle 2

Pictures by Orion Tippens

NOTE: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Orion at travelingorion.wordpress.com). © Copyright 2013 Orion Tippens. All Rights Reserved

Lending my eyes for a moment..

Howard Hill Studios

Finally, the monorail is here..

And I was thinking just that, holding still in this grand city of Seattle. I stood on a high concrete platform in the chilly weather, waiting with my arm raised up.

At least 5 minutes, I recall.

The building to my right is the Experience Music Project (E.M.P) and Science Fiction Museum. To my left and VERY close is the great Space Needle tower. The moment between them is worthwhile, but more-so for a faraway friend.

I did not shoot this picture, yet I was holding the “camera,”  lens through my smartphone.The shot was remotely capped by Howard Hill, my friend from 1300 miles (1800 km) away in the Los Angeles area. The shot occurred around noon during a lengthy Skype video chat, at a spontaneous moment within a long walk. All, a leisurely walk turned tour through the local area I currently live, a fun alternative to our traditional face chats in those boring enclosed spaces

I think, what a great concept this is.

Show your distant friends around the streets and expose them to your familiar life and adventures. A video chat within a walk can be exciting and fun, and enhance one’s view of the world beyond  familiar boundaries. The live commentary, and sudden directions from afar could also turn the familiar feet to expose new sights and discoveries.

Here below, is a another remote shot by Howard exhibiting the rising of Seattle’s Belltown area, from the roof of my apartment building. Behind me, is the Space Needle and the Queen Anne area, which follows in another shot at the end of this write-up.

picture-7awws

Howard applies the new modern communications to his own fantastic passion for photography. He uses the Skype software, with his own sharp eye to remotely capture and apply his own filters and style. Howard currently networks places of interest around the world, finding new subjects to feature (many of them are also models).

See more and follow Howard’s fantastic work on his own blog here –  howardhillstudio.wordpress.com/.

Howard Hill Studios

NOTE: Do not copy or use any of the images here or herein without written consent (contact Howard at howardhillstudio.wordpress.com for more information). © Copyright 2013 Howard Hill. All Rights Reserved