This one fits so perfectly on this building… I love how the orange in the center of the flower echoes the orange door. I like the shingle work on the building too… it almost has a mosaic feel to it. This neighborhood has many spaces/yards/buildings adorned in very creative and funky ways.
And what I really love about this one is the incorporation of hand painted tiles with faces… they’re like little hidden treasures you’re only rewarded with upon closer inspection.
So this one is really pretty impressive… kitty corner from IMA and completely covered in mosaic. Two panels read “free wood” and in front of each of them is, in fact, wood. It’s very strange.
The building seems to be more of a facade enclosing a large courtyard… maybe it’s a woodchopping plant!
I love the whimsical tree branches and each tree has a swing hanging from one. See the little hearts with eyes like the ones from yesterdays post?
And of course the kitty being chased by the dog… this makes me smile! These murals were produced collaboratively between students and artists through the Institute.
IMA big fan of the Institute of Mosaic Arts! Ok… I know that’s corny, but it’s late and I’ve got 5 posts to do before bed since I’m doing a little travelling this weekend. In preparation, I got up early this morning and headed down to the little corner of Jingletown this school/workshop occupies.
As I mentioned a couple days ago, there are numerous murals and smaller mosaics installed around the neighborhood immediately surrounding IMA. I strolled around for about a half hour and saw no fewer than twenty, among the many other cool things I’ll hopefully get to in future posts, like Ford Street Studios, Automania, and more. This is a cool part of town.
Here are a few photos of the Institute itself… These don’t even show all the mosaics on this building. It’s kind of crazy.
If these hearts look at all familiar to you, it might be because Laurel True, the founder of IMA, was also a participating artist in the “Hearts in San Francisco” sculpture project a few years ago.
There are tons of classes offered at various levels, and a workshop cafe where you can drop in and work on your own projects. Check it out! You might just leave your heart at IMA.
Or fairies if you prefer… but nymphs is far more fun to say. Try it.
[nimfs]
See what I mean?
Here’s the finished product… I think they did this all in one day. Pretty cool, eh?
I talked to Mark Bode for a few minutes while he worked. He hopes to produce more murals in the neighborhood by coordinating with local property owners, including the big recycling plant on Peralta (Custom Alloy). I’m hoping to do a more in depth interview with him in the future.
Until then, thank you Bode!
Oaktown Art | Oakland Art, Public Art, Murals, Graffiti, Culture, Oakland 