Monday Mural: Gandhi's words

This inspiring quote can be found on a wall in downtown Oakland.  Words to live by.  This is my last mural post as host of Monday Mural.  Next week tune into Sami's blog to meet your new host at https://sami-colourfulworld.blogspot.com.

If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: Ursa Major Ursa Minor

Found in the Laurel District, this is the companion piece to the starry bear posted a month ago.  This one was a little tougher to photograph because it was in the shade.  I was thinking the constellation stars would be found in each bear, but I'm not seeing it.  I find this to be quite inspiring.  By Roger Peet.

Welcome to Monday Mural. If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.  Word Press is not allowing me to leave comments on that platform.  Sorry.

I'm pleased to report that Sami of https://sami-colourfulworld.blogspot.com has volunteered to take over the hosting of Monday Mural.  The meme will transfer to her website at the beginning of February.  Thank you, Sami.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: do not enter

I found this while wandering around West Oakland.  I don't care if the rock has a smiley face on it.  The side glance on the flamingo and the presence of the gator tell me "keep out."  Of course the chain and padlock make the definitive statement.

Welcome to Monday Mural. If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.  For some reason, WordPress is keeping me from leaving comments on that platform.  Sorry.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

I'm pleased to report that Sami of https://sami-colourfulworld.blogspot.com has volunteered to take over the hosting of Monday Mural.  The meme will transfer to her website at the beginning of February.  Thank you, Sami.

Monday Mural: Afrikatown

I love the warm expression on this woman's face.  The mural is found in West Oakland and was conceived and executed by several community groups including the Community Rejuvenation Project, which guides so many mural projects in Oakland.  Afkrikatown is part of a larger mural whose theme is community empowerment and self determination.

Welcome to Monday Mural. If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

I'm pleased to report that Sami of https://sami-colourfulworld.blogspot.com has volunteered to take over the hosting of Monday Mural.  The meme will transfer to her website at the beginning of February.  Thank you, Sami.

Monday Mural: Korean hanbok

This graceful image was a delightful surprise.  I happened to be driving down the street and glanced over my shoulder and there it was.  I don't know the reason it is found in this particular spot but did note  it was done by Dave Young Kim and Mansanares.  The Asian Museum currently has a major exhibition of Korean fashion both historical and contemporary.  Not that this mural is associated to the exhibition; it just made me think of it.  If you know the meaning of the loon in Korean iconography, please share.

Welcome to Monday Mural. If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

I'm pleased to report that Sami of https://sami-colourfulworld.blogspot.com has volunteered to take over the hosting of Monday Mural.  The meme will transfer to her website at the beginning of February.  Thank you, Sami.

Monday Mural: California grizzly

I found this mural by Roger Peet in the Laurel District in East Oakland.  Although the grizzly bear is on the California flag, grizzlies no longer can be found in the state.  It and a similar mural on a different building are sponsored by the Center for Biological Diversity, the city, and local residents and businesses.  As you can see, it's massive and mystical.  Perhaps the stars are a nod to the constellation Ursa Major.  Because it is by a freeway exit, it is also a very cool entrance to the Laurel District.

Welcome to Monday Mural. If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

I'm pleased to report that Sami of https://sami-colourfulworld.blogspot.com has volunteered to take over the hosting of Monday Mural.  The meme will transfer to her website at the beginning of February.  Thank you, Sami.

Monday Mural: a new GATS

This restaurant must have a new owner.  How do I know?  Because the name has changed (duh) and there's a new mural on the wall!  This is by GATS (Graffiti Against the System) whose style is unmistakable.  He always paints faces with a prominent nose and tattoos that sometimes spell names of artists he admires.  The weird beard thingy used to be teeth and somehow evolved into something more ambiguous.

Welcome to Monday Mural. If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

I'm sorry to report that beginning Feb. 1 I'll no longer be able to host Monday Mural.  I'm hoping one of you will take over hosting.  I'm working on the possibility as we speak.

Monday Mural: in the shade of a windmill

This very cool oak tree is painted on a wall under the gaze of a very old windmill.  Don't know who painted this but I like its linear graphic quality.  Reminds me of a chalk drawing.  I was surprised to find this windmill remnant that speaks to the early agricultural history of Oakland.

Welcome to Monday Mural. If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

I'm sorry to report that beginning Feb. 1 I'll no longer be able to host Monday Mural.  If there is anyone out there who would like to take over hosting this meme, please let me know.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: magic mushroom

Here's another mystical mural from Ernest Doty.  He's been featured in Monday Murals many times.  What I like about this mural in particular is that he's melded the empty face image with one of his birds.  Sort of a two-fer.

Welcome to Monday Mural. If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: crouching tiger

This large tiger and cub mural is found in the Uptown neighborhood on a Korean BBQ joint.  It was done in 2015 by No One.  Unfortunately, it's beginning to peel in some spots.  But it's still pretty dramatic.

Welcome to Monday Mural. If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: West Coast Blues

This large scale mural by Griffin One is found on MLKing Blvd. in West Oakland.  As you can imagine, it was hard to get a shot of the whole wall.  I can only suggest you enlarge the photo and check out some of the details.  The colors are actually this dark and it looks as if the entire mural was painted with indigo.  That put me in the mind of the wonderful Duke Ellington song Mood Indigo provided here for your listening pleasure.  In the 50s and 60s Oakland had a lively blues and jazz scene with lots of clubs in town where well-known artists performed.  There's still lots of clubs in town but most are dedicated to current music styles.

Welcome to Monday Mural. If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: bandaloop

This mural is found on the West Oakland Studio of Bandaloop, an Oakland dance troupe.  I have no idea how the image relates to the company, especially the mystical radish floating in the air.  It's anyone's guess until otherwise informed.  If you haven't seen or heard of them, check out the YouTube video.  I promise you'll be amazed.

Welcome to Monday Mural. If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking you'll find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

I apologize for not leaving comments for last week's contributions.  It's getting harder and harder to find the time.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: Aztec circle

Another mural with Aztec roots crossed my path recently.  This is on a downtown parking lot wall.  Sadly, I didn't see a signature.  I look at this and think about the circle of life.  What do you read into it?

Welcome to Monday Mural. If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: Aztec echos

Found in East Oakland, I think this mural's abstract quality has roots in Aztec iconography.  I've seen circles and scrolls like these on codex drawings in Mexico.  The chrysanthemums remind me of flowers on the Days of the Dead ofrendas.  Painted by Corazon and Chamuco.  I find the shades of gray with a touch of color very pleasing but it may not be to everyone's taste.

Welcome to Monday Mural. If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: magic breath

Found in the Fruitvale District.  I love the magical realism that you find in so much Latino art.  I don't know who she represents but clearly magic is afoot.

Welcome to Monday Mural. If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: fish tondo

Found in Solano Way alley in East Oakland.  By FBRC.  At first I assumed they were carp.  But I thought their faces looked more like birds.  Then I realized their backs were more like shrimp.  Now I have no idea what I'm looking at.  What do you think?

Welcome to Monday Mural.  If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you.  Just follow the Linky steps below; you decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.  I'll be out of town for several days so won't be able to leave comments.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson
  

Monday Mural: someone's hungry

Found this fence illustration in the industrial section of West Oakland.  I love that old rail tracks run right in to her mouth.  Painted by Jennifer Korsen, an LA artist, who was on a road trip north in 2016.  The given name is "Gate Keeper."

Welcome to Monday Mural. If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: wolf hound

This mural decorates the side wall of a newish bar called, what else, the Wolf Hound.  The evolution of the dog's form is the most intriguing aspect of the composition.  To my eye the image gives off more of a Baskerville Hound vibe than anything else.

Welcome to Monday Mural. If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson
 

Monday Mural: Muay Thai

This bright mural calls your attention as you drive by.  Very effective mixture of mural and advertising.  I didn't see a signature.  Note to self:  don't mess with these guys.  Found on the dojo wall on San Pablo Avenue in the Golden Gate district.

Welcome to Monday Mural. If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: slam dunk

This fabulous new mural has the quirkiest POV I've yet to see.  For the uninitiated, this is an image of Golden State Warrior Kevin Durant slam dunking during the NBA finals.  It's believed to be inspired by a photo taken from above the basket.  What do you think?

                                       

Now it's on a vertical wall of a new shoe store with the basket near the sidewalk and with Durant looking like he's dropped from the skies.  (Well, to us fans, his joining the team does feel like a gift from heaven).  (Just in case you didn't know, the Warriors won the championship).  Brooklyn born jr.co is the artist and his video of creating the mural can be found here. Check out his other work here.  You'll recognize his slightly cubist treatment of singers and other athletes.

Welcome to Monday Mural. If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: land of the free

This is a pretty busy mural with lots going on.  I would have called it "smashing bear" but Land of the Free is tacked on right below the bear's right elbow.  Once again I have no idea what is the precise message beyond "protest."  I'm pretty sure the zig zags spell out something, but exactly what is a mystery to me.  Do yourself a favor and enlarge the mural to see the details.

Welcome to Monday Mural. If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: tree frog

This is part of a large mural in West Oakland.  Quite a while back I showed a different portion featuring a hummingbird.  For all kinds of reasons, my most recent mural finds are not yet available to me, so I'm reduced to combing the archives.  But once finding this one, I realized this little guy is pretty spectacular looking.  He's beautiful if not a little tentative.

Welcome to Monday Mural.  If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: heart felt

Fabian Marquez did this piece on a wall in Chinatown.  He seems to be fascinated by the human heart, since I've seen a number of these in the downtown area.  I can't tell you why, but I like this.

Welcome to Monday Mural:  if you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you.  Just follow the Linky steps below; you decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: almost caught

Another Chinatown mural but I'm not sure if it is by the Dragon School or not.  What I am sure of is that this composition is full of cultural references that I am ignorant of.  See the woman who is almost in the creepy guy's grasp?

Welcome to Monday Mural:  if you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: masks

Found on San Pablo Avenue in West Oakland.  Too ambiguous for me but there's a definite aura of sadness.

Welcome to Monday Mural.  If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson.

Monday Mural

Sorry, no Monday Mural this week.  Computer woes.

Monday Mural: Chrome king

This image stopped me in my tracks.  Vogue's chrome skull is so realistic that it's hard to believe it isn't chrome or 3-D.  An incredible tour de force found on a wall in West Oakland.

Welcome to Monday Mural:  if you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: Won Kee Supermarket

Walking about Chinatown, this mural caught my eye because it's so different.  Surrounded by a multitude of dragon images, kung fu masters, and charming portraits of women, this one seems out of place.  It seems gentle and sedate among the more energetic murals.  Is it a guardian dog?  A tiger?  A zodiac symbol?  I don't know; you tell me.  Didn't see a signature.

Welcome to Monday Mural:  if you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson 

Monday Mural: the mighty pen

Saw this one while driving down Telegraph Avenue.  It took me the longest time to figure out what was in the hand.  I thought, sword?  gun?  Finally I realized it was a ballpoint pen.  Duh.  The stop sign says "Stop gentrification and speak up."  Gentrification in the Bay Area has driven real estate prices sky high so working stiffs are having real trouble finding housing either to buy or rent. 

Welcome to Monday Mural.  If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.  I'll be gone for a few weeks and won't be able to leave comments on your posts.  The meme will still go up weekly via auto-posting.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: jump on in

This wonderful mosaic mural decorates a local public pool.  On the other side of the stairway is another mosaic of a girl jumping into the pool.  I don't know for sure, but the murals look like they are based on black and white photographs.  A real change from the more typical aquarium decoration you see around pools.  Sorry, once again I have no attribution for the artist

elcome to Monday Mural.  If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.  I'll be gone for a few weeks and won't be able to leave comments on your posts.  The meme will still go up weekly via auto-posting.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: wild kingdom

Found this wild looking mural on the side of a building in West Oakland.  The animals are not your Disney woodland creatures.  These look like they're hungry and you could be the appetizer.  I like the way there are more eyes than there are critters.  Didn't see a signature.

Welcome to Monday Mural.  If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.  I'll be gone for a few weeks and won't be able to leave comments on your posts.  The meme will still go up weekly via auto-posting.

Monday Mural: smash patriarchy

Another wonderful mural by Peskador in West Oakland.  He just refuses to be constrained by a single style.  Be sure to check out the geometric details in the afro and the facial tattoos.  They add wonderful depth to the image.  Am not sure how this guy with a blunt smashes patriarchy.  Maybe you have to be high to get the connection.

Welcome to Monday Mural.  If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.  I'll be gone for a few weeks and won't be able to leave comments on your posts.  The meme will still go up weekly via auto-posting.  A bientôt.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: the corner tropics

Found this tropical mural by Malcom Stuart in Jingletown.  It curves around the corner of the building and features psychedelic 3-D geckos.  Hey, that reminds me we're coming up on the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love.  Feelin' groovy.

Go Warriors!!

Welcome to Monday Mural:  if you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: Ghost Ship

In December there was a terrible fire in an Oakland warehouse where 36 people lost their lives.  Near the warehouse site, this mural has gone up to commemorate the fire and honor those who died.  The doves represent the souls lost and all their names are listed at the far right side of the mural.  Painted by Vogue and the TDK crew.

Welcome to Monday Mural:  if you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: visit Oakland

The downtown Marriott now has a large mural by Illuminaries advertising many of Oakland's sights.  If you look carefully you'll see the Oakland oak tree logo, iconic buildings, a giraffe from the zoo, a BART train, logos of our pro sports teams, and a reference to Lake Merritt, the Black Panthers, and the Dragon School muralists.  The Marriott also houses the training facility for the Golden State Warriors, who will now battle it out with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the NBA championship.  This is the third year in a row these two teams have faced each other for the top title.  Go Warriors!!

Welcome to Monday Mural:  if you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: abuelita

This mural of a girl and her grannie is on the other side of the building shown last week.  A sweet image of familial love.  The furry looking item to the left of the girl is a continuation of the quetzal bird tail you saw last week.  A bit of it can also be seen above the grandma's head.  I spotted this mural in my rear view mirror and had to turn around to check it out.

Welcome to Monday Mural:  if you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: quetzal bird

This mural is found on Foothill Blvd. in East Oakland.  In the long tradition of Mexican murals, there is pointed social-political commentary on the right side of the mural.  I think enlarging that section of the photo should help you view it better.

Welcome to Monday Mural:  if you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

skateboard park

It was fun to watch all the guys (yes, almost exclusively boys and men) practicing their sport.  I failed to get a shot of someone in the air but will try again now that I know where the park is.

Monday Mural: Aztec pyramid

Here's another creation from the Community Rejuvenation Project.  They had the difficult task of painting on brick but were undaunted.  This fantasy scene of an Aztec pyramid rising out of the jungle is a cool reminder of the complex history of Mexico and Central America.  This is only part of a busy mural wall, but this detailed panel really caught my eye.  Found on San Pablo Avenue in West Oakland.

Welcome to Monday Mural.  If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

I'll be gone for a few weeks and won't be able to leave comments on your posts.  The meme should go up weekly via auto-posting.  If there is a glitch, I won't be able to fix it from afar.  Begging your indulgence in advance.  Arigato.

plein air artist

I couldn't believe my eyes when I spotted an artist at an easel set up in the street.  I'm used to seeing spray can work in the industrial section of West Oakland.  Meet John Paul Marcelo.  He was painting a portrait of a VW bus.  He's originally from Chicago but has been in the Bay Area for a number of years now.  Check out his website for more views of his art.

Monday Mural: another Doty bird

Another fabulous bird by Ernest Doty.  It's on a side of an apartment building over looking a gas station.  This is the best shot I could get even though it's quite large.  Hence, the unlovely view of station advertising banners.  Found on Foothill Blvd. in East Oakland.

Welcome to Monday Mural.  If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.  

I'll be gone for a few weeks and won't be able to leave comments on your posts.  The meme should go up weekly via auto-posting.  If there is a glitch, I won't be able to fix it from afar.  Begging your indulgence in advance.  Arigato.

American Steel sculpture

While driving through West Oakland I saw this new sculpture in the holding yard for the work of Karen Cusolito.  I'm not sure this is a new direction for her or the work of a fellow artist.  You can see her mammoth sculptures way in the background of this photo.  I had to hold my camera over a fence to get the shot.  Hence the razor wire.  The tonnage of the boulders is mind blowing.

Monday Mural: foxy lady

This is pretty bizarre, wouldn't you agree?  Catching a glimpse of it,  I immediately pulled over to get a shot.   Actually she looks more like a hedgehog human hybrid but that didn't have the same ring to it.  Unfortunately, I didn't see a signature and it is not a style I recognize.  Found in West Oakland on the wall of a motorcycle club building.

Welcome to Monday Mural.  If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

I'll be gone for a few weeks and won't be able to leave comments on your posts.  The meme should go up weekly via auto-posting.  If there is a glitch, I won't be able to fix it from afar.  Begging your indulgence in advance.  Arigato.

Church of Tonga

The Church of Tonga is situated in the San Antonio district in East Oakland.  The brightly painted church rises above the neighborhood and calls people to it.

Monday Mural: Warriors mural

A new mural which faces the 880 freeway alludes to the electric performance of Steph Curry and his Warrior teammates.  Fittingly, Illuminaries has painted this one on a wall of an indooor basketball court.  Not surprisingly, Under Armor, a major client in Steph's endorsement empire, helped pay for the mural.  As of this week the Warriors have again won the Western division and the first seed position in the Conference playoffs.  Third year in a row.  Now starts the long march to the championship finals.  All of us in Dub Nation are rooting for the another NBA championship.  Waarrriors!!

Welcome to Monday Mural:  if you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: mujer muralista

I love everything about this mural.  The composition, colors, technique--everything.  For some reason this one just makes me happy.  From this angle you can really feel the energy she's putting into grinding corn on the metate.  Close to the grilled window is a sweet hummingbird and heart shaped cactus.  Come to mention it, her braids are also linked hearts!  Found on a small restaurant on Foothill Blvd in East Oakland.

Welcome to Monday Mural:  if you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme is for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson.

Monday Mural: family tree

This mural appears to be based on family photos.  It's a wrap-around mural that goes around the corner and shows more photos.  Notice that the mighty family tree has sweet birds in it.  Found on San Pablo Avenue in West Oakland.  In my haste to avoid impending rain, I failed to locate a signature.

Welcome to Monday Mural:  if you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme is for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson.

Monday Mural: rabbit carp

Along the edge of Chinatown near the 880 freeway stands a running frieze of colorful murals.  This one caught my fancy because it blends two animals.  Wouldn't you love to see this in the wild?  It's also pretty cool that the artists did not cover over the old Ballantine's ad.  The sticks define a traffic lane for vehicles zooming onto a freeway on-ramp.   I had to look out for traffic from all directions to get a shot without cars.  Makes you wonder how the heck the Dragon School artists painted this wall since stepping back to look at your work would definitely be hazardous. 

Welcome to Monday Mural:  if you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson. Oops, the Linky didn't load. Here it is albeit quite delayed.

Monday Mural: eye full of dragons

Above the black and gold dragons, which are somewhat obscured by thoughtless tagging, is another dragon.  The style is way different and this dragon looks lean, angry, and hungry.  Pretty scary dude.  I did not see a signature but I don't think it's from the Dragon School.  This dragon gathering is found on the edge of Chinatown on a street that faces a freeway on-ramp.  Maybe the constant rumble of traffic has gotten on his nerves.

Welcome to Monday Mural:  if you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson

Monday Mural: Polly want a cracker?

This large parrot (or possibly a parakeet) head adorns a neighborhood market wall on the corner of 14th Avenue and E. 18th Street.  It is by Doty who has been featured many times on this meme.  His birds are always wonderfully detailed, seem self-aware, and always have a whiff of danger.  The bird seems to be speaking;  I wonder what it is saying?  I think the tiles are original to the building.  Many Deco-era buildings in Oakland have tiled facades that I believe came from local manufacturers.

Welcome to Monday Mural:  if you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you; just follow the Linky steps below.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them everywhere.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to your mural finds posted this week.  Google+ users, please configure your post so we all can leave a comment.  Thanks.

“ Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Rev. John Watson