Photos By Gail
Street artist Jerkface first made his name with colorful murals that cleverly mash together beloved cartoon characters or place familiar pop culture icons in unexpected situations. Think Homer Simpson fused with SpongeBob SquarePants to create the delightfully absurd HomerBob. His work is humorous, nostalgic, and generally a little bit mischievous.
All Photos By Gail
One of my favorite things about exploring urban landscape is stumbling across unexpected works of art while just going about your day. While wandering through a grittier corner of downtown Los Angeles last December, my friend and I came across this wonderfully beat-up Honda Odyssey that has become a rolling canvas for street art.
Continue reading I Love You Graffiti Art Car in Downtown LA
All Photos By Gail
One of my favorite things about New York City is that it never runs out of surprises. Even after decades of exploring, I’ll stumble across something that I had no idea even existed. That was exactly the case with The Marriage of Money and Real Estate, artist Tom Otterness‘ delightfully quirky trio of bronze sculptures that quietly inhabit the East River just off the western shore of Roosevelt Island.
If you’re planning an inexpensive and easy day trip from Manhattan, Roosevelt Island is already worth the visit for its waterfront promenades, parks, and spectacular skyline views. But keep your eyes on the water as you stroll along the west side of the island, because these playful sculptures are waiting to reward curious visitors. Depending on the tide, they may be standing proudly above the water or peeking just beneath the surface, making the discovery feel even more magical. Continue reading Hidden in the East River: Tom Otterness’ Whimsical The Marriage of Money and Real Estate
Photos By Gail
Tom Sachs’ Eight Foot My Way (2001) looks like a page torn from a sketchbook. Arranged in a grid of nine panels, the artwork functions as a step-by-step tutorial for drawing Hello Kitty, the beloved character created by Sanrio in 1974. Beginning with a simple red circle for her signature bow, Sachs methodically builds the character panel by panel, adding ‘wings,’ a head, whiskers, clothing, and other details until a likeness of the familiar feline mascot emerges.
But this is no ordinary how-to guide.
Continue reading How Tom Sachs Deconstructed Hello Kitty in Eight Foot My Way
Photo By Gail
A practical object with a twist of humor is always delightful, and these masked wrestler bottle openers by Kikkerland Design absolutely pull off that balancing act. Inspired by the colorful world of Mexican Luchadores, the tiny wrestlers appear to leap into action every time a bottle needs opening, gripping the cap with their legs in a move that feels equal parts wrestling hold and party trick. Yes, it exists! Continue reading Yes, It Exists: Luchador Bottle Opener