Wednesday, March 18, 2009

I Am The Walrus


Photo & Text Copyright 2009 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

Everyone I know adores the architectural ornamentation of Seattle's Arctic Club (now The Arctic Club Hotel, a 120 room beauty of a place to stay). The entrance once featured a life-sized polar bear sculpture. I have yet to find out what became of it. The third floor exterior still features 29 charming life-sized walrus heads. These originally featured genuine ivory walrus tusks. Those have since been replicated with beautiful curving terra cotta tusks created in the eastern US by one of only two remaining manufacturers of architectural terra cotta tiles and ornaments. Several photographer friends have mentioned trying to come up with a satisfying angle to capture a shot that does these beauties justice. I imagine a window in a building across the street might be a fun vantage point.

11 comments:

raf said...

You did a great job of capturing that one, Kim! What a unique history of that club too.

Pat said...

I have a view of these walruses I took last year because I was so fascinated with the building. I like how you have used the more modern building behind in your shot.

B SQUARED said...

Koo, Koo, Ka Choo. Would love to see more.

S.Ohlsson said...

I love this blog (I just found it today..haha). It is great for me to see photos and visitor tips from Seattle because I am going there this summer. So I’ll keep checking your site out until then...

Small City Scenes said...

Great shot, Kim. Seattle has some great buildings. The olders ones all seem to have some type of ornamentation. Love it! MB

Clueless in Boston said...

I like the angle of this shot with the lines and squares formed by the building in the background.

crocrodyl said...

Great shot! I like this detail! Wonderful composition!

Maya said...

I think this angle is fantastic with the blue checkered background!

Tash said...

Now that's the way to shoot an a sculpture/relief - just spendid Kim. Thank you for the lesson (even if unintended) once again.

Julie ScottsdaleDailyPhoto.com said...

very novel place indeed. your capture is excellent and I am with B Squared as I am singing that tune in my head right now.

Ineke said...

great focusing