Seattle Daily Photo: February 2014

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Dead Man Walking

I saw this sticker art awhile back on a Capitol Hill pedestrian sign. Makes me think of how much I wish all the political despots and heavy-handed governments of the world would just get outta Dodge and leave common humanity alone.

Friday, February 21, 2014

Olympic Iliad

Alexander Liberman's bright red mammoth 1984 sculpture Olympic Iliad seemed a good candidate for today's photo with the 2014 Winter Olympic games winding down in Sochi. 1984's summer games were held on the west coast in Los Angeles the year this sculpture was installed at Seattle Center. I don't know if that's what Lieberman had in mind for the title of this, his largest piece, or if it is a reference to the nearby mountain chain or to Greece. Liberman was born in Kiev, Ukraine, went to boarding school in London and was raised in Paris. He was a designer and art director at many publications and for 50 years was an editor at Condé Nast.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

All Blues

Sunset reflection on the blue portion of Frank Gahry's flowing "melting guitar" design of the Experience Music Project's exterior at Seattle Center.The lanky image of the Space Needle is reflected in the shiny blue shingles. I'm kinda blue, and this image helps me reflect about a longtime friend who passed away this week, way too young. Dang cancer. He was 6 foot 4 inches tall and such a caring, wonderful man. He made a large, loving and lasting impression on all who knew and loved him, despite his sun setting so early on a winter day. So long, sweet Mayor of Curtis Street, it's been good to know you.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

I was heading down the stairs of the north base of the Fremont Bridge to the foot and bike path below when I noticed someone's comment written on the mossy structure. What do you think when you see, "More," written there? I walked away thinking of the lyrics to an old song, More Not More, by Canadian Bruce Cockburn. Off in the distance across the ship canal you can see a boat and floating home marina.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

History House

Under the shadow of the Aurora Bridge in Fremont is History House. The whimsical metal work fencing and gate that surrounds it is inviting. Can you see a Humpty Dumpty figure holding the Fremont rocket and a salmon? From the funky Fremont troll model flying on a wall in the courtyard to detailed histories of each of Seattle's distinct neighborhoods, there's a lot to keep one interested and informed. Right now, "Current exhibits feature pictorial histories of the Wallingford, Georgetown, Madison Park, Fremont, Queen Anne and Ballard neighborhoods. We are also showing histories of the Woodland Park Zoo, Ross School, the Great Northern Railroad, and B.F.Day School. A special exhibit, created through a collaboration between the U.S. Corps of Engineers and History House, presents a step-by-step pictorial history of the construction of the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks."

Monday, February 17, 2014

Seattlite Monday #7

This scene unfolded in a Cupcake Royale on a Valentine's Day Evening as I was sipping my coffee. Six or seven women came in together, each dressed to the nines in party attire. This lovely photographer among them started snapping photos of her companions. It's the seventh in a little Monday series of candids featuring Seattlites in their environs, and also adds to my long-running series called "shoot the photographer."

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Interesting Building

Not quite a flatiron, maybe a boomerang shape? Whatever architectural shape it is, this building makes up its own little island in a sea of diagonal intersections and curving streets. I saw this unique corner looking down from the observation deck of Smith Tower in the Pioneer Square neighborhood. A lone seagull soars over the scene.

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Heading For the Bridge

The scene from the Ballard Bridge while waiting for a boat to pass.

Friday, February 14, 2014

Snowy Seattle Valentine

There is a house on Queen Anne Hill that always has elaborate Valentine's Day yard and window decorations. I showed you a night photo of the place a few years back. I happened to pass by it on last weekend's snowy day and just had to stop and take a few iPhone shots. The across the street neighbor appears to be getting into the spirit of things, too, and has decorated a bush in the parking strip with pink and red circlets.

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Begonia Dreams

Bright hot pink begonias enjoy the steamy interior of the West Greenhouse behind the Conservatory at Volunteer Park on a cold winter day. This is a view most visitors don't see. This greenhouse forms the physical boundary between Lake View Cemetery and the main Conservatory buildings. Seattle's Volunteer Park Conservatory is 102 years old. It's plant collections are claimed to be more rich an varied than any other on the west coast. Below is a view of the Conservatory's front and the statue of Seward that stands in the circular drive.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Outside Gallery 9

Rainy day sidewalk scene from a day trip to Port Townsend, a charming community just a ferry ride and short drive north of Seattle. I loved seeing these folks just stopping and conversing on the street. You may remember a shot I took awhile back of a couple who own their fishing boat and who bicycle on custom working cycles with their line caught, flash frozen catch from Port Townsend via ferry to sell their salmon at the Ballard Farmers market in Seattle. There's a real sense of community among the people in Port Townsend that comes through even on the streets.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

ID Evening Pedestrians

The King Street Station clock tower looks out over this pedestrian scene in the International District. I took these the day after Lunar New Year after festivities were over. Restaurants and cafes like Piece of Cake and the Purple Dot were packed, but the streets were starting to look a little lonely.

Monday, February 10, 2014

Seattlite Monday #6

Our little Monday series featuring candids of Seattlites in their environs continues with this iPhone Hipstamatic app shot of a woman walking in Gas Works Park near the colonnade. She was reaching for something in her bag as she passed, and I noticed her gloves had the tips that allow you to use a touch screen without having to remove them.

Sunday, February 09, 2014

The Scene on Queen Anne Avenue

It will be short lived, but folks on Queen Anne Avenue N seem to be enjoying the beauty of the few inches of snow that fell last night. I thought it a fun visual joke to see the banner about visiting Cuba outside El Diablo Coffee (a Cuban cafe). Some kids with sleds in hand are heading to Big Howe Park for some fun, but I doubt the owner of the motor bike will be out and about much today :-).

Saturday, February 08, 2014

Saturday Pursuits

Hope everyone can grab a few hours to get outside, despite colder weather, to enjoy their favorite outdoor pursuits. Some of my workmates are headed to the slopes this weekend for some skiing, while others have domestic plans that might afford them a walk around Greenlake, a run through Discovery Park or along the waterfront, or enjoying the shores of Lake Union on a winter day, like the folks pictured here.

Friday, February 07, 2014

Curtis Steiner's Wonderful Objects

For many years artist Curtis Steiner's gallery, Souvenir, occupied a small Ballard Avenue storefront that displayed no sign, only wonderfully poetic and intriguing art displays in the window cases on either side of the doorway. The thoughtful arrangements and details of the window displays would immediately draw you in visually. The only wording to be seen outside the small gallery was the name of a long ago business, "Frank's," in bold black letters set in the terrazzo and tile paved entryway. It was like stepping into an enchanting world to browse through the original jewelry and hundreds of handmade greeting cards featuring Steiner's paintings. Then a couple years ago the large floor-to-ceiling glass fronted retail space in a historic flatiron shaped building up the street was vacated by the Guitar Emporium, and Steiner moved his art, jewelry and antique objects in. Known just as Curtis Steiner now, walking by the gallery in its larger diggs is even more a feast for the eyes, beauty everywhere, intricate pieces that stop you, cause you to think. This is just a little iPhone shot I took some time ago of a large wooden carved Buddha's head gracing the north facing window. It's nearly as tall as I am to give you some sense of scale. There are endless interesting and charming very small treasures to view, too. For 11 years running, Curtis Steiner held a big Super Bowl Sunday garage sale of some of his wonderful art and antiques, but there was a notice last week that it would not be held, perhaps because of Seattle's preoccupation this particular year :-). I think we're all counting on a little more calm and quiet this weekend.

Thursday, February 06, 2014

700,000 Fans Turn Out For Seahawks Parade

The 12th Man turned out in much larger numbers than anticipated for a parade through downtown Seattle honoring the Seahawks' Superbowl victory. Many businesses excused workers and some school principals granted students excused absences so that people could attend. The parade ended at Century Link Field where thousands had gathered in the sold out seats there and at the overflow seating offered at Safeco Field next door. Folks there were able to view the parade on giant screens and enjoy a final tribute. This is Blitz the Seahawks mascot. He is portrayed by Ryan Asdourian, a guy who works at Microsoft in Redmond and who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2008. He's going strong and has helped raise awareness and amazing amounts of money for MS research through various charity endeavors. Read more about this very cool guy here.

Wednesday, February 05, 2014

This Place Will Be Packed Out Today

Century Link Field, home of the Seahawks, will be the terminus of a celebratory parade through downtown today that is expected to attract over 300,000 fans to welcome the team home after their Superbowl victory. I took this shot Saturday night when all was quiet before the big game in New Jersey the next day. Downtown businesses reportedly are letting employees off to attend the parade, and people will be coming in from all over the region to cheer team members as they ride by on some of Seattle's Duck Boats (WWII era amphibious landing craft usually used for amusing city land and sea sightseeing tours). Hotels along the route have completely sold out rooms to those not wanting to brave the brisk temps in the 20s F. Century Link Field has sold out for the event, and Safeco Field (home of the Mariners right next door) is offering overflow stadium seating to those wanting to watch the parade on huge screens. The Boeing 747-8 Freighter with the special Seahawks livery will fly over the stadium during the festivities. This city is crazy for its sports teams, and especially proud of the the Seahawks and their exciting game with the fabulous Denver Broncos and the first Lombardi trophy to make its way home to the Emerald City.

Tuesday, February 04, 2014

Seattlite Monday #5

This fifth post in a little Monday series of candids of Seattlites in their environs was preempted yesterday because of big doings' you may have heard about :-). These two women on an early morning ride were walking their bikes across the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. Although everyone has to walk their bike through the Locks and botanical garden, this is still a favorite route of cyclists wanting to cross the ship canal without having to navigate the narrow pedestrian path on the nearby Ballard Bridge or having to ride much further east to the more bike friendly Fremont Bridge.

Monday, February 03, 2014

Representin'

There was no breeze but the Space Needle was flying the 12th Man flag and wearing the Seahawks' colors on the eve before the Superbowl (and every photographer in town was lined up along Kerry Park Outlook and along the West Seattle shore to document it. . .literally shoulder-to-shoulder, tripod leg to tripod leg room!). Seems like the 12th Man spirit carried the team through to their Superbowl victory. This is one very celebratory city--the whole Northwest region and Alaska, really. Our neighbors were seemingly blasting canons and fireworks were exploding in the air over our streets. People poured out of their houses nearby to beat on pots and cheer together into the night air. Seahawks Pride abounds.

Sunday, February 02, 2014

Seahawks Spirit Skyline

Seattle buildings are sporting a LOT of Seahawks blue and green and 12th Man symbols. One news outlet has dubbed it "Hawkitecture." Here is a view of the Seattle skyline looking east over Elliott Bay from West Seattle. The Russel Investment Center building has donned its 12th man finery and a Seahawks banner is above the numerals. Many other buildings are wearing the colors, as is the Seattle Great Wheel. Lotsa spirit on the street! It's Super Bowl Sunday. Go Hawks!

Saturday, February 01, 2014

Theme Day: Entry

One the first of each month the Daily City Photo bloggers from around the globe participate in a theme day. Our February 1st theme is "Entry." This is the Chinese Gate that marks the entrance to Seattle's Chinatown in the International District. Today there will be many festivities here to celebrate Lunar New Year, the Year of the Horse. And, I notice the corner of King and 5th is sporting spiffy new duel language street signs. Click here to see other entries in other cities and countries in the "Entry" theme day.

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