Wanderings in OB – Our Concrete Canvases

OB Chuck 4-1-14 01By Chuck Cofer

On my recent OB wanderings I tried to document some of the “concrete canvases” that decorate our sidewalks and buildings.

OB Chuck 4-1-14 03I’m not sure where the line is between illegal graffiti and art but in general I feel these colorful, inspirational, informative, historical, and sometimes humorous works represent the freedom of expression and lifestyle many OBceans revel in.

OB Chuck 4-1-14 05Curious as to how others feel about these modern day petrol-glyphs.

There’s the buildings.

OB Chuck 4-1-14 04

 

 

 

 

 

 

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14 thoughts on “Wanderings in OB – Our Concrete Canvases

  1. I’ve seen a lot of these, but not all of them – thanks for sharing!

    Methinks one of the vandals lives somewhere on Bacon south of Newport – all sorts of interesting and (in my opinion anyway) cool sidewalk art to check out when I’m walking into town. They occasionally hit the yellow caution signs at the end of Coronado, but that seems to piss off the powers that be, as those stencils never seem to last long.

    Never met them, but I’m guessing it’s a family that always has a chunk of Cable sidewalk chalked up with kid-friendly art. You can tell if my daughter’s had a sleepover recently, because our driveway will be colorfully chalked up too. Goldsmith hasn’t sued me over her flowers and rainbows yet…

    1. Thats funny Dave, I thought of that big stink with the bank and Goldsmith when I found the chalk art. I do believe its a family and they regularly decorate the sidewalk in front of their home. Some inspirational words often appear and even a cautionary stop sign chalked at the sidewalk/alley crossing. I think its great!!

  2. It’s hard to explain OB , but a picture is worth a thousand words…….these photos say a lot about our unique neighborhood. Thanks Chuck!

    1. Thanks, Gail! Ive only lived here in OB a short time but always seem to discover something cool and special anytime I pause to look.

  3. Seadancer – please allow the Rag to share your images, as we do with Chuck. We would love it if someone or someones would document all the murals in and around OB, plus all the utility box artwork. Just saying …

        1. Thats a great one, Marc! Obviously there are some talented artist amongst us and based on the date of your July 4th 2001 photo have been part of OB awhile.

          Maybe we should have a sidewalk art expo/contest in OB!!

          1. Here here!

            I always thought Bong Ranch Ave had the best sidewalk art… or is it Viagara Ave I’m thinking of?

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