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