Virgin Mary - Pokéz Vegetarian Mexican Restuarant

Pictures taken 6 June 2009

This painting of the Virgin of Guadalupe is painted on the back of Pokéz Mexican restaurant. It is signed by an artist at the top. The name as I read it is "Surge". It makes sense to sign the painting at the top as opposed to the bottom because many taggers will put their name at the bottom of paintings and thereby add confusion as to who is truly the author.

Pokéz is an excellent Mexican restaurant with a fun funky atmosphere. They have vegetarian food which is absolutely spectacular. I'm not sure how to classify this restaurant, but whatever it is, it is certainly a very authentic version of that. No trip to San Diego can be complete without a trip, preferably late night, to Pokéz The information for the eatery is as follows.

Pokéz Mexican Restaurant
Address: 947 E St, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 702-7160
Open Late

My Alma Mata Was Books -- Malcom X

This is another quote painted near the library. This is actually painted right next to the library at the corner of 8th and E, San Diego CA 92101. The quote is from Malcom X and reads "Books where my Alma Mata, a good library. I could spend the rest of my life reading just to satisfy my curiosity." The quote is badly worn. I hope that they repaint it soon as it is the perfect sentiment for a library. I would very much recommend that every one read The Autobiography of Malcolm X: As Told to Alex Haley. It is one of the greatest if not greatest American biographies. Please do not watch Spike Lee's Malcolm X. It is a misogynistic travesty which cheapens Malcolm X's memory. Also, if you write a book report or take a test on the book by just watching Spike Lee's Movie you will surely fail. The inspiration for the movie was Spike Lee's incredible ego, not the book or Malcolm X's work which he obviously believed was not as good as the lies which I suppose represent Malcolm X's life the way Spike Lee thought it should have been..

Colorfuly Towers Uptown Partnership 5th and Upas

Pictures Taken 22 January 2009

The Uptown Partnership has a program where artists paint on utility boxes transforming them from eyesore to canvas. These boxes are particularly good examples of the program. The painting is beautiful and the subject matter fits well with boxes surroundings. The artwork is signed by a mysterious CMM and copyrighted 2003. It seems the work has held up very well for being six years old. If you have any information about CMM or are CMM please e-mail or leave comment. The address for these boxes is 3366 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103.

Every Blade of Grass Has an Angle

Picture taken 15 January 2000

This Quote from the Talmud reads "Every blade of grass has an angle that bends down and whispers 'Grow, Grow.'" This was obviously part of an art project that painted such quotes on the side walks near the San Diego Public Library (Main Branch). Unfortunately many of the quotes have aged so much that they are illegible. I hope that whoever did the project comes back and refreshes the quotes. This particular quote is to be found behind the downtown post office on E street which itself faces the library. The post office building is a beautiful WPA building. I will be posting about it soon.

Gaslamp Under the Sea

San Diego Hardware after more than a hundred years at 840 Fifth Ave. It's last day was 24 February 2006. Their new address is 5710 Kearny Villa Roadm San Diego, CA 92123-1100. Their new phone number is 858-576-1892. The downtown building has been vacant since. These are some pictures of the artwork on the walls outside the old store. It is signed by Ellen Kindle and by Aron Wookey.