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This public artwork is located on the campus of Stanford University. It's titled "Oy/Yo" and created by artist, Deborah Kass 2019 . It's displayed outside the Anderson Collection.  The first time I saw it, it made me smile.  I love the bold and bright yellow color and the large size of this sculpture.  It's human sized.  The word "Yo" can be read from one side and "Oy" can be read from the other side. It's irreverent and humorous. I like how this artwork engages the public, that people take selfies in front of it and pose beside it. Some people frame their faces inside the O. From the Cantor website I found the following description, "OY/YO explores the combination of imagery and language: “oy,” as in “oy vey,” is a Yiddish term of fatigue, resignation or woe; “yo,” is a greeting associated with African American slang. In addition, “yo” in Spanish means “I.” Each usage has been co-opted in popular culture. “The fact that this particular work resonates so beautifully in so many languages to so many communities is why I wanted to make it monumental,” Kass told the New York Times.

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This public artwork is located in Memorial park of Cupertino California. Artist is W. Stanley “Sandy” Proctor. Installed in 2007. Donor: Family of Matthew Axelson. It’s titled as The Guardian. A extremely dramatic illustration of two vigilant defenders standing back to back is found in The Guardians. Matthew Axelson and James Suh, two Navy SEALs from Cupertino who lost their lives battling the Taliban in Afghanistan during Operation Red Wings, are the two men being depicted. The book and movie "Lone Survivor" honours their valor and sacrificial giving. Working as a Soldier and sacrificing a lot of things it means a lot. They are protecting us and we out here is living our best lives. The most attractive thing in this art is that it looks so real. In my known there are a few who retired as a veteran and some of them lost their lives fighting for us and it’s my dream job I want to do something for our country. There is nothing which I disliked about this art but I liked it because when I saw this it just refreshes my memory of my love ones. It reminds me of one of my uncle who died in Indian army and my sister father-in-law he retired as a navy officer in India.
Cupertino Veterans Memorial | Honouring Our Veterans. (n.d.). Cupertino Veterans Memorial | Honouring Our Veterans. Retrieved September 5, 2022, fromhttp://www.cupertinoveteransmemorial.org/

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 Jan. 26, 2022 this mural was painted by local artist, Lee San Nicolas. Located south wall of the Koa Building in Hagåtña.

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 Jan. 26, 2022 this mural was painted by local artist, Lee San Nicolas. Located south wall of the Koa Building in Hagåtña.

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When I look at Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna it makes me feel uneasy. Because these great legends are gone and no one would ever be able to fill in their shoes, every time I look at this mural I think about the quote Kobe Bryant once said ‘’The moment you give up... is the moment you let someone else win’’. I was going through other murals and they didn’t include his daughter. I like how this artist featured both Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna. The art work itself is beautiful.

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"Still I Rise" By: The females in Elmwood Correctional Facility and Carry the Vision

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This artwork is so important to me because I personally was involved in creating it. This is a mural displayed at the Reentry Resource Center representing the justice involved populations being freed from their turmoil. To be honest, I was actually in custody at the time this was all being designed and I was still able to participate in the making and it was a life changing thing for me. It gave me hope and it gave me another point of view on things. I thought to myself “I want to continue to be involved like this and I deserve better for myself and I have a story that I can share with others that might help another change their life around”.

What attracts me to the artwork is the words, colors and the differences between all the individuals that were involved in building the murals.

This artwork brings mixed emotions for me, it brings me joy and peace and I feel serene when looking at it. I know there’s nothing but good intention behind the art work and equality for all and it gives others a good warm feeling inside knowing there’s people out there that do notice your pain and they hear you and they're trying to reach you through art and let you know! Another feeling I get is a reminder of where I was when this was made and I kind of relive that time frame and that confusion and aloneness I felt back then and it’s uncomfortable, But it reminds me, those are just feelings I think of myself and not that of the art itself.

There is nothing I don't like about the art, there are a lot of things I do like about the art work, for the lotus mural “Still I Rise” by Carry the Vision I enjoy looking for all the different words of inspiration and wisdom and the ones who mean the most to them like family or friends listed on there. After bad choices or mistakes we make there are all different and very talented people unfortunately experiencing the other side of the walls, but we can all grow and become something different and better then how we went in!

Hypothetically speaking, looking at the artwork as an outsider and not knowing the inside scoop on it or the meanings behind any of it, I would think the artists are expressing aspiring individuals and their break from something of the past and moving into what the future has for them and having courage and hope.

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This painting is on the wall of the most famous "Meadowlark Dairy" done by Jay Galvin. This is located in Pleasanton California in downtown.

I have lived in Pleasanton all my life and it was on almost ever Sunday that my family and I would go down to the Meadowlark Dairy and get their famous cones. This painting makes me so happy because it reminds me of tradition I would have with my grandparents. I think what attracted me to the painting was that everyone in that city would take pictures in front of it which made me want to do the same. The emotions that this art brings me is nothing but joy. I feel so happy knowing that i'm going to have so much fun when I see this painting and my stomach can agree with me! I really like this art work because my favorite animal is in fact a cow so I really like the detailing that comes with the painting. The flowers in the field and the trees really bring light and color to the art piece. Finally this art work simply reminds me of home. How my family would gather after every Sunday meal around this building and spend quality time together.

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This public artwork is in front of Milpitas Library on Main Street. The artist is Carla Moss, and she named the artwork “Cartwheels!” in July 2004. “Cartwheels!” are children doing a headstand, and it was made from bronze. Carla Moss made this artwork in honor of the City’s 50th Anniversary, and it is an “Art in Your Park” gift. When I saw this artwork from a distance, I thought that children were playing in front of the library, making me giggle, and I was shocked that it was an artwork when I came close to the artwork. I like this artwork because this artwork reminds me of being a child playing and not minding anything or anyone passing by and just being carefree and enjoying the times I play with my friends. “Cartwheels!” made me reminisce about my childhood memories. It gives me happiness and sadness. Sadness because I cannot be like that again as I am old enough and have many responsibilities. On the other hand, every time I pass by this artwork, it always makes me smile and feel at ease.

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This public artwork is located at 555 Mission Street in San Francisco. The title of it is “Human Structures.” It was created in 2008 by the artist Jonathan Borofsky. It consists of 62 printed colorful steel human-sized figures, which are joined hand-to-hand and hand-to-toe by screws. I chose this public artwork because I visited it with my partner, and we stayed a good memory. When I first saw this artwork, I felt vibrant and could relate to the word "connection." What attracts me the most is that it is coated in different colors. It is like meaning cultures; different people from different regions, different backgrounds, and different cultures all hold hands and are connected. The artwork is a human tower and located between two large office buildings, which also gave me a sense of collaboration. I like this artwork; not only the feeling it gives me but also how it engages with the public. There is an open space inside the pink steel figure and the white steel figure, as well as its back. So, people can stand between two steel figures and take pictures while holding two figures' hands. When I stood inside the artwork and looked up, I saw an octagon. It's amazing how accurately the artist could make this shape. What’s more? The artwork is like a thunder-and-lightning rainbow standing within the office buildings.

Image cited: “These S.F. public artworks were funded by downtown development." (2019, July 8). San Francisco Business Times. https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2019/07/08/san-francisco-public-art-funded-downtown.html

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Hand in Hand.    Artist Michael Stutz ( 2005 )  ADDRESS:3369 Union Avenue San Jose, CA 95124

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Public Art: Hand in Hand ( Camden Community Center) 

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Public Art: Hand in Hand ( Camden Community Center) 

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This public artwork is located on a small rock off the lawn of the Camden Community Center. It's titled "Hand by Hand" and was created by an artist named Michael Stutz in 2005. This artwork means something to me because when I see it I feel at peace and quite special because there is a hand welcoming me. This artwork attracts me as well as impresses me in how meticulously the artist created this artwork to connect to the metals. Although this work doesn't have many colors to make them stand out, I still feel this is a beautiful and unique work. When I researched and learned that it was a work depicting the relationship between adults and children it was a small hand in the middle of a large hand. It makes me feel deep, warmth, and love for a family. I really like this work because it impressed me the first time I saw it. It made me feel like someone was waving at me and it's look like my parents' hands are holding my little hands, it contains a lot of love in it. The artwork reminds me of the times when my parents held my hand when I was young to protect and guide me to become a good person who can help people around me.

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The art structure is called Harmony Tree, done by Saori Ide and Jonathan Russell. It's located at 660 w main street in Morgan Hill, Next to the library.
The artwork means to me that every branch has a product of growth, and from that growth a fruit is product of the same tree in nature. What attracted me to the artwork is the simplicity of the structure in which it was modeled from an everyday object as a tree. When I saw the artwork the emotion that it brought to me was a welcoming feeling and a tranquility ease of emotion. What I liked about the artwork is that the details of adding the fruits in the branches of the tree. The artwork remind me of an old ranch my parents used to own that had oranges and avocado trees that I used to pick from.

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Here is the link just in case yall would like to know more about it https://www.sjsu.edu/ha-public-art-tour/public-art/black-power.php 

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This artwork is called ‘Victory Salute’ and the artist name was Rigo 23, it was constructed in 2005 and commissioned by San Jose State University. Which the 2  were in the Olympics competing the first place winner would be Tommie Smith and in the 3rd place winner, it would be John Carlos who were both competing in the 200-meter dash final in the Olympic Stadium in Mexico City on October 16, 1968, which both performed the Black Power salute raising their fists in silent protest. What this artwork means to me is that it represents a call to justice because racism and inequality were so bad back then. What attracted me to the artwork is how good it stands out, as I was walking it looks very nice, and at first, when I didn't know about it I was walking thru the campus and I went up to it because I actually wanted to learn more inf of the statue like the name that way I can search it up later. I highly recommend going to the campus of San Jose State University and seeing it on your own. The emotions that I had when I saw this statue were excitement because these individuals decided to stand up for what was wrong in the world. What I like about the artwork is that they added a second place for anyone to join and rise their own fists. The artwork reminded me of the whole thing we had on #blacklifesmatter.

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The Landmark by Enrique Martinez Celaya located in Huntington Library 

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The Landmark by Enrique Martinez Celaya is a very unique piece of artwork that caught my attention because of how it was placed in an open area lying on its side.
Sculptures of heads are usually something I've taken particular interest in due to the fact that it would usually represent a historical figure in power.
However, with The Landmark the case is entirely different. The head is laying on its side. My interpretation of this was that the head represents some sort of a pioneer who has found new land after a long journey and that's why they chose to lie on their side as a sign of relief or finding resolve in the fact that a long journey is over.
I like that the head is lying on its side. It doesn't represent a figure in power. The other thing I liked was the fact that its out in the open which helped me in making the interpretation of someone finding new land or new ground.
It reminded me of how I first came to San Jose a month ago and got my first apartment. The first thing that I did was lie down on the floor with my head tilted towards the side just like the figure with a sense of relief that my move in was complete.

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I saw this piece of art on the wall of a bathroom at "Pizza My Way" in Pacific Grove California. What drew me to this art is that it was the only one that wasn't surrounded by a bunch of other murals in the building. The restaurant portion is covered in paintings, but this one was more hidden, but easily readable. The result of having so many paintings concentrated in one area gives me sensory overload. This artwork symbolizes to me, that sometimes you need to give art a lot of negative space to give it a delicate feeling, to let it breathe. It gave me emotions of happiness and it made me appreciate the dainty stems on the plant. I especially liked that the butterflies almost resemble flowers with the wings as flower petals. The artwork also reminded me of a shirt I owned as a kid, it was white and had purple butterflies in the centre. I'm not sure who painted it because we left before I could ask.

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Robert Graham.

What does the work of art mean to you?
For me personally it means like a kind of animal, a dangerous snake but at the same time it is harmless for being in public, that is to say for me it is like a symbol of peace, that neither of the 2 species messes with any of them.
What attracted you to the artwork?
It attracted me because it looks beautiful, because of its peculiar texture and its size that is somewhat surprising and because personally I am attracted to animals or things that are mythological as well as this sculpture that is like a kind of drago or snake.
What kind of emotions did it provoke?
When I looked at it I was surprised because it was bigger than I thought, I was really moved because it was a kind of snake with mythological type plumes that is one of the things that people like the most.
What do you like or dislike about the artwork? Be specific.
I liked more than anything its characteristics, the way it is sculpted and its peculiar surface, but what I liked the most was its history and its meaning, which says that it was one of the most important mythological deities of the Mesoamerican pantheon and the sculpture was created for that symbolizes the spirit of social harmony and diversity of san jose CA.
Did the artwork remind you of something?
yes, it reminded me of the books that were in mexico because they always had drawings of mythological snakes with feathers.

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The art I chose to explore for this assignment doesn't have an official name, but the artist is by Leila Ziyalan and it is a mural of two different sets of wings. The picture is not of me, but it was the clearest I could find on the internet. The wings were painted on the side of Tak Market & Liquor on 3rd and Taylor street. It is one of those murals made for public interaction and sharing on social media because of the way it's designed. When you have someone take a picture of you standing with your back to the mural, it gives the illusion that you have wings on your back; its a very popular trend when traveling to take and share images like this. I chose this piece because I pass the shop every time I drive home from work and it is not uncommon to see people of all ages taking pictures in front of the wings. To me, it is a little gem of the city because, despite it being popular to take pictures with, it is in a relatively out of the way spot that most people have to be introduced to it by a local. Being Hispanic and having a big family, community has always been important to me, so when I think of the wings as a neighborhood hidden gem I have the same feeling you get when your friend trusts you with a secret. Something akin to pride. One thing I disliked about the mural is its inaccurate anatomy of real wings. I had a phase where the thing I drew the most was wings, and that came with studying the anatomy of them in order to appease my frustration when they didn't come out looking natural. Despite that, I really liked the use of both warm and cool colours on the feathers because it really makes the art pop out of the wall. It was already drawn on a white canvas with not much else surrounding it, so the attention is immediately drawn to that area. I also enjoyed the little details you can only see when you look closely. The artist painted the feathers in a way that it looks textured like real ones. The wings remind me of a Red Macaw's because of the colour scheme, only fitted to the artist's style of drawing.

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For the past 7 Ish years living in Milpitas, I have always passed by this statue at least once or twice a day, I never knew why he was called the "Milpitas Minute Man". Although I've never known why he was called that, but I'd like to assume that it was to portray the town's busiest road because to where this bronze sculpture is located is where the intersection is at. Most times the intersection is very busy and somewhere off to the side is where the office buildings are located to which where the bronze sculpture is facing. Seeing the sculpture everyday never really stood out to me until I was late to something, I felt like if you were already late to something it's better to have a calm and cool mindset heading to where you are late, rather than panicking. The bronze man may be late but he's heading to his destination calmly but swiftly. I'd like to follow that mindset, but most times it never really works in the moment, but when I do it really does put you at a calming sensation. I remember when I passed the statue heading to school for my last day of Freshman, thinking how I far made it. Seeing it now when I started college really puts that to shame in a way. You could see how fast time flies just by seeing the same old art you saw when you were younger.

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This public artwork is located on Downtown. The given title is “Timeless” by Selena Huang from Evergreen Valley High School. This painting got my to my attention because the first thought that came to my mind was, how relatable is this painting to real life! Personally I loved this painting because the message that is giving me is that we should enjoy our life, be productive, explore, and to especially not rush the time. This painting really reminded me of when I was a kid I would always argue with my mother because I would see that she would let my brother go out and I would always wish that I wanted to be a grownup like him. Now that I’ve grown I sometimes just want to go back when I was that kid that would cry over little things because I feel as time goes on things gets harder and more responsibilities come. After seeing this painting and having to think about how relatable is for me it mixed my emotions between happiness or just feeling numb because I love the life that I have now but having to think that I’m going to continue to get older is just a feeling that I cannot explain. This painting to me means to appreciate what I have now and to be thankful for the people around me.

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Link to some of downtown San Jose's murals, including this one, https://sjdowntown.com/murals/

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This public artwork is located at 25 W San Fernando St in Downtown San Jose. This mural is on the wall of a Oaxacan restaurant, and the mural is inspired by their culture, as the owner is also Oaxacan. The smaller photo that the large woman is holding is of the owner's grandmother. To me, the artwork reminds me to always call back upon my heritage, as it is a way to affirm who I am, and a way to reconnect with my sense of self. What attracted me to this art were the colors initially, as I love to see bright colors on everything, and the air of dedication that is present in the artwork. It shows a true love for their own culture, and a visible pride of who they are. When I first saw it, it made me feel very happy because these days, it has become more difficult to find bright colors in daily life, so to me it is always a treat to see something that is bright in daily life. It also made me very curious as to why it was there, which is why ultimately I chose this mural out of the many murals that are found around that area. I really like the bright colors that are found in the artwork, as well as all of the patterns and designs that are integrated into the artwork, especially on the left side of the image. I also enjoy the framing of the painting, and how the artist draws focus to the faces and the people, and the patterns and designs are just embellishments to the artwork. It reminds me a lot of traditional Oaxacan art, which utilizes many bright colors.

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Heart of Silicon Valley, Eastridge Shopping Mall, by Lila Gemellos Murals

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Heart of Silicon Valley, Eastridge Shopping Mall, by Lila Gemellos Murals

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I chose this piece of artwork because it really speaks to me. The colors remind me of a happy time in my life that I think back on when I see this. I’ve seen this artwork in person many times, and each time it feels as if it’s my first time looking at it. My dad would take me when I was younger because I always loved to go see it. I stopped visiting for a while because my dad and I became on bad terms. I started thinking negatively about the artwork because it reminded me of my dad. But I decided to make new memories there and took some of my friends. Now me and my friends go and visit the artwork every so often.

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The Bean is a work of public art in the heart of Chicago. The sculpture, which is officially titled Cloud Gate, is one of the world’s largest permanent outdoor art installations. The monumental work was unveiled in 2004 and quickly became one of Chicago's most iconic sights. This artwork is one of the first artworks that I have ever visited, so this means a lot to me. I haven’t seen many art pieces in my lifetime, but this one has stood out to me. The aesthetic is what attracted me. It is a big bean that you can see your reflection in and it is located in Millennium Park also called The Cloud Gate, the lakefront park in Chicago’s downtown Loop. The emotions this artwork brought out of me were joy and happiness due to the aesthetic look it has. What I like about this artwork is that it is a huge piece of art in a beautiful park, and I don’t really have any dislikes about this artwork. Every time I see a picture of this artwork either on social media or television, it reminds me of my trip that I went on with my parents when I was younger.

https://www.choosechicago.com/articles/tours-and-attractions/the-bean-chicago/

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The Commemoration of the Founding of the Pueblo de Guadalupe San Jose 

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The Commemoration of the Founding of the Pueblo de Guadalupe San Jose 

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“This art piece commemorates the founding of the Pueblo San José de Guadalupe on November 29, 1777. This piece of art includes four columns with granite caps, a tile floor map, and a dedication statement. The founding of the Pueblo San José de Guadalupe established San José as California’s first civil community, supplying necessary agricultural products for the presidios and missions of San Francisco and Monterey. This project honors a pioneer settlement and its founders and the beginnings of a continuous migration of people who have come to this region from north, south, east, and west.” https://www.sanjoseca.gov/home/showdocument?id=32319

When i first saw this art piece its 4 column dimensions and its horizontal structure stood out to me with its beautiful art design which in its self-paints a picture which the artist themselves were looking for. When I did my research on it and its origin, I then found out that it represented the points on a compass on how it brought different people from different nations, backgrounds, and beliefs together possibly in search or new opportunities for a better life which speaks to me as an immigrant myself. I felt a sensation of empathy being able to relate to those who would’ve had similar experiences back then. It also reminded me of the four pillars in Rome due to its set up and shape.

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A couple of months ago I was visiting a friend that attends stanford University. I went over to his apartment to hang out and eventually go to a party. In the meantime we decided to get some food on campus and also walk around. That's when we stumbled apon this work of art along with many others.

This totem pole means a lot to me not only because I came across it at a very pivotal point in my life, but because it reminded me of the beauty and uniqueness of the earliest nations to ever walk the earth. Cultural artwork is very important and often symbolizes powerful messages like family and togetherness.

What attracts me to the artwork the most is how the figures are depicted and drastic the features are. To me, it gives the artwork life and makes it pop.

For me, the totem pole invoked feelings of empowerment and strength. The way the figures are depicted lead me to interpret them to have powerful energy which then radiates onto whomever beholds them. Especially the eagle on top which signifies pride and prosperity.

While there are a myriad of things that I admire about this piece of artwork, one of the things I don't like about it is the location. I found it in a very isolated spot around trees which I felt diminished the beauty of the piece as a whole.

Lastly, this artwork reminded me of my own culture, ironically, seeing as how I'm not native. Seeing representations of different cultures always brings me back to my own in a sense of unity between minorities.

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Living in San Jose my whole life I have always passed though the Quetzalcoatl Sculpture which is located in the Plaza de Cesar Chavez in San Jose CA. This sculpture is a snake which represents Aztec culture. This sculpture has been called the “poop” statue. If you look at this statue from afar it doesn’t look like a snake. There were many people that were upset because it wasn’t how they wanted it to look like. They were offered 1 million to create this sculpture but later were cut to $440,000. This made me feel like the city mayor didn’t have enough respect for us Mexicans after being promised a budget . I was attracted to this sculpture because it had so much history and was meant to represent Cesar Chavez. This made me remember where my parents came from and the sacrifices that they had to make to have a better lifestyle.

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The artwork has two forms and have two different meanings behind it. The first meaning is when i see it from behind and it looks like a pile of dog poop. Yes i know it very childish but a lot of people in san jose see the same thing until you look at it from the other side or notice the finer details. For the other meaning it is an ancient aztec like snake that has coiled up into a pile and sits there looking over the street where the cars come and go into and out of the city. I was always attracted to it cause this is where me and the cub scouts use to hang out for field trips and Christmas in the park. We always loved sitting on top of the statue and seeing everything from his height and such. When i see the statue i think back to all the memories i had with my cub scout troops back in the day, but when i take a deeper look i am inspired by its simplistic design and yet so detailed work. There is so much to love about this statue from its simplistic design and how when everyone sees it you can get a good laugh cause it looks like poop then you realize its a very nice art piece. the only thing i wish for it to improve upon is for it to get a shiny new polish cause i wanna see that snake shimmer during the summer and when it rains.

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1. What does the art work means to you?

This piece of art is from my neighborhood. When I see it I see something familiar from my home.  It's one of the electrical boxes that were painted a few years ago. They painted many throughout San Jose

1. What attracted you to the artwork?

What attracted me to this art was the scenery is very relaxing, yet set next to a busy street. It almost offers peace when the world around the art is going crazy.

1. What kind of emotions did it bring about?

When I look at this I feel peace and calmness. You get lost in the mountains, and wish the scene was real.

1. What do you like or dislike about the artwork? Be specific.

I like the different colors that were used. Purple trees are definitely not what you see when you look at the community. I also like how the artist was able to provide a texture look with the mountains.

1. Did the artwork remind you of anything? The artwork doesn’t remind me of anything, but it makes me feel a sense of fantasy because the world is crazy right now and when you see this it's a calmness within the chaos.

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Hello professor and fellow classmates,

I'm here to share with you my recent trip to San Francisco. A little over two weeks ago I was asked by a few friends of mine to take a trip to San Francisco, of course I said yes given it's only about a less than 45 minute drive from where I'm from. It was just a spontaneous trip to shop around. Towards the end of our escapades my friend suggested we visit Mt. Davidson cross. This suggestion wasn't too appealing to me given my lack of religious belief and the fact that it's apparently on top of  a mountain. I was hesitant to go and proposed we get food instead. I was outvoted. After an annoying uphill walk in the mud we made it to the top, where the cross sits. I wasn't expecting much but when I got there I was thoroughly amazed. Towering over me was a 103 ft tall concrete cross. It was so simple yet the magnitude of it lets off a very strong energy. The weather was very dreamy as well, it was crisp and extremely foggy so the atmosphere was more than aesthetically pleasing. Sitting at the base of the cross is a bronze plaque detailing the story behind it. Mt Davidson cross was erected by local christian communites, it was deigned by a man named George W. Kelham. What I come to find out is that the cross serves as a memorial to the 1.5 million Armenians who perished during the 1915-1923 Armenian Genocide perpetrated by the Turkish Ottoman Empire.​ That was probably the last thing I was expecting to read but it pleasantly surprised me. I know that the Armenian genocide goes unreccognised by most americans, because it isnt really talked about. I'm glad I went, definitely a cool experience.

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This art work is located at Mission City Grill restaurant. This restaurant is located in Santa Clara. This art work means to me that to start off a good morning with good energy you need a good cup of coffee. Something that attracted me to the artwork was the colors, the meaning, and the way they put into detail about it was very beautiful. An emotion I felt while looking at this artwork was attraction. I really liked how it stated that to have a good day you need a warm cup of coffee. I like the color of the art that was used. The red colors are very vibrant and pretty. I also like how they put the cup of coffee on top of a little plate. The artwork reminded me of when I go and have breakfast with my grandma. I usually go in the early mornings to have a cup of coffee and she’ll make me some breakfast and it is one of my favorite feelings in the entire world. When I look at this art work it gives me comfort and puts me at ease because it reminds me of my grandma.

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Tribute Mural of Eddie Pisoni and Saw Breschini

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Tribute Mural of Eddie Pisoni and Saw Breschini

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This public artwork is located in the Breschini Ranch off Highway 101 in Gonzales, California.

The artist John Cerney individually painted about 1,100 plywood panels attached to a barn in 2016. I remember when this artwork was being created, driving by as a child, wondering what it would be. Viewing it after completion, I was stunned by the vibration of the colors, the detail of the art, and most importantly, the perfection of the painted soil and crops. The artwork means a lot to me as it represents my community and my agricultural surroundings. I have always been attracted to this artwork because of its representation. My grandparents, parents, uncles, and aunts were field workers, and I felt this was a tribute to all those who worked ten-plus hours days under the blistering sun or heavy rain, those who ensured we had fruits and vegetables on our dinner table. Now, as I drive by as an adult, it gives me a feeling of not only happiness but of gratefulness to view a tribute that was beyond deserved.

Photo Credit: https://www.johncerneymurals.com/projects.html

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"California Bear" by Artist: Beniamino Bufano

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Sculpted by the well-renowned Italian-American artist, Beniamino Bufano; "California Bear" is located in downtown San Jose, in front of the Performing Arts building. The sculpture was purchased from "The Bufano Society of the Arts," by the city of San Jose in the year 1980. This fixture is one display, among many other examples, that shows Bufano's perfectly smooth sculpting style. Having lived in Northern California for all of my life, I really enjoyed viewing and learning the information behind this piece. Although I am already fascinated by sculptures, the "California Bear" seems like a really beautiful display because of its symmetry and smooth look. Naturally, sculptures of people have many defined, sharp edges; whereas this piece has an all-around smooth appearance. Walking around the area and viewing this artwork reminded me of when I would walk around downtown with my family, when I was younger, and how I would always see local sculptures passing by some areas. It was a really nice feeling to look at this piece; to me, it brought about a sense of calmness.

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Sunsweet Mural & Boxes by Anthony Stenberg

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In the heart of Morgan Hill, on Sunsweet Street, are these public pieces of art. As noted on top of one of the pieces, both murals are titled Sunsweet mural & boxes and were produced by Anthony Stenberg. It is visible on a distribution box for electricity outside the Sunsweet apartments. When I first saw the picture, I couldn't help but be in awe of such a gorgeous piece of art, and it made me smile because it was two works by the same artist, and the subject matter was nature, a subject that greatly fascinates me.This piece of art is, in my opinion, a mirror of nature and what it may reveal to the viewer. allowing someone to appreciate nature through a painting while out on a stroll in the city. Because we rely on nature for the air we breathe and the food we eat, our bodies, lives, and brains are intertwined with it. The ground supports our vital life force.I noticed it while out and about in the city with my buddies, and I was immediately drawn to the artwork. However, the same artist produced two works using the same theme. The lovely, robust tree also reflects itself in the water. The second piece of art depicts enormous trees from the top down, illustrating how much I enjoy photographing trees from the same view point.When it comes to nature, I like how the trees are crucial to us because we depend on them for air to breathe, therefore looking at these pieces made me extremely happy. By supplying oxygen, enhancing air quality, reducing climate change, conserving water, maintaining soil, and fostering animals, trees benefit their surroundings.Many of the colors in this piece of art are earth tones, and there are several shades of green that highlight the depth of the tree. When the tree is looking at its own mirror, it also appears to be large, robust, and surrounded by more roots.The first picture makes me think of a really large tree that my grandma has in Mexico. In the summer, my cousins and I used to climb the tree when we were younger. The second image makes me think of the time I traveled to Santa Cruz with my dad to view the Basin trees. We strolled around, and every time I looked up, I saw the same reflection.

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A utility box with a painting of a flamingo standing in water.

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This public artwork is painted on a utility box on Hillsdale Ave, one of many painted power boxes in San Jose. No information is readily available online, in fact the San Jose city government has a page listing out all public artworks, but skips over each power box for brevity. However, it is sanctioned by the city. It is part of an art program to beautify the utility and power box that rest on every sidewalk. I will refer to it as Untitled by Unknown, as the information cannot be found. The public art is a painting of flamingo standing in a body of water. Unfortunately, it has been graffitied over and desecrated. But, the artwork still has a meaning to me. I was attracted to this piece because of its very close proximity, as I truly see it as something part of the community and decor. To me, it is a symbol of familiarity and hope. I drive past this artwork a lot, so I have begun to associate it with the feeling of coming home. It is special to me in that way. Like a warm welcoming, a majestic flamingo greets me coming home. For the context of hope, just a block away is a creek. I view the flamingo as a tranquil natural beauty, a pipe dream that one day we could restore natural beauty to the places we have overrun. I cannot say I dislike anything about it. I just wish we could remove the graffiti.

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Vida Abundante, Santa Clara Street, by Jim Miner

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The sizeable purple mural painted on the Hotel De Anza wall says, “Vida Abundante”, or “abundant life”, as seen from the corner of Almaden Blvd. And West Santa Clara Street in San Jose, CA. As a Latina, I love to see my culture represented and it reminds me that my culture is beautiful, and I should never feel ashamed of it.  What attracted me to this artwork is how vibrant and colorful it is—the words “Vida Abundante” are the definition of “Life Abundant” in Spanish. The kind of emotion I felt is happiness because I love bright colors. There’s nothing I dislike about the artwork. What is there not to like? It is beautiful and it has a meaning behind it. “If I have to guess, I’d say that it represents a Latin America Goddess, a harvest Goddess who cares for its townspeople,” said Leonard Hill, a San Jose resident who was taking a photo of the mural.

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Homage, by artists Chris Duncan and Paul Urich and, presented by ANNO DOMINI Gallery

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To me, "Homage" represents a stand against oppression and standing up for your rights. By painting this mural next to a busy road in Downtown San Jose, it shows people that drive past it to stand up for their rights. The "Thank you" at the bottom of the painting is there to pay respect to Carlos and Smith for their acts of bravery that inspired others. I was drawn to this mural because I was familiar with the original image that it was based on and the reason they raised their fists, so I already knew what the mural represented. Being a track runner myself, I just thought I connected with it more as well. The mural brought about emotions of bravery and motivation because at that moment they were alone, which I think is represented by them being alone on a boat in the middle of the ocean. Yet they still decided to do this selfless act, knowing there would be repercussions. There isn’t anything I dislike about this art piece. Everything about it has a purpose, which is what I like about it so much. The mural reminded me of the moment Olympic sprinters, John Carlos and Tommie Smith, took a stand against African American oppression in the US by lifting a fist with a black glove at the 1968 Olympics.

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The Bean is a work of public art in the heart of Chicago. The sculpture is officially titled Cloud Gate.  this artwork means my childhood because I would see it on tv. The thing that attacks me from this artwork is the dean shape and its mirror reflection. The emotion that I see in this artwork is happiness. One of the things that I dislike about the area is why it is sideways instead of having it standing up. One thing I like about the artwork is that it is a mirror. One thing about the artwork is its location because it reflects the Chicago city building. This artwork reminds me of peas and peanuts for a weird reason. The bean is made of various stones, highly-saturated pigments, and highly reflective stainless steel. I feel like this artwork is now for is it reflective steel because I feel if it was not reflective it would be a know artwork.

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"Urban Light" - Chris Burden | Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).

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"Urban Light" - Chris Burden | Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).

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This public art piece was created by Chris Burden in 2008. Chris Burden [4/1946-5/2015] was an LA artist who began creating art that was edgy yet controversial performance art. He later took his initial art pieces and transformed his art focus into sculpture work. Creating very famous public art attractions around the Los Angeles Area.
This public artwork has become sort of a landmark in the area. For me, the first time I visited I couldn't express the beauty felt from the lights. Especially the atmosphere of community. It has always been a popular tourist attraction but to be from the LA area and never going to see it till three year after it was placed, it drew me in. I did some research about the artist and the materials he used for it. All I could say or think was how impressed, and resourceful Chris Burden was. He used cast iron lamps made from the 1920-1930's that once used to light the streets of Los Angeles during the time. So intriguing that these lights are solar powered so I understand the name, 'Urban Lights'. Connecting the past with the present.

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1) What Dose the Artwork Mean to You? What does this artwork mean to me it reminds me of all the things i can think of to put in a suitcase.
2)What Attracted you to the Artwork?  what attracted me to this artwork was what the items they used for the artwork all the cool stuff in it
3)What Kind of Emotion Did It Bring Out? It made me happy to see all those different kind of things in one project
4)What Did You Like and Dislike about the Artwork? I like that it was interesting to have such a weird artwork at BART station
5)Did the art work remind you of any thing yes it remind me of everything you can fit in your purse or a lady bag

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This mural is by Lila Gemellos, a local artist, and is located on Lincoln Ave. I often see this mural when I am out with family and friends. I really like the colors that the artist used to create it. This piece of art makes me feel happiness and nostalgia. Because I grew up in Willow Glen, the pictures and symbols in this mural bring back a lot of memories that were created there. My favorite thing on the mural is the “Willow Street Frank Bramhall Park” sign because as a child, I would visit that park almost every day after school. One thing that I dislike about this mural is that some of the signs on it are very small and easy to miss; however, I believe that there are advantages to that. Instead of taking one quick glance at the mural, people will have to observe carefully in order to truly admire its full beauty.

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Bleed Teal, Downtown San Jose, by Nychos 

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Titled 'Bleed Teal' is a wall mural located in Downtown San Jose next to Whole Foods in the Alameda. The mural portrays a shark that is separated from its skeleton and the city of San Jose. Created by famous street artist Nychos, the hockey team San Jose Sharks teamed up with the artist to debut the mural which is presented by the SAP. When I first saw the mural, I was amazed. Sharks are one of my top 2 favorite animals, so being able to see a 58 ft tall mural of a spray painted shark caught my attention pretty fast. I really like how the shark's skeleton is popping out of its body and how in the sharks organisms shows representation of the city, such as a CA license plates, hockey skates and mask to represent the Sharks, and the Downtown buildings in the background of the shark. I am also amazed by the fact that Nychos used more than 800 spray cans! This artworks reminds me of where I was raised. I've always lived in San Jose and one thing that reminds me of that are sharks since San Jose is known as Shark City especially amongst SJ shark fans like myself. The Bleed Teal mural is my favorite street art of all time. I enjoy driving past it on my way home from school or when I shop at Whole Foods.

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This mural is referred as the Millard Sheets Mural which was made as a gift to the people of San Jose. The mural celebrated the city’s 200th birthday. Whenever I look at this mural I feel welcomed and greeted. The colors and bold font captured my attention. I hate how simple the artwork is, but it also looks very timeless which I love. Within the lettering there’s some places and features of San Jose which best represents the culture. The artwork doesn’t really remind me of anything specific, but it seems like a typical “welcome sign” that every city displays.

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This is one of many murals located in Balmy Alley in San Francisco. I’m not sure who the artist is because most of the murals don’t have that information and I wasn’t able to find it on the website or when I called.

1.) To me the artwork means we have a lot of work to do. We have to protect our future because soon we won’t be able to enjoy the simple things.

2.) What drew me to the painting was the butterflies. I really love butterflies so the big butterflies caught my attention.

3.) The artwork originally made me happy because at first I was only looking at the kids and the butterflies but once I looked at the bigger picture it brought up different emotions. It made me sad, it’s very unfortunate how much damage is being done to our planet.

4.) I really like the “good” lighter portion of the painting, the children out in nature. It captures a simple, pure moment. However this painting has a more important meaning that it addresses well. I appreciate the entire painting and there isn’t anything I dislike.

5.) The painting reminds me of a yin yang. It’s a reminder that there’s always bad and good in life.

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This is a mural made by Amy Sol however I was not able to find the name of the mural she did on this building. The building she did it on is a couple of short blocks away from Japantown in San Jose. I have seen this mural personally and it symbolizes a lot for me when I see it. It makes me recognize the area or even surrounding feelings I may have when coming upon/entering Japantown. The light colors on the black background is very interesting combo and being able to bring out the light colors even more to everyone. You can also see at the top a moon that shins down upon the lady, two cats, and some kind of creature that I could not get more information on. This art really brings me a peaceful feeling when seeing it. Also, a very much spiritually feeling. I really enjoy this picture and I feel like it brings out the community in that area even more. Paintings and murals really help pop a place or surrounding up. The art work did remind me of some old movies I use to watch that had cartoons and fairytale ideal things.

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1. To me it is a reflection of life in the city. Sense you can literally see a city reflected back on you. That is also something I like about it.
2. I was attracted to it because of its odd shape and because it reminds me of mercury.
3. It feels clean and happy. As I am sure a lot of people are happy when they see it.
4. I like how sleek and simple the design is. I also like how reflective it is too.
5. The art work reminds me of something futuristic and sleek. I really like the size and design. Plus I also think it has a fun name.

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This Art doesn't necessarily mean a lot to me or anything but when looking at the Shark in the wave kind of reminds me of back home a little bit, because I'm usually out surfing and here and there, I would see sharks sometimes while surfing. What attracted me to this artwork was the sharks and the wave because of where I'm from in Hawaii ocean animals are very respected and part of our Hawaiian culture in certain ways. I got the emotions of feeling home sick a little bit but mainly just kind of shocked by how impressive and cool that shark is. What did catch me off guard was it did say San Jose and I don't think there is any actual sharks in San Jose, but then again, it's art. I like how the Shark was painted, it's kind of hard to explain because there was no real hook to it, but it just looked really cool and stood out to me. (156 WC)

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"Quetzalcoatl" by Robert Graham in San Jose's Plaza de Cesar Chavez

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On Feb 21, 2020. Bryant, his daughter and seven other people perished in a helicopter crash at Calabasas, California. on Jan. 26, 2022 this mural was painted by local artist, Lee San Nicolas, as a memorial tribute to NBA basketball legend, Kobe Bryant, and his daughter Gianna. This mural can be seen on the south wall of the Koa Building in Hagåtña.

When I look at Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna it makes me feel uneasy. Because these great legends are gone and no one would ever be able to fill in their shoes, every time I look at this mural I think about the quote Kobe Bryant once said ‘’The moment you give up... is the moment you let someone else win’’. I was going through other murals and they didn’t include his daughter. I like how this artist featured both Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna. The art work itself is beautiful.

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To me this artwork is about identifying with your city. It represents san jose by defining and aligning san jose with this style of art and the sharks itself.
What attracted me to the artwork was the artist itself(Nychos). I was waiting on his table while he was in the process of painting this mural and he invited me to come check it out the next day.
To me the mural makes me feel triumphant. I can't explain why but something about seeing your city aligned with your sports team with such a strong urban expression feels empowering. I wish I could explain it better but its art.
What I like about the art is the style. It screams big city. San jose has come a long way in the last 20 years and with the developments in downtown we really are a big city and growing. This art to me is a reflection of that development. Anytime I see this sort urban art I associate it with that big city feeling. What I don't like is that I know it's a commissioned piece. While it is a reflection of the artists style artwork like this to me lacks a story and emotion.

Extremely cool guy and I'm glad the city chose who they did to represent the city and the team. It is a beautiful addition to downtown and it doesn't feel out of place at all, which is shocking considering the type of artwork it is.