Because the road to the freeway access closest to my house will be under construction for a year, I've been taking lots of different routes across town. It's always fun to stumble across interesting things in one's own back yard and for a few days now I've passed this house. I had some extra time one day and decided to park and explore this unusual place.
This house is a work in progress and, while I think it's very interesting, I shudder to think of having to repaint every few years. On the other hand, perhaps the process rather than the product is the point here in the same way as many of us garden to garden rather than to own a garden.
Quite a few interesting surprises, like this sign, awaited me as I wandered on the sidewalk.
While this cuts down on natural light in the front hall, It surely increases security.
A Peace Pole, part of an international project, is "a hand crafted pole inscribed with the message "May Peace Prevail On Earth" on four sides. These poles act as constant reminders to visualize and pray for world peace."
Fortunately, there are public spaces on all sides of the house so passersby can easily explore the murals without trespassing.
Different interpretations of cranes grace this side of the house.
Another view.
Very clever the way the tree in the alley blends with the branch in the mural.
But wait, there's more! Behind the house is a lovely garden.
At the back of the garden is a mosaic installation.
I love the way the moss is such an integral part of this work.
On the alley side of the structure we see what I'm imagining will be another peace pole.
Across the alley there is another house with large mural
And a peace pole. Is this passing the peace or simply peacing up with the Jonses?
Lovely wood sculpture. Man made or natural?
The neighbors also had these lovely ladies who were very friendly and seemed to be quite well fed.
Did I mention that this all exists across from this?
Life in an urban area is full of surprises. May your day be equally full of delight.
I like the twist of this post! Curious looking property...
ReplyDeleteSeriously though you've inspired us to take different routes to our usual destinations, because you just don't know what new and interesting things you may see :)
This is one of the more interesting places I've seen in a long time. Happy exploring!
DeleteI love this quirky sort of stuff. Whenever I drive (which isn't often), I take different routes, just to explore a bit...and it's amazingly just how often I find something that made it worth the while.
ReplyDeleteYou are lucky not to have to drive daily! When I walked to school(five miles in the snow uphill both ways) everyday, I noticed a lot more subtle natural daily changes. When you see the same flora up cose each day at walking pace it's much more interesting than passing things at 35 - 70 miles per hour when you kind of notice their shapes and colors.
DeleteHow cute! I love the mosaic in the garden.
ReplyDeleteThe mosaic is really interesting. Have a happy Monday Nadezda!
DeleteMuch contrast on one corner. The artwork is beautifully and thoughtfully done. I wonder if it is a community center or gathering place.
ReplyDeleteThe mosaic is fascinating as well, thanks for posting so many photos so we can enjoy the details.
I sort of wondered about it being a community gathering place as the painting on the benches in the garden was done by different people and one was assembled by a group of kids whose names appeared on the back. I didn't have the guts to knock on the door to inquire further.
DeleteCrazy! (in a good way)
ReplyDeleteIt's funk o licious!
DeleteMurals! Mosaics! Chickens! What a great neighborhood! Hey, even the Bauhaus-like condos across the way have a big bright metal sculpture in front.
ReplyDeleteTacoma has a glut of similar looking condos all over town but the metal sculpture in front of these sets them apart. This town is full of little areas of character. And big areas of blah.
DeleteSome talented person is still living in the 60s. Is it a residence? With the exception of the artwork it almost appears abandoned.
ReplyDeleteExactly where my mind went. Unfortunately, the octagon-shaped stained glass window was not lit from inside but it might just have been a zodiac wheel. There was smoke coming out of the chimney. Don't think it was abandoned.
DeleteWow! Your city has totally different houses quite near each others. Funny. There's lot to see..
ReplyDeleteYes indeed Satu.
DeleteExcellent post. What a fun place to explore. Makes the detour entirely worth it, doesn't it? Love it all.
ReplyDeleteIt was a lot of fun to explore as there was something interesting to see around every corner.
DeleteI don't know what to say, except Extremely Unique. I guess it would be interesting to see what they painted next. The artwork is very good.
ReplyDeleteYes, the front of the house is begging for ornamentation like what the sides already have. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.
DeleteIf they would just clean up their front porch and finish painting the trim around the front door it would look free-er from nuclear weapons. The chickens sure are pretty.
ReplyDeleteI think that a lot of the stuff on the front porch is part of the protection for when the painting happens. The front of the house seems to have been left for last but I'll bet they finish the trim one of these days when the weather warms up again. Unless those nuclear warheads go off before then.
DeleteI love the murals, some real artistry in your neck of the woods.
ReplyDeleteThe murals are lovely and since they're visable from the street, everyone gets to enjoy them.
DeleteWow. I love the nuclear free zone sign. I really appreciate the enthusiasm.
ReplyDeleteYes, there is plenty of enthusiasm around that place.
DeleteI always mourned the fact that I was too young to be a Beatnik and too old to be a Hippie. Maybe there's hope yet...
ReplyDeleteIt's never too late to go through that beaded doorway!
DeleteLooks like someone's an artist! Thanks for showing the pictures.
ReplyDeleteI admire the talent! It's always a pleasure.
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