"Silver Twist" is a stainless steel and dichroic glass sculpture created by artist Gordon Huether. It is located on the backside of the building at 2300 Empire St near the intersection. Dichroic very basically means that the glass appears different colors when viewed from different directions. I really enjoyed how it reflects the flowers that are planted around it. The "twist" creates a lot of interest all the way around. |
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This functional piece of art is a giant welcome mat that is currently not being enjoyed as the building stands empty. The artwork was commissioned by Sears Great Indoors who originally owned and occupied the building located in the Empire Center at 1301 N. Victory Place. I wanted to be sure to document it on Art Around Burbank just in case the new owners decide to make changes that would affect it.
April Greiman is the innovative artist who designed this colorfully abstract piece that contains various materials including integral-colored concrete and imbedded stainless steel. It is called Zoids and is 10 x 60 feet. It was completed in 2002. On the corner of Avon and Magnolia Blvd is a blue tragedy mask with long flowing hair that you can almost hear wailing. It is a complimentary image for the home of Theatre Banshee at 3435 W. Magnolia Blvd. painted by Josie DiVincenzo and Noah Wagner.
I'm still living on the high from last night's Burbank Art Association meeting! It was a love fest. As the last meeting of our "year," we gave appreciation to resigning board members and gratefully accepted many new ones. It is exciting to have so many members willing to participate and bring enthusiastic life to this 62 year old non profit visual arts organization! Over three dozen members and guests filled the room, some shared their current artwork, some announced upcoming shows, and when there wasn't business being attended there was a constant buzz of conversation and fellowship, as well as the devouring of delicious snacks. During most every meeting an artist gives a demonstration. Last night we all enjoyed multi-talented local artist, fellow member, past president, teacher and inspirer of many, friend to all, Randall Williams. He regaled us with tales from his career, and encouraging us to get our work out there. Then with Jimi Hendrix music blaring, he astounded us by painting the famed rock star with spray paint and acrylic in less than 15 minutes! One of the many wonderful benefits of being a member is the camaraderie. It is a joy being with a group of like minded individuals who want each member to grow and succeed. The membership is diverse, working in varieties of mediums; painting of all sorts, chalk, mosaics, glasswork, fiber work, photography, sculpture, collage, and mixed media, and at different skill levels; some folks have been artists their whole lives and others are just beginning. Yet we all embrace creativity at our core.
One of the artist's who showed his newest work to the group was Gustavo Osorio, shown at right above. Several years ago he won a BAA student award for his outstanding drawing ability. A while later he suffered a brain injury and has been recovering for quite some time. His dedicated Mom and siblings come to the meetings with him and they all volunteer for his sake. (Although we've found out his brother, Jaime, is quite an artist also.) Now Gustavo has started making art again and we are all so happy for him! Art and artists can have a healing effect. I'm so delighted to be a member of this talented group of artists. Last night's meeting left me with a warm glowing feeling inside. Meetings start back the third Wednesday of September at a new location to be announced. I hope you will consider joining in the fun! Thank you to Scott Lewis for taking photos during the meeting and letting me use them here! Just a quickie today. I love puns and paint and here they are together on the side of the building for the beauty salon business, Hair to Please at 2114-B Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank Scales 'N' Tails boasts two murals. The one on the windows across the front is an aquarium scene by an artist named Ana. You can find these artworks in the little strip mall between Olive and Verdugo. The business address is 1720 Verdugo Ave.
The piece, called "Requiem," was created by artist Erwin Binder in 1988 and resides in Johnny Carson Park on Riverside Drive between Buena Vista and Bob Hope Drive. The plaque states it is Burbank's tribute to great Americans, "The Defenders of the Constitution" Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, funded by a collection of proud patriots assembled by Mr. Bob Hope and Mayor Michael Hastings. There is a plaque on the other side naming all the donors. This evening I was able to capture the piece in truly amazing circumstances. The sun was shining on it perfectly and fortunately for me a gentlemen named Mel who frequents the park with his dog talked with me for a few moments about his appreciation for the sculpture. He wondered if it was controversial because it is abstract. As someone who works in and appreciates abstraction easily, it was interesting to consider the courage it might have taken for Burbank to accept an abstract work. I think the ambiguous identity of the piece causes it to be as Mel mentioned, a piece that sparks conversation, and also contemplation. It is evocative. I highly recommend walking all the way around three dimensional pieces because different angles provide fresh insights and opportunities for revelation. My first thought, especially after reading the plaque was that it looked like giant tear drops. On the other side I saw victorious arms and strength. As the sun shone through the center I thought of the hope of a new day. Later I considered it could be a perpetual flame of remembrance, or a beacon, like leaving the light on for loved ones to find their way home. The art in public places website describes the bronze sculpture as an abstract expressionist flame. Yet all the thoughts and feelings that came to my mind and yours are equally valid. That is the glorious thing about art appreciation, each person's opinion is correct! Plus, we can all expand and grow through the conversations art inspires. This whimsical brushed aluminum cut out sculpture of children and animals is found at the entrance to the Burbank City Animal Shelter, 1150 N. Victory Place.
After looking at the websites of the artist, Joe Fay, and Burbank Art in Pulblic Places, I realize that the individual pieces have been reconfigured since it's original placement in 1993. Nevertheless it is still a playful and bright piece. An especially nice greeting when one has come in hopes of finding "Best Friends." |