
We have become just captivated with the art of the street. It all started in Vancouver. And now we have started looking for it, we are finding it everywhere. We are also finding places we never would have noticed before. It is a whole new world out there, and there are many canvases available to be created upon.
San Francisco is a living art gallery, with some amazing murals, some of which have been formally sanctioned, and some of which have simply emerged. Photographing street art is meaningful not just because it is a delight to bear witness to amazing images, but also because street art, by definition, can be transient. Indeed, a piece that we photographed just 3 weeks ago has already been painted over. And then there is the issue of the names of the artists who create such amazing works under such unusual conditions. Sometimes the name of the artist is clear, but sometimes pieces seem to appear with no attribution, and even internet research doesn't provide any clues.
But even if there is a question about who it is who is doing the painting, there should be no question about the creativity and accomplishment of street artists. The range of styles, the range of imagery - it is marvelous. Here are a few of our latest favorites from our San Francisco wanderings. Like the haunting blue lady by artist Mark Bode shown above.
Or the sweet portrait by an unknown artist, found in Lilac Alley...

And then there are pieces that are stunningly dramatic, like this one that reminds us of a modern Maori warrior, by Desi W.O.M.E.

And this one, which we call Fire Eyes (unfortunately we don't know the artist's name)

And then there is this lovely image, made all the more poignant by the vicissitudes of being outside, which we have called, "Black Tears." It is part of a mural by Max Ehrman (also known as EON 75) and an artist who we only know as JAE 54...

So we celebrate the art of the streets and the artists who create there. Wherever you are, wherever you live, take a closer look down alleys you might not normally notice. You might be surprised what you find.