Category Archives: PublicArt

Happy Easter!

Posted on April 1, 2013 by nmcclure

I like my holidays secular, but will still indulge in a tradition or two – this is my second year making Ukrainian style Pysanky Eggs. Raw eggs are drawn on with melted wax using a special funnel-tip pen, and then … Continue reading →

Posted in PublicArt | 2 Comments

Daunting Reputation

Posted on April 5, 2011 by nmcclure

Ah, the Danes and their dragons!  I came across this gorgeous piece of architectural sculpture while cycling along Bredgade heading towards the Kastellet. In addition to being awed by the captured sense of power and movement, I love that the … Continue reading →

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Living Wall depicts Europe’s blooms

Posted on September 15, 2010 by nmcclure

The facade of the European Environmental Agency (EEA) in Copenhagen holds a graphic living map of Europe, planted with regional blooms. The living wall is actually a metal frame and grid, supporting a hydroponically irrigated array of felt pockets containing … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Nature, PublicArt | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Shimmering Salmon

Posted on March 15, 2008 by nmcclure

This recent (to me, anyway) addition of brushed stainless steel salmon onto a storefront flanking the North Park Blocks caught my eye not just for the the artwork that is is, but also because it is adhered to the SINGLE … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, PublicArt | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Ira Keller Fountain

Posted on June 7, 2006 by nmcclure

Situated across from the Keller Civic Auditorium in downtown Portland, the Ira Keller Fountain is a full-block sculpture/watergarden.  Originating with a serene, level plaza cut by several thin, submerged streams representing a myriad of natural water ‘conditions’– lazy stream, bubbling … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, PublicArt, Urbanism | 2 Comments

Labyrinth Habitat

Posted on May 15, 2006 by nmcclure

This mural off the corner of 8th and Howard – Labyrinth Habitat — with its multiple hues and strong, diagrammatic imagery — is reminiscent of a Paul Klee painting. Despite the trash and grunge of the immediate surroundings, it’s a … Continue reading →

Posted in PublicArt, Urbanism | Tagged | 2 Comments

Birds of a Thousand Colors

Posted on June 15, 2005 by nmcclure

Found on an elementary school in the Potrero Hill neighborhood.  Pretty inspiring graffiti, not just for the tots, but for us all…. The quote is from the Neil Gaiman comic The Sandman. The complete quote is: Birds of a thousand … Continue reading →

Posted in Graffiti, PublicArt | Tagged | 2 Comments

Absolute Iceberg

Posted on April 20, 2005 by nmcclure

Collision of a giant iceberg (known as B15A) into the Drygalski Ice Tongue (nice name) of Antarctica.  The 100-mile-long iceburg cleaved off an approximate 3-square-mile block of the glacier. (Satellite photo by Associated Press, irreverent illustration by moi.  Pass me … Continue reading →

Posted in Graffiti, Nature | 1 Comment

Sun Flower Power

Posted on March 15, 2005 by nmcclure

Palo Alto Public Art Commission installation of Sun Flowers, by Jeffery Reed and Jennifer Madden, is the first truly functional, educational AND aesthetically pleasing piece I’ve come across in this posh yet sleepy suburb. Located on California Avenue in front … Continue reading →

Posted in PublicArt | Tagged , | 2 Comments