Urban dwellers and visitors
ought to note there's always something new to see. Lately, it's been
a visual cornucopia of what should be viewed as art in public
places. Not the usual sort of government-commissioned art, but a
collection of 21st-century murals cleverly and appropriately dubbed
"urban tattoos," by Bonnie Shafsky a local landscape designer.
One has to love this innovative wall art. Its edgy and funky appeal
makes less attractive buildings seem born again. And our wonderful
City streetscape is taking on a far-out chic appearance that is
strangely reminiscent of the ‘70s psychedelic.
The first of these urban tattoos appeared on an unsightly corrugated
metal garage at 21st & O streets. Entitled, "A Labor of Love," it
pays homage to the nearby Limon's Barber Salon. The artist, who
prefers to be known as 2Hermano, was also working out some love
issues of his own which he resolved through his own labor of love –
painting. Whether it was timed or planned, this first urban tattoo
inspired a collective of artists to get busy adorning structures
throughout the city.
Barbara Steinberg is a California-based travel editor, writer, producer and consultant whose work can be seen in national magazines such as Sunset. For over a decade this talent has produced the internationally distributed California State Visitors Guide. Steinberg now writes and consults for a number of destinations, as well as promote environmental causes for nonprofit organizations. In addition, she works as a travel journalist . Other Sacramento and Central Valley region stories and photos from this author include: california/central-valley-california-lakes.html"> Central Valley Wildlife; amgen-bike-tour-photos.html"> AMGEN Bikes Race; sacramento-seaplane-tour.html"> Delta SeaPlane Tours; davis-california-hotdogs.html"> How Much is that Doggie - Davis Hotdogger Cafe; goodie-tuchews-sacramento-cookies.html"> Peace and Cookies on Earth; fair-oaks-california.html"> Why DID the Chickens Cross the Road? - Fair Oaks Chicken Festival