We were invited by friends to see an opera performance put on by Opera Santa Barbara. I’m not an opera aficionado, it’s an acquired taste. I’m not saying that in a bad way – but to appreciate opera – one must listen often and go as often as possible. So it was a treat for us to see La Rondine by Puccini. I did the right thing, read about the story beforehand and sort of educated myself a little. All of this paid off, we had a lovely evening. I have no pictures from the evening, I didn’t even bring my phone.
By now you know, I have my camera at the ready when we travel. I always look up. This decoration atop a 4 story office building downtown caught my eye, Sea horses. Look how well they are made to fit into the classic elements. The rest of the building was a very plain Art Deco, I wonder how many people actually look up to see this beauty.
Speaking of Art Deco, there were two such elevator doors in this lobby!
Where is the tile you ask? All over Santa Barbara.
I didn’t go with a plan to take pictures of tile, although, Santa Barbara is the place to do that. Once I got home and looked at the images, then I realized how many of the pictures were of tile. This could be an old staircase, but I think it’s relatively new. First of all the curve, second of all, notice the anti skid on the lowest step? I may be completely wrong, it’s not the age that matters, it is that someone took the time and effort to do this.
Got to love it when a simple sign is made up in tile.
How about this peacock! The designer is from Pasadena, the tile artist from Santa Barbara. Their names are given, but not the year this was installed.
I know, not tile, but come on! Isn’t this marvalous signage for a club! Not only a hanging piano, but a massive red chandelier. At night when we drove by, there was quite a crowd outside. So I’m guessing it’s as good as the sign.
Why this says News I don’t know, but it does.T
I should have taken more pictures of this building. It’s a Santa Barbara Gaudi. Actually, the architect is Jeff Shelton, I wish I had spent more time looking at this building and others he has built in town.
This is El Andaluz, I”ve looked online at pictures, I really should have spent more time here.
I think this is a mixed use, commerial and residential.
He has designed many other buildings, I really need to go back.
This is one of four benches out on the street.
As I said, I need to go back and look more closely
Can’t leave Santa Barbara without a few pictures of the ocean.
Leah