On a sunny, late-spring day, I challenged myself to pick a few blocks downtown Sacramento and then spend the morning walking around seeing what inspired me to take photos. I wanted to see if I could find inspiration in some of the more "mundane" buildings. This is what I came up with.
My first shot is from the Sacramento Public Library on I St. This Italian Renaissance-style building opened in 1918. The insides and main entrance have been modernized, but I love this lovely lintel on the I Street side is still eye-catching.
On the side of the building facing onto 9th Street and Cesar Chavez Park, is a little courtyard with an eclectic mix of interesting items. I liked these lions inset with the different textures and patterns.
There were some really cool, weird sculptures that looked like witchcraft. I took some photos of them but didn't get any that were able to fully capture the spirit of the sculptures.
But I did like this one that shows the distinct difference in the two buildings that exist side by side. Modern on the left contrasting with the old, Renaissance style on the right.
And this one which shows the sculpture from the side.
This building looks pretty innocuous. Unless you look up. It's located on J Street on the corner of 7th. The weirdly jutting second story has always caught my eye while driving by.
And on this trip I could see even more interesting details, such as the metallic-gold Chinese writing. This spot is home to Lei's Kitchen.
Next up is a weird-vignetted picture of the bank building on J and 7th (opposite Lei's Kitchen). I really like the sharp look of this Neo-Classical building from the corner. But I could only get the entire building in the photo with the vignette.
This is the front side. The National Bank of D.O. Mills and Company opened this building in 1912. It is now the Sacramento Grand Ballroom.
At around J and 6th Streets, I ran into a Sacramento "concierge"...a person hired to roam the downtown streets and 1) help people find what they're looking for, and B) keep an eye out for miscreants and report them to the po po if necessary.
He asked if I needed any help and I told him I was a native, just wandering about to take photos of buildings. He said, "Oh, well be careful and don't shoot the Scientology building over there. I've heard they will sometimes come out and try to confiscate people's cameras."
I said, "Really? Then I will definitely take some photos!" He laughed and said to be careful. I don't know if he was just messing with me or what, but I went over and started taking some photos to find out.
I thought this was an interesting social commentary...a homeless man asleep in a wheelchair resting his head on bus benches replete with signs of that oh-so-prosperous "church".
And now, for my last photo, I really like how this one came out. I did do a little bit of special effect in post-production to enhance the focus on the building.
This building is kitty-corner to the Scientology building on J and 6th and the sculpture in the front slowly moves around. It's always fascinated me.
xoxo
