25 June, 2009

Acrobats in the Sky at Fashion Island, Newport Beach California - Skywatch Friday






This bronze sculptural piece was designed by Aristides (Aris) Demetrios. The three figures are on 27 foot concrete columns. The piece was installed in 1967 when Fashion Island - Newport Beach was officially opened.

Fashion Island was ahead of its time when it first opened as an outdoor shopping mall and featured anchor stores: Buffums, Robinson's, The Broadway and JC Penney. The Spanish architectural theme and the view of the Pacific Ocean were dreamy to me as a teenager. Many changes were to come in the years ahead. Today the anchors are: Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's and Bloomingdale's Home Store, and Macy's, and in Spring 2010 Nordstrom. At the time Bloomingdale's was opened, it was the first on the west coast.

I will share more scenes from this most wonderful spot in upcoming posts.

Do stop by and visit Skywatch Friday. This meme is hosted by: Klaus Sandy Ivar Wren Fishing Guy Louise who do a fab job.



61 comments:

MedaM said...

Those are really impressive sculptures! Your photos are beautiful and a wonderful choice for the sky watch photos!
Have a wonderful evening to you too, my friend!

Mary said...

Wow, that is so cool! Lovely processing, too!

Dewdrop said...

That is very cool! Thanks for sharing. I would love to see that in person.

Anonymous said...

This is really exciting. Worth a few more photos.

SandyCarlson said...

What a gorgeous, gorgeous monument. What fun!

Jo said...

Really impressive photos of brilliant sculptures, Thanks for sharing.

Ebie said...

Hi Erin, this part of OC I have not explored, will do this later part of the year. But I enjoyed the cheap fresh crabs in Newport Beach. Have a great weekend!

Redzlan aka Tabib said...

Beautiful and artistically done sculptural, and don't forget to mention your beautiful sky pictures.

Photo Cache said...

That is one cool sculpture. I wonder what it has to do with shopping though :)

Reader Wil said...

It is as if these sculptures are flying or skydiving from a plane.It is amazing how sculptors create such lightfooted dancers out of hard stone.Thanks for this post.

James said...

Great pictures, but kind of sad for me because I must have gone to Fashion Island hundreds of times between 1969 and 2007 my bank and dentist were there, and for a while I even lived with in walking distance. It's sad that I never even noticed that wonderful sculpture.
You are a very talented photographer.

Unknown said...

Lovely! S

Eve said...

What an interesting location - and an awesome sculpture! Beautiful!

Sanna said...

Interesting sculptures. =)

Robin said...

Very cool, they've got a great feeling of movement and freedom.

I hope you do join us for Summer Stock this weekend, I'd love to see what you come up with.

Sylvia K said...

Those are impressive sculptures indeed!! Marvelous shots and perfect against the sky!

Happy SWF!

earthtoholly said...

Hi Erin. A very unique skywatch. I just love all the legs up in the blue sky. And by the way, I love your new header! Peace :o)

Jeri ~ said...

What a cool sculpture, I have never seen anything quite like it - can't wait to see more shots of the area.

Dagrun said...

They were acrobatic indeed. Lovely shots.

Guy D said...

Fascinating, one of the most unique sculptures I've seen in quite some time, great shots.

Have a great weekend.
Guy
Regina In Pictures

Geert Zijlstra said...

Very special, I like your post.

Geert Zijlstra, the Netherlands

EG CameraGirl said...

I love imaginative sculptures such as this!

Daryl said...

WOW .. wonderful ..

Susan at Stony River said...

Oh, I loved these! They're amazing, and I really like your angle on it (in photos and words!)

FO - 2 said...

Creative.
Great series!
Love it! :)

Esther Garvi said...

Lovely! I like the way the statues are "swimming" in the sky!

Darla said...

I have never seen this before, thanks for sharing.

Nikki Dee said...

WOW! Those are amazing! I think I would just stand there gazing at them for hours!

My Skywatch is here

VALKYRIEN said...

I am in awe here! Absolutely gorgeous! Both the statue and your shots! Love your shots! Always!

Rose said...

These are definitely not your average sky shot...very interesting. I too would like to see these in person.

Carletta said...

What a marvelous sculpture!
Wonderful shots.

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

Wow, outstanding pictures of a great sculpture.

Arlene said...

very impressive sculptures! Beautiful sky, too!

Happy week-end!

irene said...

The sculptures captivate and add character to the place..

Anonymous said...

A refreshingly different view outside a mall, much nicer than the usual large, glowing signs.

alicesg said...

Wow the sculpture is really beautiful and eye catching. Thanks for your comments in my blog. Have a nice weekend.

srp said...

They are wonderful sculptures... it looks as if they are passing batons. Wonderful shots too...love the effects. Thanks for stopping by.

Annie said...

Amazing photos as always. Your chinatown ones are wonderful also!

Glad you came to visit my skies this week. Thanks!

Lew said...

Great statues for sky watch! Sounds like you had a great time back in California.

magiceye said...

beautifully composed images all!

Gaelyn said...

Love the acrobat sculpture against that clear blue sky.

chrome3d said...

That is one airy sculpture. Lovely poses and great captures.

Tammie Lee said...

fun fun fun!

Eric(NL) said...

This is a great post for skywatch friday, well done, love the statue as well!!

Have a nice SWF

GReetings from NL

Joe Todd said...

I like the sky and the sculptures. Thanks

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Erin: What a neat shot to share with the flying sculpture. You really visit neat places.

Jan K. alias Afanja said...

Very original choice for today's SWF.
I really like these 'flying' sculptures with the clear blue sky in the background.
Enjoy your weekend!

Strawberry Jam Anne said...

Lovely to look at the sculptures against the blue sky. A

Unknown said...

Those are beautiful sculptures !!

So very cool, the way you have captured them against the sky ..

Gattina said...

Very special sculptures ! looks very nice !

imac said...

Great captures Erin,what a wonderful photo for SW.
Thanks for your visit and comments on Pickled.
The jars are for decoration only, and it certainly caused a talking point over Dinner.
The bottling was done by the Hotel staff in their kitchen.

Stacie said...

Great pictures. One of them looked as if they were free falling from the sky.

Louise said...

These are stunning. I love your photos.

Unknown said...

Thank for commenting on my SW post, as it gave an opportunity to find your wonderful blog.

These are fantastic! I love CA. One daughter in SF and another moving to Santa Barbara.

Mary-Laure said...

I should definitely check out this place, as I live in LA - not that far. It looks amazing.

Pacey said...

Wow, how impressive. Really a great and clever sculptures. Excellent way to show us the sky too. Thanks for the visit erin, glad you did or I wouldn't have stumble on your blog.

FA said...

Great sculptures. I used to work in Fashion Island - it is a great place. I look forward to your future posts. Thanks for visiting my skies!

Merisi said...

Such joyful revelry!

Amazing that such feelings of weightlessness that can be accomplished with concrete and bronze.

Laughing Orca Ranch said...

Oooh! Pricey upscale shopping and beautiful, fun sculptures. What an interesting post, Erin. Your photography is stunning. Thanks for sharing.

~Lisa

Janie said...

An amazing sculpture. The acrobats seem to be flying, which I guess is appropriate.

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