Monday, August 14, 2017

The Kiss


Last weekend, practically by mistake, we found ourselves in Olympia, the state capital of Washington. I'm saying "by mistake" because our plan was to visit Tumwater Falls (my 2016 post HERE and 2015 post HERE), which is on the way to Olympia, and when Justin mistakenly took an exit just a few feet apart from the exit to Tumwater, I said, "Let's go to Olympia, then!" I am saying it was "almost" by mistake, because Olympia has been on my mind for a while now, and I think we haven't visited since we took a tour of the Capitol when my parents were here two years ago (lots of pictures and historical information in my 2015 post HERE).



Olympia didn't disappoint at all, it was as lovely as ever, with all its charming murals, 
street art and classy Capitol building with some new fountains.





Some of you might recognize this quirky sculpture called The Kiss (1991) by Richard S. Beyer (1925-2012). This sculptor made over 90 large sculptures that you can find in Oregon and Washington towns, and I definitely recognized People Waiting for the Interurban in Seattle when I visited the artist's website. Made in a similar style, as an everyday couple in love casually smooching by the bay, The Kiss became an iconic place for lovers of all forms, shapes and ages to stop by and kiss. 


The Kiss by Richard Beyer

“Art is seeing common things transformed by love, 
and the best public art belongs to the story of a community.” 
~ Richard S. Beyer


Olympia definitely agrees with Beyer and brings a lot of beautiful public art to its community, such as the bronze sculpture Midori Spring by Ann Fleming that you see below, and another of my favorites, Motherhood by Simon Kogan, an artist who was born in Russia and studied art in Moscow, which I only just now discovered. There is much more public art along the Percival Landing, as well as a wonderful children's playground, views of the Capitol, Olympic Mountains, marina, and fine seafood restaurants.

Midori Spring by Ann Fleming

Motherhood by Simon Kogan







When we were here a couple of years ago with my parents, we had fun taking pictures of the two of our couples kissing. This time, we didn't have anyone to take our picture together, but we soon were approached by a couple who also wanted their kissing photo taken. That's an easy favor to return!



Photos of Olympia by Justin and me

Top - eShakti
Embroidered trousers - Eloquii
Hat and sunglasses - Lane Bryant (old)
Purse - Old Navy (old)
Shoes - Dansko
Shell necklace, wooden earrings - thrifted

Linking with Visible Monday

18 comments:

  1. The street art in Olympia looks wonderful, Natalia! I especially love the sculpture "The Kiss". It Seems you took a fortuitous turn off the road. And you looking terrific too, in your mixed prints. xo

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wonderfull post Natalia. I am in love with your amazing trousers and adorable you mixed the prints. The kiss picture with you and justin is soooo amazing. "Olympia" is an very nice place!
    Big hugs and kisses, Tina

    ReplyDelete
  3. do you look just gorgeous!!! trés chic ensemble! absolutely beautiful!!!!!
    olympia makes a very good figure too - it makes such a difference when a town invests in public art. the art changes the mood of the whole city...
    so sweet your kissing pic! hachzzzz****
    hugs and kisses! <3 <3 <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You know it was an unexpected outfit for me, but I really love it!
      <3

      Delete
  4. The Kiss is such a wonderful sculpture, Natalia, and the kissing photo of you and Justin is so sweet! Olympia looks like a lovely town. I love your outfit too! The embroidered trousers are fabulous, and I love the colour and print of your top. A perfect ensemble for a leisurely day out! Lots of love <3 <3 <3

    ReplyDelete
  5. How fortuitous that wrong turning was! Olympia looks a wonderfully grand place and the street art is very special.
    Such a sweet photo of you and Justin, thank goodness there was someone on hand to take your photo. Imagine all outtakes if you'd used a timer!
    Great print on your shirt! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  6. Bardzo ładne miejsce odwiedziłaś:)))ślicznie wyglądasz:))spodnie super:)))Pozdrawiam serdecznie:)))

    ReplyDelete
  7. That motherhood sculpture looks like they were smooshed in bronze! I would love a walk around Olympia, so thanks for the little tour.
    Your pants are to die for. Your kissing photo is classic. I hope Justin is OK with his cane? Or maybe it is just for style.
    Hugs, Jazzy Jack

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, JJ! Justin is OK, he loves canes, just for fun!

      Delete
  8. A wrong turn that was just meant to be , Olympia looks such a wonderful place with so much interesting street art and architecture.The kissing sculpture just so good,yo couldn't miss that opportunity. Those pants certainly are pretty special , great inspiration for our upcoming Summer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Embroidery is my favorite trend now - good time to get some fun new pieces! Enjoy your change of seasons!

      Delete
  9. so cute picture of the kiss!, and you look gorgeous in your mixed prints outfit!, lovely accessories, lovely hat and sunníes and lovely You!!
    Glad to see some fab landscapes!
    besos

    ReplyDelete