An embalmer friend of mine was mentioning those exact sculptures the other day so that I could include them in my Picture Fresno project. Thanks for the piece in the paper today, I wondered what they were about, and am excited that there is to be more added...

Honestly, The "Iron Bird Lofts" downtown lack the architectural design that's needed for Fresno to even begin creating the attempt at renaissance. I feel the two sculptures absolutely clash with the oversimplified design of the buildings and appear to be a desperate last resort of creativity. Its another example of how Fresno seems to attract developments or so called "developers" who really don't have a clue. Just because you have the money or the permit,doesn't mean you know what your doing.ie.THE MET MUSEUM DOWNTOWN,GRANITE PARK,AND NOW, THE IRON BIRD LOFTS.....Will somebody please come forward and give our city something that's worthwhile..Sincerely Chris.

1.)
re: '...looks like a small child dangled from a roof...'
(enough with the Michael Jackson stuff already...)

2.
re: '...mythic gods and offspring...'
(thank god the building wasn't a taco stand with Kronos up there...)

The sculptures on the Iron Bird Lofts are disgusting!

hopefully nobody wakes up the gate keeper.

it may be striking, but it sure is ugly!

I really like them-- I think they are beautiful and I like how they are very striking and eye catching.

...however.... It does present a slight issue for me as I have had plans to open a day care center there. I'm not sure it will go over well to have children around while something so menacing to crouching over their heads. May have to rethink my location for this business venture.

I had the opportunity to see the sculptures up close before they were installed. I viewed the smaller creatures not as children but as cherubs that represent love. Viewing through the art through this intereptation brings up many melancholic meanings.

The sculptures are gorgeous. A great addition to the public art downtown.

Looks like a tribute to Michael Jackson holding his baby over the balcony.

Looks like he's dropping a baby.

I'm sure it will cause accidents as it distracts people.

This country was built on Christianity NOT devil worshipers.

This is discusting and should be destroyed.

Looks fantastic and intriguing. I can't wait to see the pieces in person.

I think it's very interesting. We could use some nice Gothic architecture here.

But I swear to God, if a city planner reads that statement and starts making statues of 15 kids in a group all wearing "You laugh at me because I'm different, I laugh at you because you're the same" t-shirts with awful haircuts, etc, I will sue the city for Extreme Asshattery.

I moved here from San Francisco and this is the first building in Fresno that actually looks cool. First time for everything. Way to go Fresno!

The statues are alright, but the placement doesn't seem right to me. The statues should be with a building of similar architecture and not with something so modern looking.

They really remind me of the Greek Myth about Icarus. That's probably why I think they are somewhat decent.

I can't say I'm a fan. They really do look like an afterthought. I can picture someone sitting around saying "I just built this cool building....but now people are going to be asking me about the public art like the other buildings downtown have...crap! Why don't I just tack on some art to the top, kind of like a hood ornament." I think it would be better if the art at least tried to fit the concept of the building. On the other hand, if the artist and developer were looking for contrast and shock value, well done. At least people are talking about it :)

If you check out the sign thats been on the property for over a year it does show the sculptures. i drive by there almost everyday and had been wondering what theyd look like, i love it. the buildings remind me of the lofts being built in S.F. and L.A. Its about time someone started doing something different in fresno.

i love all the know nothings that don't realize that reza has incorporated public art into all of his downtown developments. he's not some guy that just thought he'd slap some art on his new building.

as for the artwork, i'm not sure on them yet. i can't say i like them from the pictures, but i might change my mind seeing them in person.

In all honesty I like the scluptures. They're interesting and somewhat disturbing (I'm into thsi type of art_. They just do not belong ontop of such a smiple/modering buliding. Just like some folks said prior to my comment, they clash for sure.

...y'all are too uptight.

Just dangle some windchimes from one, and a Bob Marley Jamaican flag from the other... 'tll be fiiiine.

Well, it goes without question that I love gargoyles of any nature ( especially, when some uneducated twit thinks that they are 'evil' and of the 'devil' and "discusting"... makes me love them more).
I, especially, love that they are completely random when paired with the shoebox look of the complex. It's ugly-beautiful. I like ugly-beautiful.

"The only thing worse than being talked about-- is not being talked about." (Oscar Wilde). >> Mission accomplished!

:)

pr >> http://twitter.com/peterrobertson7

To the poster "who hates the appearance of evil" I love the irony of posting evil comments in the fight against the appearance of evil.

On a personal level, I love them. I can't wait to see them again! And again, in the name of loving what others think is the "appearance of evil."

Okay Enough of the Alfred Hitchcock Stuff. Put the statues out for Halloween, But Take them down afterward. You want to attract tenants Right? Tenants with Children Right? This will attract those without Kids, because one night while out on the Balcony, Michael Jackson is Alive!

For those who have a problem with these sculptures all I have to say is this,"Pearls before swine." By the way that's out of the bible, but I wouldn't expect the uneducated to know this. A little culture won't kill you. This is Art fools!

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned that gargoyles come from a history of protecting buildings and cities from evil...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gargoyle

most notably when St. Romanu of Rouen, who was venerated in the Roman Catholic Church, captured a gargoyle-type creature (so it goes).

Personally I think they're cool. Bold. I wouldn't yet judge them until the building is finish... but Reza, do not let anyone bother you into taking them down now! (Not that I think you would.)

I think they look amazing and intriguing and add alot of character to a building that is somewhat boring. I'm no architecture buff but those lofts needed that added appeal to make them stand out.
Also, great article, Don!

I'd totally live there.

So, Reza, or whomever you are in charge, give me a discount rate on the rent, bud. I'll bring my not quite so young, but surely quirky and somewhat hip, self downtown and live right UNDER the scary gargoyle dropping/reaching-for it's young.

And I'll bring MY offspring with me. My ACTUALLY young, and WAY quirky/hip teen. I won't even dangle her from the balcony or try to throw her into the air from the top of the building.

Promise.

Because, see, I can discern the difference between artistic visions made corporeal and actual issues of moral and ethical importance.

In other words, I don't question a modern and refreshing twist on what is a centuries-old tradition of placing gargoyles on large structures.

It's nice to see something in Fresno that isn't just like every other "pleasant and clean" Main Street Disney style attempt. Only Disney does that well, and Downtown Fresno isn't the place for that sort of thing. It should be a hip and progressive urban environment, which these buildings evoke. We don't have to be just like SF, but I think this is a good step toward joining the rest of the country in the 21st century.

We finally get functional and clean, with genuine style thrown in for good measure.

So. White-bread eating people who fear anything different, or exotic, or interesting... please stay in your cookie cutter suburban neighborhoods, and enjoy the reassuring comfort of sameness.

These buildings can be populated by singles... or even families who are interested in taking the time to sit down with their small children and Google the word "gargoyle", and talk about what they are, and the history and tradition of gargoyles, and maybe talk a little about art, and how it can be many things and many styles, and that it can mean something to the individual observer that is other than what it appears at first glance... and actually TEACH their own children something when they pick them up from the daycare underneath it and are asked, "Daddy, why is that THING dropping its kid?"

I sincerely hope Fresno has families and businesses that choose to be open-minded about things they don't understand, rather than be afraid of them and call them bad simply because they don't understand them.

Yup. Discount the rent so an unemployed/single mom/singer/dancer/jill-of-several-trades can afford to live there.

What an adventure to live in a place like that! What an adventure to TRY to be a part of the revitalization of the downtown of one of the most unique cities in California.

I want to call it 'Rock Park Lofts' because of the mini park near it. aka 'Z.S Leymel Park' it commemorates the 50th anniversary of the city of Fresno and some other anniversarys.

Wow, those are very disturbing sculptures to put it nicely. If someone wants to give this creator an opportunity to display what he calls art, let them display it indoors where some of us won't have to see it.
I think Reza Assemi has a distorted view of things and it shows in his projects. He named one of his other projects "Vagabond lofts" because he felt it represented artists. Vagabond to me and everyone I know is a homeless person, who wanders the streets for shelter and food.

As an advocate for Fresno's revitalization, I am very pleased with the work Reza is doing. I think the point of art is not for people to "like it" for the sake of liking it. There is a lot of art that does not speak to me until I have had a chance to experience it. The importance of public art is that it can be intimate. I think this is especially true for art installed in a residential setting. My friend, Donavan, lives at Vagabond Lofts and her has an amazing piece of art right outside his door. He has affectionately named his personal space as "Horse's End."

For all the haters...keep hating. It's part of the process. If everybody loved the work going on, that would mean that it was too safe. Creativity requires risk. Risk leads to progress. Progress will lead to revitalization.

Reza could have saved some $$$ by not hiring an artist for this project, but I appreciate that an artist has a voice in the design of the space...like the architect, the landscapers.

For those that like to play it safe, maybe you should gaze at the swirls in your stucco and see if any images appear.

Just followed your link and read your cool post.
Nice one Travis. I look forward to reading more of your thoughts.

---I grew up in a yellow stucco house....now I have more of an old 'can we afford to paint this before the paint peels off the wood' kinda house.
I never thought of it, but them swirls and peels might make for some good meditations.

I believe that the sculptures are a poor choice of art to be placed on such beautiful, newly constructed buildings. There already is so much evil in the world, why need a display of it? Every time my family and I pass by these buildings, we are gravely disturbed by the images and we believe that they should be removed.

I'm wondering how much of this is actually a ruse...

I mean, I first wrote the Jackson / Kronos comment just because it popped into my head and I wondered if anyone would catch the train of thought, (pity that Jackson was the turnstile.)

But I'm wondering how much of this is whole debate is manufactored.

I'm seeing names on the string who I don't think I've ever seen before, (not that they aren't real people, mindyou,)
-and there is this 'very' agitated 'who said anything about evil/darkness/unChristian' vibe that smells like 'hype.'
(Yes, I know there is a strong Christian identity, as well as a strong conservative Christian Identity here in Fresno,)

--the thing that feels a bit fake?
-How many of them are really that freaked out about what Reza does where Reza does?
(How many are all that worried about downtown?)
(Ans: the majority 'ultra conservative church goers,' who'd freak at this? I think left downtown a long time ago.)

I'm also thinking this:

Interest in projects and stuff 'downtown' has been a bit on the wane, and a lot of mainstream Fresno doesn't seem to pay attention to it a whole lot anymore.

So, I'm smelling, somebody realized
'...we need us a fracas, we need a hot fuss, I KNOW, HEY KIDS, LETS PUT ON A CONTROVERSY...'

And next thing you know there is this big thing generated about a couple of ugly statues on a stark building that needs to attract attention, (I'm guessing because it's openning up for tenants soon?)

I dunno, but that's what this whole deal smells like.

The sad part of it?

It's an old mentality.

'...Art needs to be provocative,
Art needs to be troublesome,
Art needs to be thought provoking,
Art needs to be disturbing the waters, and make ya think, and cause consternation, and discussion and be full of tension and anxiety...'
(ahuh, whatever floats yer boat, there skippy.)

I think what folks may fail to see?
The rift that this sort of methodology causes.

The average person who is asked to comment on what they think about 'art,' and the revitalizing of 'downtown,' comments, gets called
(or lumped)
as 'small-mindedness,'
and the debate rages on back and forth and (surpriiiise surpriiise (in best Gomer Pyle vernacular)
an argument breaks out about 'art,'
(equally small-minded)

---and the reader is like:
'...That's what art and the revitalization of Downtown is?
-a bunch of people with nothing to do but fuss on about what looks like somebody dangling a kid over a building, defending it as 'revitalized, cool, and thought provoking...?'

I mean, yeah, I'm sure it's gonna attract a lot of attention to something that (without the hype who knows how many (less? more?) folks would be lining up wanting to move in there...)

(*sigh* the experiment and history will never know, will it... as the whole thunderstorm in a bottle was opened.)

But the greater effect?
Folks look at the process, think,

'...I have better things - bigger worries than this...'
THEN avoid the whole 'downtown' scene (even further,) because the battle is so much bohemian flypaper.

Suggestion:
(just a suggestion, not looking to end anyone's cause and crusade here, gahd ferbid)

Just do good stuff that's high quality,
that accomplishes what it advertises.

Sometimes function IS the beauty of it, and sometimes that beauty draws a lot more interest than needless (endless) controversy.
If it's good?
If people like it?
Great.
They'll snap it up in droves.

Sometimes?
-the best thing about a pair of shoes is that they simply cover your feet, get you down the road, and do their job, with somebody once in a while saying '..hey, nice shoes.' (to which you respond... '..yeah, and they're comfortable too.')
-and that's what it is.

Ya wanna argue over whether straps, buckles, laces, leather, canvas, suede or rubber is right and wrong, good and evil?
Have at it.
But at the end of the day, folks are gonna look at it all and be like

'...yeah, downtown Fresno, they argue about shoes there...'

So I drove by today and was at first struck by how much it looks like there is a baby being dropped at a glance. I slowed down to really check them out and I think they are beautiful and will eventually become a part of Fresno, ( one of our little jokes like the downtown Bvilding [SIC]) I do agree however that they seem out of place on the building. Maybe when the project is complete I will think otherwise but for now they just don't go and almost seem lost.

I'm one of the only people who had the honor of watching Brandon build these sculptures from scratch. Forgive me if I may be a bit bias, but it was amazing watching them come to life. What most people don't realize is that they are made from scrap metal that is physically pounded into shape. They're not simply poured like bronze. The artist actually wrestles with the element and brings out the form. If you've never seen this done, you simply have no concept of how difficult a process it is. Each feather was individually cut, curled, and pounded by hand. The artist was constantly being cut or burned during the entire process, giving little bits of himself to bring them into being. Even if you don't like them, you should be able to appreciate the heavy labor and artistic skill being demonstrated here. The blood and sweat that literally flowed.
There are a small group of talented artists up to their elbows in muck downtown, doing their best at rehabilitating the area. It would be just grand if people could be supportive of this effort which all of Fresno will benefit from. After all, when Reza began his first project there, no one would touch the place with a ten foot pole. He had vision, talent, and bravery. So forgive me if I have no patience for a bunch of people who sit around doing nothing but finding fault with the labor of others. Maybe we'll see you downtown once all the hard work is done.

They are freaking awesome, and also one hell of a distraction when I'm driving. But I'm sure that'll stop once I get used to them being there.

It is about time that Fresno got some interesting sculpture pieces! Sculpture is a hallmark of a great city; just walk around in European cities and feel the art lifting your thoughts from everyday cares. Fresnans need to stop being afraid of art! People with real faith lose their irrational fears.

I like 'em!

love the statues, but they do look a little out of place right now. I hope it comes together when it's complete.

As someone who works downtown, I see them often and I really like them. I don't personally care if they "fit" with the building. They are still awesome to look at. And what an opportunity for an artist to have their work on such display. I think at this time the entire buildings do not fit with what is around them, but something has to be first. I am hopeful that this will inspire others to invest in our downtown.

I want to say thank to those of you who finally steered the comments back onto a focus of the art and not on someone's religious belief or whether or not you have to be under 30 to comment in this blog. Isn't the point of the whole process to get everyone's opinion, not just the points of view that agree with your own? I think the sculptures are intriguing, but ugly and depressing. That's my opinion. But if those that chose to live there like looking at them and they enjoy living with controversy then mission accomplished by the developer.

Brandon Greer is a great artist and we are lucky to have him in Fresno. I've been noting his work for several years now and was glad to see this article finally identify the man whose work I admire so much. Some of the sculptures I like better than others; the raven's gate is my favorite. Some of his sculptures do show the darkness of existence, but that's what art is all about: the disgusting part of life as well as the joys of life. Art can please, but it can also make you think.

We are lucky to have this renaissance going on in downtown Fresno. I would hope that everyone would keep an open mind about it and not want to "ban" any art just because they don't personally like it. I regularly attend Art Hop (the downtown version) and some things I like, some I don't, but I know and can appreciate that some people like what I don't like and vice versa. Some things speak to some people, and some don't. That's part of the nature of art.

I'm more inclined to see Brenda's comments and agree with them, in so much as: ]
The point is to 'get opinion on the artwork' (good, bad, indifferent, whatever.)

As an artist?
I look at creative critique differently.
I make stuff, I respect others who make stuff, but, I'm not at all entranced by the 'mystique' of creating something, (sorry.) I make stuff too.

When I want an opinion on something?,
-what matters to me is more that somebody gives me their honest feelings about the work, (how it's incorporated, if it 'works' etc.)
--and I HAVE to be mature enough to realize:
'this may be excellent and do what I want it to do,
'this may need a little tweaking here or there, this may be a good study,'
(or)
this may completely fail.'
--but as an artist?,
(if)
I'm preparing something?,
opening up to public opinion?,
and am looking to get paid for it? (on any level?)
I need to be willing to consider it from ALL sides.

If I'm open, I need to consult with people who's taste, understanding, and ethos I respect on things.
-To have somebody gush and say '...it's wonderful, it's beautiful' is nice,' (okay-great)
--but I really want to know WHY folks feel that way (if I'm asking.)
--Ditto--
if something really sparks a negative response.

And, though I understand that there is a desire to defend a friend or someone who's work you admire,
Really? at the end of it?

This is someone who:
is choosing to create this,
is choosing to work in this medium,
is choosing to sacrifice and then (hopefully) get PAID for what they're doing...
-and is rewarded (internally) in whatever ways they want and need.
(notice the use of the word: 'choosing.')

--If they have any degree of perspective?
like all artists and people who do 'what we love,'
--They'll say
'..I'm really blessed, I get a chance to do what I enjoy, others see value in it, and I'm paid to do what I enjoy, and that's great, not everybody gets a chance to do that, and I'm priviliged.'

But, as a fellow creative?,
-though it's nice if somebody 'feels my pain' in what I'm laboring and starving (at times / at times not) to do?

The 'labor-agony-blood-sweat-tears (etc)'
is made up for BY THE FACT that I'm CHOOSING to do this AND GETTING PAID AND RECOGNITION for it...

So, I don't see looking at something, not really digging it, and voicing THAT response to be in violation of some 'noble cause,' (nor) reason to exalt this sculptor to saint/martyr status in the religion of 'bringing life back to downtown.'

IF
DOWNTOWN

is going to really 'come back' and 'resurge' and everything?,
People of 'the Effort' are going to have to get over it (and get over 'themselves')
--back off of all this hype and 'sacred-space' pressure/bullshit that surrounds it.

Why?

Most people are going to smell the anxiety, infighting, exaggeration, and weighty 'mission' of turning 'every last effort' to bring Downtown (simply) up to 'par'
as some sort of CRUSADE.

-In the basic transaction of life?,
people are going to look at 'Downtown' as (at best)
'..a beautiful (potential) person who you'd like to be around more,
but will be pushed away from BECAUSE they have so much baggage, so many issues? that they're a (kinda beautiful) headcase.'
(read: supermodel w/ destructive tendencies, (only without the 'supermodel' part.)

Any sane person is going to be repelled by this (unless, their whole life's mission is 'Downtown.')

Got it?

It's a business,
It's a science,
and yes, there IS art involved, (some good, some bad (whatever)
But
-at the end of the day?
It's dollars, cents, sense, and 'is it worth my time and effort to care about this?' -and it goes no further, BECAUSE people have other things to do, (plain and simple.)

Meet a need, provide for a want, make a profit, and everybody wins...
Done,(boom) who's got lunch?

If it's going to 'get better?'
Fresno is going to have to realize that 'Downtown' is dead-end money-and-effort pit, (if) it is held up continuously as a 'religion.'

See it for what it is?,
See the efforts and opportunities for what they really are?

It may come back.

Keep it as the god of a gazillion personal 'holy-wars?'
-Ain't nobody gonna be happy.

I think anyone who sees these as ugly hasnt traveled outside the valley which is pretty sad. The more i read these comments the more i realize the reasons downtown looks the way it does. As someone who is putting my money where my mouth is and moving downtown i feel that we should be happy that for the first time fresno is showing itself as a beautiful artist hub. That is about the only thing that is giving it a shot at being recognized as anything but a backwards farm town. For those that think these are ugly you may want to move to Exeter.

Its about time a developer had the balls to do something different, cheers. Reza is putting Fresno on the map of Artist history.

I have to say I think the artist did a fabulous project regardless of what many think or feel. Bottom line, no matter what a person (or object Gargoyle) looks like. If their offspring is not ready for flight, like any parent it will reach out and protect it from harm. In this piece of art, it was captured. It shows lot of compassion and love...

I have to say I think the artist did a fabulous project regardless of what many think or feel. Bottom line, no matter what a person (or object Gargoyle) looks like. If their offspring is not ready for flight, like any parent it will reach out and protect it from harm. In this piece of art, it was captured. It shows lot of compassion and love...

...regardless of the rather narsty statues?
I think this place is going to be in the spotlight for some time....

why?

it's built right ON the turn in the road as you're going down VanNess into Downtown (it's right at the bottom of the tower,)

--hope whomever moves into the ground floor apartments has a concrete 'jersey barrier' in their living room, cause I can see a lot of folks 'over the limit' blowing the curve, crossing a few feet of sidewalk, and it's: 'hellooo Integra..'

...whups, it's on Fulton and Divisidaro... (not Van Ness)
-disregard...

(that it's on Fulton now makes the statues 'beautiful' and also means no vehicle would dare overshoot the turn and make this provocative new structure an impromptu auto showroom...)

And ya know what else?

When you're sitting at that light (which, everybody sits at that light, EVERYBODY,
you look up to the signal and there, right next to it in the field of view?
The statue of somebody dangling a kid from the roof.
There's no way to avoid it, (unless you ignore the light, which I'm sure some will do too.)

Methinks some product placement went into that one.

reza's such a hottie, OMG! i want to have his babies. those gargoyles turn me on! josh wigger, let your hair down! lets grab a drink big boy!