There are two large fish under this dome! Directly underneath is the “Holy Mackerel” of the Massachusetts Senate. Nearby is its more famous cousin, the “Sacred Cod.” This good luck symbol was donated to the House of Representative by the fishing industry to remind lawakers of the importance of seafood for the local economy. Hilariously, the editors of the Harvard Lampoon “codnapped” this sculpture. They later relented and told the authorities where they could find it. After that, UMASS students tried to do the same thing. Second acts usually fall flat. This is the Massachusetts State House.
After discovering Santiago Calatrava’s art pieces in Valencia, Spain, I try to capture the America's Cup building by British architect David Chipperfield. I was, again, visiting these place while I was studying interior architecture, so I more paid attention to interior spaces at that time. Now, I can see more details of facades and exteriors spaces. The sketch was done looking through the building. The architect has garnered a great deal of awards, as has the building. Especially, the Royal Institute of British Architects awarded the highly coveted European prize in 2007. It was an enriching experience to see these buildings at that time, thanks to my aunt.
Another icon from Italy, the tower of Pisa . Really, it is going to fall, someday. But people say the tower will be stable for the next 200 years. 200 years, my ass. -if there are no wars. Everyone does the requisite pose trying to prop up the tower. I must confess, gentle reader, that I, too, participated in this idiocy. The sketch was from a picture on a grand tour of Italy. Your turn. Take the camera!
While taking Citylab at the BAC, we had to do some sketches. This is of Government Service Center, by Paul Rudolph. I had previously done an interior sketch of its well-known chapel. This time I sketched from a picture which I had to sneak because photography is not permitted. This view, actually, is very famous as can be seen from Instagram pots and other social platforms.
