This stencil can still be seen on the street across from Dolores park in San Francisco.  There are numerous version through about the Mission Districts.  They first appeared about eight years ago and I have not seen a fresh version in a number of years.  This photo is my best one of a fresh version- but I admit it is not a great shot.

 I like this stencil because I think it is a commentary on how Society starts forcing “norms” on children at a very early age.  I have a daughter and I am beginning to see how culture tries to limit the horizon’s of girls. This is something I have to fight daily. I have another friend who hates this stencil because, in his opinion it sexualizes children. One of the most frustrating things for me, while I was temporally an art major, was how the message of my art when more under the control of its viewers then myself. Now I realize I should have just been happy anyone cared enough to have an opinion about my work.

You can find this sign near the Ferry Building in San Francisco.  The little guys arms, waving in the air are inspiring.

I do have one import problem with this sign.  Namely,  it seems to beckon me to take it down, schedule a meetup at the edge of the dock then sit back and enjoy the ensuing chaos. I admit this is probably more of a problem with me than the sign though.

This is another stencil that can be found across the street from Dolores Park in San Francisco.  A woman with an arrogant stance holding a paint brush and pallet.   Nintron is printed underneath and after a quick web search the artist’s site comes up. This is one of the few stencils whose creator’s identity easy to track down.  It is also a reminder that most of the stencils in San Francisco are related to artist or studios trying to promote themselves.

This stencil can be found in the back streets above Polk street in San Francisco. It has the blend of Asian and West Coast art that is now persuasive in the San Francisco art scene. I love this piece for how  beautifully kitsch it is and for its great use of hair.

Rip It Up, as I call it, is one of my all-time favorite stencils in San Francisco. Anyone who has lived here can attest to the seemingly endless parade of people tearing up a street, paving it over only to tear it up again one month later.  The city would benefit greatly from a little coordination in regards to street work.

Along Oak street in Hayes Valley you can still see two or three faded versions of this piece.  It is a fairly complicated stencil with lots small details making finding a crisp version a rare find.  I usually like cleaner designs but the subject matter along with the iconic imagery makes this one a personal joy to stumble across.

This cute stencil design brings Planet of the Apes to mind which, when living in a city, seems like a fitting topic.  It was found in Hayes Valley, San Francisco.  I wish they did more with the hair -maybe a curl or two.  I do admit, however, the bold red hair makes the face stand out and this stencil is hard to miss.  I love the chimp’s blank expression as if it is bored silly of of gazing up at the pedestrian walking by -even if some of them are wearing skirts.