Queen Califia’s Magical Circle

Out in the middle of a barren-esq land, east of San Diego, lies an absolute wonderland, Queen Califia’s Magical Circle.  This amazing large-scale sculptural environment by Niki de Saint Phalle is one of only four in the world, the only in the US.  Work on the piece was begun in 1999 and completed in 2003, one year after Niki’s death.  Niki loved the San Diego area and wanted to contribute something back, so she created this magical garden to do just that.  The inspiration behind the pieces is the early Californian history, myths, and legends as well as the Native American and Meso-American cultures.  Perhaps this is why I’m so drawn to it.  Being born and raised in the Southwestern US, I was always surrounded by these influences.  Now that I’m on the East Coast, I truly realize the uniqueness of that area, the beauty, the imagination it holds, and the feel of the land. 

Queen Califia’s Magical Circle really is wonderfully magical.  I could have stayed there for hours.  Every time you look at a piece you see something new.  The detail is…well, you’ll see for yourself in the pictures that follow.  I will be posting the pictures for this in a few posts…as I have a gazillion…and I’m sure, there are still areas I didn’t get.  If you ever have the opportunity to see any of her work, go.  Experience it.  Embrace it.  Enjoy.

the entrance to the garden

queen califia

so you understand the sheer size of this thing...

amazing...look at the tiny pieces!!

beautiful

flyin

STAY TUNED FOR MORE…THERE IS MUCH, MUCH MORE 🙂