I don't think I posted my other set. If so, sorry, but these are new...

Watts Towers is the common name for the sculpture created by Italian immigrant Simon Rodia over the course of 34 years.


The tallest tower is 99+ feet high. He used no equipment.


People brought broken glass and pottery pieces for him to use.




He used common tools and hardware to make imprints into the cement mixture.


The Towers are California's smallest State Park. A guided tour is $6.



This may be the helm of a ship, possibly lending weight to the story that the 3 towers are the masts of a ship.








Simon eventually, and abruptly, moved away to live with family, and gave the deed to the land to a neighbor. He never returned. His house burned down the next year.

[rparmar]

We need people of vision, no matter how unorthodox. Thanks for documenting this!

[Scottnorwo]

An amazing little place. who would of known. thanks for sharing

[slowpez]

Fascinating story of an unconventional man. I wonder if anyone ever found out what happened to cause him to move away?

[SpecialK]

Fascinating story of an unconventional man. I wonder if anyone ever found out what happened to cause him to move away?

Went to live with family, not sure if they were sick or not. Other stories say he had problems with neighbors, but this outing's tour guide said "not true".

[Jasvox]

Nice shots indeed. His work reminds me more than just a little of Antonio Gaudi. I bet you he was an inspiration to Rodia.

Jason

[rparmar]

Yeah, a certain Gaudi thing happening for sure. But I've noticed that from other self-taught artists using whatever is at hand.

[weneto]

Nice shots!

Just a little clarification, about the last picture.

"Nuestro Pueblo" isn't Italian, it's Spanish, and it means "our people".

[dcmsox2004]

excellent series.... great perspectives in your shots, really captures the essence of these sculptures... love to have one of those towers in the front of my home.... dave m

[SpecialK]

"Nuestro Pueblo" isn't Italian, it's Spanish, and it means "our people".

That is true, amigo.

love to have one of those towers in the front of my home.... dave m

Funny you say that. It is on a very narrow residential street, and it is right in front of houses :-)

Here are a few from my previous visit with the fisheye...

Thanks for all the nice comments!

The wall is made from bed frames.


Supposedly this "Marco Polo" ship was modeled from a recollection of a childhood parade.

[Jools]

Very cool.
It is a beautiful place to visit.
You captured angles and images, I don't remember seeing myself.
Nicely done.