Thanks to the texter who sent the photo! That’s the latest signal-box portrait by West Seattle artist Desmond Hansen, this time celebrating local rock superstar Eddie Vedder. It’s at 35th/Webster, on the corner by Best of Hands Barrelhouse (WSB sponsor). You can scroll through our 2 1/2 years of coverage of his other local work here.
P.S. Vedder and his bandmates are featured by The New York Times today for their get-out-the-vote work.
I checked the artist’s Instagram account rather than making an assumption. (Click his name above for the link.)
Google image search “Eddie Vedder young” and you can find the exact photo it was based on (from reddit).
Ed is an amazing musician, & dad, & West Seattle neighbor. How about we get something a bit closer to what he looks like? Take something from recent album or even the ukulele release.
At all. Would have never guessed that’s who it’s supposed to be. It would be cool to mix it up and have some other artists work on the boxes over here!
While I appreciate the effort that goes into it, I’m really hoping to see more diversity of West Seattle artwork/artists in the future. Also friendly reminder that there are also famous Seattle women that could be depicted.
I was a neighbor of Eddie, did construction in his home, hung out with his beautiful wife….that is not in any way an accurate depiction of his physical being. The artist has done a great job with other famous people but… just wow.
This looks to be the image that Desmond was working from…https://www.reddit.com/r/LadyBonersLongHair/comments/gxvkxu/young_eddie_vedder/ —-Mike
Doesn’t look like Eddie, or the photo, regardless of age. For one thing, it leaves out one of his most delicious features – his dimples.
Gosh, everyone’s a critic. I will just say, thank you for adding this beautiful piece of art to our neighborhood.
Man I usually LOVE Desmond’s art but this…not a great depiction. I would not recognize this as Eddie Veder. Cheeks are too prominent. 😞
I agree with you Kris. I appreciate that these otherwise bland signal boxes are graced with such color and culture and celebration! Thank you Desmond Hansen, for your time, energy, talent and inspiration.
Honestly I thought it was Julian Lennon. Doesn’t look like Eddie, but it’s better than I could do.
What does Mr. Veder think? That’s all that matters! I hope he likes.
Oh my gosh stop complaining! I saw him working on it, immediately knew who it was and smiled. I love it! Thank you Desmond for the gift of art.
What’s that saying? Opinions are like…? Its easy to be a critic. I love seeing Lane and Chris and George on our signal cabinets. Welcome Eddie.
Drove by it yesterday and knew exactly who it was. Been a fan since I moved to Seattle in 1991. Nice tribute. Let’s put Jeff, Mike,Stone and Matt on one as well! B.T.W., great place to have a beer!
I like rock n roll just as much as anyone, but how about some local greats.?. Bill Boeing, Alex Haley, Gary Larson, Tori Black, Henry Jackson, Charlie Chong, . just a suggestion.
Desmond thanks for taken your time and your artistic ability for makin our community joyful, I know when I’m out driving and I look over and see your work I smile. So keep on spraying I look forward to more!!!!
There’s already one (scroll through our link of past coverage, or just go by Fauntleroy/Avalon).
Desmond talks about community response to his work (including criticism!) in the “Street Art Intersections” episode of All Ways West Seattle podcast.
That portrait totally needs a mustache! Lol Ed get on that ASAP!
It’s funny that couple of the people complaining about the depiction also mis-spell Vedder. I agree that an older depiction of this great local singer might be more recognizable, but this painting matches (pretty well) the photo that Mike (miws) shared (and plus, I got a chuckle from the reddit thread name….) .
This is an artist’s interpretation of a subject, its not meant to be completely realistic.
I have noticed from studying some of the artist’s paintings that he has a unique style. For example, the skin is almost always very smooth, almost feminine or even mannequin like. Also, the facial features are sometimes more pronounced and sometimes less.
There are several examples of his work where I did not immediately identify the subject however I always new it was his work. The Ann and Nancy Wilson box for example.
When I first saw the photo of the painting above, I was not sure who it represented either until I read the article. I actually thought it was a woman. I did know whose work it was.
After reading the article, I recognize it as Eddie Vedder.
Another great addition to the West Seattle streetscape!
Per Desmond’s IG, he still has detail work to do. This portrait isn’t done yet, folks.
Desmond Hansen is an amazing artist, but this is the first oneI don’t like…
no matter what i always appreciate the great art all over our beloved WS! Thank you Desmond.
Sorry, comment time is over.
Really Julian Lennon?
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