Biking to Bucky, Part 18

This Bucky wears his bright ideas.
6/29/2018 dwm photo

Today's visit to the Bucky statues is all about location.  

Simply by where these guys were planted puts them on the short list of most-visited Badgers.

Ride along for this quartet:  #21, #29, #30, and #31.

Bright Idea Bucky - #21 - Artist Kathryn Schnabel

He is in the right place for inspiration, in front of the beautiful Madison Central Library on the corner of Mifflin and Fairchild Streets.

This Bucky stands for the education, new ideas, forward thinking, and big spirit that compromise the school according to the statue's bio.

Some of those bright ideas on Bucky: "Go forward and stay positive;" "Feed the World;" "Be your own best friend;" "Clean the earth;" and "Drop your mask and open your heart."

I saw this piece of advice on Bucky's hand.  6/29/18 (dwm)

I like the mix of practical and philosophical.

"Plant trees" is near the admonition to "think different when different is right."

The artist collected ideas and inspiration from visitors to her studio and delivers them in a way that feels fresh and spontaneous.

One bright idea was painting Bucky Badger statues then placing them around Madison.  I'm glad they did.

Bucky stands on the north
side of State Street where
Frances St joins it.
6/29/18 (dwm)

Madison Traditions - #29 - Artist Aislen Kelly

I've seen the "Welcome" sign before.  Made famous in Las Vegas; it's been used here in MadTown and fits this homage to some of the most famous locations in town.

The iconic Union Terrace
sunburst chair. 6/29/18

Wisconsin cheese gets some love too, as the base is circled with images of wheels and slices of the Dairyland's most famous product.

Some locations captured on Bucky's canvas includes a State Street sign, Big Ten pennant, and pink flamingo.

I really like the breezy style of this guy who offers something for everyone within the city limits famously (or infamously) dubbed, "48 square miles surrounded by reality."

That's not accurate, but it clearly says there is no place like Madison.

Bucky drops in Collectivo Coffee.
6/29/18  dwm photo

Bucky at the Terrace - #30 - Artist Nicole Rosenbaum

Perked up with a cup of coffee from the Collective Coffee shop along the pedestrian mall that is State Street, it is clear this guy is thinking about spending a summer day on the Memorial Union Terrace.

6/29/18 (dwm)

The puffy clouds, sailboats, and chairs are major ingredients for a great time outdoors reading, studying, or relaxing with lifetime friends.

Around his face are swirls of blue, red, and green which represents the energy from student life, entertainment, and the best seasons for spending time with Bucky on the Terrace.

Save me a chair!

Bucky outside Urban Outfitters.
6/29/2018 dwm photo

Bucky How'd You Get So FLY? - #31 - Artist Emily Liefke

Me, I'm just a bit outside the demographic Urban Outfitters is aiming to reach, but they sure give Bucky Badger one amazing look.

Jetting off to a far-off destination, this Bucky is ready to take the controls.  He has his wings and requisite pilot sunglasses, so he sure looks the part.

Bucky's back.  (dwm)

It suggests looking the part, wearing the uniform, is sometimes half the battle when it comes to doing the job.

Combine it with a confident attitude and rock-solid competence and you are set for wheels-up.

There are five more Bucky blogs; 16 statues to go.  You can catch up on parts 1 - 17 by clicking this link.