San Francisco has recently become a canvas for creativity, thanks to local artist Rob “Pengoo” Casanovas, who has transformed a series of utility boxes along Geary Boulevard into colorful works of art.
These unique designs feature an array of fantastical characters, including a whale sporting a monocle and top hat, a snake with a striking purple mohawk, and a lizard whose tongue extends all the way to outer space.
Casanovas, known for his vibrant and whimsical style, explains that these creatures are manifestations of his lively imagination.
”Animals and creatures; they’re just a lot of fun for me,” he shared, emphasizing a playful approach to his art.
His initiative is part of the Paint the City project, which has enlisted the talents of 49 local artists to transform over 300 previously mundane camouflage-green utility boxes into eye-catching art pieces.
Backed by Paint the Void and the Civic Joy Fund, this community-driven project aims to uplift spirits through the power of art.
“I’m a light person by nature,” Casanovas stated, with laughter coming easily to him.
As he explained his motivation, he touched on the importance of levity in today’s world, saying, “It’s my way of helping in the best way I know how.
Art is healing: Mind, body, and soul.”
Currently, Casanovas operates out of The Nest, an art collective on California Street, where he shares space with fellow artists, including his partner Nora Bruhn and friend Marc Wagenseil.
Before establishing his studio, he spent a couple of years living in his van, a lifestyle choice that kept him connected to the world around him.
Casanovas believes that his experiences and interactions with people significantly fuel his artistic inspiration.
“This allowed me to hop out on-site and get to work when it was time to paint the utility boxes,” he recalled with a hint of nostalgia.
At first, he meticulously plotted out the designs for the utility boxes, but as he painted, spontaneous ideas began to flow.
“I’d be like, ‘Well, now that I see it, I can’t not put it in there.’”
An example of this organic creativity is seen in a piece titled “Diffidence Jelly,” located at the intersection of Parker Avenue and Geary Boulevard.
He included an unexpected character—a ruffled-looking goose holding a cup of coffee and a rolled-up newspaper—drawing inspiration from his early mornings talking with local residents while enjoying his coffee.
“The interaction with the neighborhood made my morning routine feel more vibrant,” said Casanovas.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project has been witnessing how his art resonates with the community.
Casanovas shared a touching story about a man who regularly walked past his murals with his mother, who suffers from dementia.
The man expressed gratitude for how the colorful designs brightened their walks, allowing his mother to rediscover joy.
“Her son thanked me, because she would re-find the boxes, and they made her so happy,” he said, reflecting on the emotional impact of his work.
Casanovas’ involvement with the utility boxes coincided with his journey to becoming a full-time artist.
Since then, he has been actively participating in various art events, including live painting at the Lighting in a Bottle festival and contributing to projects at Public Works.
His artwork has also been showcased in exhibitions, such as “SKATE,” which celebrated San Francisco’s rich skate culture.
The exhibition, which opened in April, features over 400 painted skateboard decks created by around 300 different artists.
Casanovas’ contribution to the show, titled “Sardines Can’t Have All the Fun,” captures a crowded scene of colorful animals, from a rabbit to a llama, all vying for space on the deck’s underside.
Curator Irene Hernandez-Feiks praised Casanovas, saying, “His passion for art is unmatched, and the way he pushes boundaries and brings his unique vision to life is nothing short of inspiring.”
Casanovas believes that his work should invite viewers to pause and soak in the details.
“The little details, for me, are a reward to the viewer,” he noted.
Fans of Casanovas can see the completion of his utility box murals, located at intersections along Geary Boulevard, including 2nd Avenue, Arguello Boulevard, and Collins Street, among others.
An upcoming closing party for the SKATE exhibition will be held on June 20 from 6 to 10 p.m. at 111 Minna Gallery, where art lovers can continue to celebrate the vibrant contributions of local artists like Casanovas.
image source from：missionlocal
