22. Turbo Island

Nestled on the intersection between Stokes Croft and Jamaica Street there is a small green space called Turbo Island. Anyone who has lived in Bristol a while will know it as a place where alcoholics and drug addicts used to congregate.

Sepr, Stokes Croft, Bristol, August 2015
Sepr, Stokes Croft, Bristol, August 2015

However, things are changing and the ‘People’s Republic of Stokes Croft’ are trying to persuade Bristol City Council to return the space back to the community. One of the aims is to remove the advertising hoarding (not shown – to the left of this picture). It is certainly a better space than it was a few years ago.

During the Stokes Croft Festival of arts 2014, Sepr painted this ‘scarecrow and crows sitting down together’. A great sentiment. The mural is dedicated to Bob, but I don’t know the backstory.

7.5/10

Doors

 

Curiosity

opens doors previously

locked by ignorance.

 

by Scooj

21. Norrisville Road

Today was the first time I have stopped to take a look at this mural by Dora, on the edge of Montpelier.

Dora, Norrisville Road, Bristol, August 2015
Dora, Norrisville Road, Bristol, August 2015

Dora is an illustrator, designer and graffiti painter, based in Bristol. She has a rather good webpage that talks about her influences.

Having looked at her portfolio, I can’t help thinking that only one half of this wall is by her. I am not sure who the other artist might be.

Dora, Norrisville Road, Bristol, August 2015
Dora, Norrisville Road, Bristol, August 2015

It is always great to find something new.

6/10

 

Fool at Poolside

 

Cool and Inviting

the azure ripples beckon –

left my trunks at home.

 

by Scooj

 

I was pleasantly surprised to see a commission by Cheo, a Bristol street artist on the far side of the pool. See more here and here.

Cheo at Portishead swimming pool
Cheo at Portishead swimming pool

Mixed Feelings

 

Anniversary

of a birth and death today;

celebrate and mourn.

 

by Scooj

Tales

 

I do believe in

fairies; I have seen many.

They watch over me.

 

by Scooj

20. Hanover Place

The artist of ‘Girl with the Pierced Eardrum’ needs no introduction from me. Banksy’s beautiful work appeared last year. I went to see it two days after it was completed, and already it had been spoiled by someone who had sprayed paint over the bottom left side of the work.

Banksy, Honover Place, Bristol, August 2015
Banksy, Honover Place, Bristol, August 2015

It appears that some restoration has happened since then, but the work was ‘clean’ for such a short while, which is a pity. Some would say it is all vandalism…you live by the sword, you die by the sword. I’m not sure I subscribe to that.

Banksy, Honover Place, Bristol, August 2015
Banksy, Honover Place, Bristol, August 2015

It was great to see it again today, it is beautiful.

 

 

August

 

Holiday is here.

No work for a whole fortnight;

feeling like a kid.

 

by Scooj

19. Dighton Street

Sepr is considered to be one of a number of ‘third generation’ street artists hailing from Bristol.

He has a really distinctive style that has similarities to 1950s design and I sense some cubist influences. His last couple of works appear to incorporate a lot of grey and use of shadows, as well as featuring musicians.

Sepr, Dighton Street, Bristol August 2015
Sepr, Dighton Street, Bristol August 2015

This pair of works are very new (August 2015) and I think, post-date his mural on North Street from this year’s Upfest.

Sepr, Dighton Street, Bristol August 2015
Sepr, Dighton Street, Bristol August 2015

Really easy on the eye.

8/10

Froglet

 

Venturing beyond

their safe havens, exploring;

most will not make it.

 

by Scooj