Ant day

.

Gulls in thermals swoop

and stall, feasting on new queens;

tiny protein treats. 

.

by Scooj

Heatwave

 

Sitting in the cool

lobby inside the front door;

the only escape.

 

by Scooj

831. M32 roundabout J3 (40)

It has been a little while since I have seen a Sled One piece, but this one has been worth waiting for. A crocodile, or is it an alligator? with SLED written into the main part of the body.

Sled One, M32 roundabout Bristol, June 2017
Sled One, M32 roundabout Bristol, June 2017

There is a lot to like about this piece; the colours, the backdrop design, the writing and of course the reptile with its stylish purple glasses. This was my second attempt at photographing the work. The first time was on a very bright day, and there was a shadow cast across half of the wall…sometimes overcast days can be a blessing.

Sled One, M32 roundabout Bristol, June 2017
Sled One, M32 roundabout Bristol, June 2017

830. M32 Roundabout j3 (39)

I was lucky enough to meet Ments at the Graffiti Nation exhibition opening evening at the Upfest shop in April. As with all other graffiti artists, he looked nothing like the image I had conjured up in my mind. It is interesting what assumptions we are capable of making before actually meeting a person.

Ments, M32 Roundabout, Bristol, June 2017
Ments, M32 Roundabout, Bristol, June 2017

Ments came to Bristol but is originally from East Anglia, and if street art is your thing, it is probably an obvious move to make. This piece is of such a high quality and showcases the organic feel he gives to his work.

Ments, M32 Roundabout, Bristol, June 2017
Ments, M32 Roundabout, Bristol, June 2017

This wildstyle writing is complex, but look carefully and you might be able to make out the letters MENTS. His work is so distinctive and seems to improve from piece to piece.

Peacock

 

Intimidating

deception masks a higher

imperative to

survive juvenility

into metamorphosis.

 

by Scooj

  • Below – the peacock butterfly that inspired my first haiku. This Tanka is about the peacock butterfly caterpillar.
Peacock Butterfly, Haiku 1
Peacock Butterfly, Haiku 1

829. Leonard Lane (10)

Since I first ‘found’ Leonard Lane about two years ago, I have been back many times to see if there is any new art down there. Sometimes I get lucky, and this was one of those occasions.

Unknown artist, Leonard Lane, Bristol, April 2017
Unknown artist, Leonard Lane, Bristol, April 2017

This is an unusual piece by an unknown artist (please let me know if you know who painted it), who seems to have used the narrow alleyway to practice some outdoor fine art. The reclining woman is nicely painted, but it is the face that steals it for me – really nicely done.

Unknown artist, Leonard Lane, Bristol, April 2017
Unknown artist, Leonard Lane, Bristol, April 2017

It seems incongruous placed alongside graffiti and tags, but somehow it enhances the piece somewhat. A bit like a DIY PichiAvo piece. I would love to know more about this unusual piece, but suspect it will remain a bit of a mystery.

Warm Sunday evening 

.
I sit suspended

in my wood-slatted deck chair;

coming up for air. 
.

by Scooj

828. Jamaica Street (7)

A few weeks ago this stunning and touching tribute piece appeared on the People’s Republic of Stokes Croft (PRSC) outdoor gallery wall. It is a wonderful collaboration between The Paintsmiths and Ryder.

The Paintsmiths and Ryder tribute to Raphael Dufresne, Jamaica Street, Bristol, April 2017
The Paintsmiths and Ryder tribute to Raphael Dufresne, Jamaica Street, Bristol, April 2017

The tribute is to Raphael Dufresne, a popular musician on the local scene who passed away on 14 April 2017, suffering a fatal aneurism whilst at the gym. He was only 27 years old. This piece fills me with a sadness, but what a magnificent way to celebrate his life.

The Paintsmiths and Ryder tribute to Raphael Dufresne, Jamaica Street, Bristol, April 2017
The Paintsmiths and Ryder tribute to Raphael Dufresne, Jamaica Street, Bristol, April 2017

I never heard his music, and feel sorry that I never had the chance of seeing him, it sounds like he had a good soul and attitude to life. He had links with PRSC, which is why this tribute is all the more poignant. Really terrific letters from Ryder and a superb portrait by The Paintsmiths. Sad.

The Paintsmiths and Ryder tribute to Raphael Dufresne, Jamaica Street, Bristol, April 2017
The Paintsmiths and Ryder tribute to Raphael Dufresne, Jamaica Street, Bristol, April 2017

827. City Road (4)

Some weeks ago now, I had a great walk home from work, and discovered several wheatpastes by qWeRT. This one was rather better concealed than others I had spotted, and photographing it was a little awkward because the householder was sitting in the doorway, soaking up the sun. I asked if they minded me taking a picture…I don’t think they had even noticed this little gem on their own doorstep. Oh well.

qWeRT, City Road, Bristol, April 2017
qWeRT, City Road, Bristol, April 2017

I am fond of these googly eyed characters, there is something endearing and playful about them. As you will know by now, I am fond of a good paste up, and this one doesn’t disappoint.

826. Stokes Croft, the Carriageworks (26)

A quick one from Jee See on the Carriageworks carrying his trademark ‘seismic’ lettering, this time with accompanying ‘Why sick?’. I’m not too sure what it all means, but it is bright and upbeat.

Jee See, Stokes Croft, Bristol, April 2017
Jee See, Stokes Croft, Bristol, April 2017

Since I took this picture, I have at last met Jee See, and what an utter gent he is. More about this soon. I like this picture with the sun and shadows and the skulking Silent Hobo character on the adjacent space. All good.