Month: November 2017

1100. Dean Lane skate park (85)

A familiar piece in a familiar place from a familiar artist. This is a beautiful abstract piece by Shab, sprayed in one of his favourite spots in Dean Lane skate park. I do like it when artists kind of ‘claim’ a spot, although it is not so good when they guard it jealously.

Shab, Dean Lane, Bristol, October 2017
Shab, Dean Lane, Bristol, October 2017

Always pleasing on the eye, Shab’s work holds a kind of mystery for the viewer, and a fascination too. Of course, the eye usually plays a part in his work, and adds some realism to this abstract world. Such subtle colours in the eye, set against the black and white surround.

Shab, Dean Lane, Bristol, October 2017
Shab, Dean Lane, Bristol, October 2017

I have always liked and probably always like the work of this highly respected Bristol master.

1099. Dean Lane skate park (84)

I have grown so accustomed to seeing NEVERGIVEUP’s work dominating The Bearpit, that it was a pleasant surprise recently to see one of his monsters turn up in Dean Lane. In the short space of time that he has been living in Bristol, he has really let his presence be known. He is prolific and unappologetic…when he sees a wall he paints it.

NEVERGIVEUP, Dean Lane, Bristol, October 2017
NEVERGIVEUP, Dean Lane, Bristol, October 2017

I haven’t yet seen his work at the M32 or in Stokes Croft yet, but I guess it is just a matter of time. Another fine monster from this young Polish master.

NEVERGIVEUP, Dean Lane, Bristol, October 2017
NEVERGIVEUP, Dean Lane, Bristol, October 2017

Communicate 2017 conference

 

Inspirational;

advancing the way we see

the natural world.

 

by Scooj

 

The Communicate Conference, organised by the Bristol Natural History Consortium, is a coming together of wildlife/environment communications specialists from all sectors across the UK and beyond, to learn from great speakers and exceptional workshops. The challenges of ‘saving the planet’ have never been so great but the mood of the conference was to use our collective knowledge and passion to make positive changes. This, in the turbulent landscape of ‘fake news’ and ever reducing financial resources. Communicate is my annual fillip. I will do my best.

1098. The Bearpit (100)

The light in these images is a bit wishy washy, and doesn’t do this lovely mural by Meghan O’Malley justice at all. The mural wasn’t up for long, before it was overpainted, so I am pleased to have been able to see it, especially as it features three magnificent fish.

Meghan O'Malley, The Bearpit, Bristol, October 2017
Meghan O’Malley, The Bearpit, Bristol, October 2017

I had to do a little research to find out more about the artist, and it turns out she is a murallist living in Bristol. A quick glance at her website should convince you that she is a highly accomplished artist who has an eye for the surreal. This fish piece however is simply beautiful.

Meghan O'Malley, The Bearpit, Bristol, October 2017
Meghan O’Malley, The Bearpit, Bristol, October 2017

Having recently graduated in Drawing and Applied Arts from the University of the West of England (UWE), I very much hope to see more of her work on the streets in the near future. Definitely one to look out for.

I have just attended a communications conference in Bristol, at which I found out that this piece and two others in The Bearpit were part of a campaign organised by Wild Walls (part of Wildscreen) and that these three fish mimic the recycling icon. All good, except that I found this out by chance. My feeling is that campaign pieces need better calls to action, or they risk being lost in the white noise.

1097. Upfest 2017 (90)

On the hoardings in South Street Park, not far from the Miss Wah and Korp collaboration, was this exceptional piece by Hazard. I am not all that familiar with Hazard’s work, but she has been recognised by The Guardian as one of the top five female street artists in the UK, and you can see why.

Hazard, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Hazard, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

Her pieces are often feature a female portrait with ornate hair ornamentation, and this is a really superb example of her work. It is interesting to see that she completed the portrait first and then went on to decorate the hair with scarves and feathers. The horns add another strange element to the whole thing.

Hazard, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Hazard, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

I didn’t get a chance to meet her, but with any luck she will be back in Bristol before too long. I have a feeling, from reading her biography on her website, that she might live somewhere in the West of England, but that is just a hunch.

Thursday doors

Door four.

Door, Freeman Alley, New York
Door, Freeman Alley, New York

Freeman Alley, New York.

 

by Scooj.

Thursday Doors – Norm 2.0

 

1096. Upfest 2017 (89)

Collaborations are always fun to observe. Some take the form of two artists creating a seamless piece in the style of the pair, for example Nomad Clan, while others produce work incorporating their own styles that complement each other. This piece is a great example of the latter. What makes it more appealing is that both of the artists clearly got on and really seemed to enjoy working together.

Miss Wah and Korp, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Miss Wah and Korp, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

The bunny figure in the centre of the piece is by Miss Wah, and the three worm-like creatures either side are by Korp. I would like to think that the two characters sandwiched in between are by both artists, but they have more of a Miss Wah feel to them.

Miss Wah and Korp, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Miss Wah and Korp, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

The colours work very well together across the whole piece, and overall it has an upbeat feel to it. I’m not sure that they have collaborated since, but I’m sure they would both be up for it if the opportunity presented itself again.