Month: February 2020

2744. M32 roundabout J3 (195)

There is no doubt about it, the ever-prolific Face 1st is absolutely on fire at the moment, being very creative with his ideas, collaborating and doing his usual stuff. I don’t know how he has the energy and can only guess that he has access to a cheap supply of paint.

Face 1st, M32 roundabout, Bristol, February 2020
Face 1st, M32 roundabout, Bristol, February 2020

Hidden away in one of the M32 tunnels is this absolute gem, understated as is so often the way with this artist, which is a kind of fusion of a rebirth concept and a Cadbury’s cream egg – or at least that is how I see it. It is this quirky kind of idea that keeps Face 1st right up there with the top artists in Bristol. I still have to hunt down several recent pieces he has done… I just can’t keep up.

2743. M32 Spot (57)

Although Feek and 3Dom like to collaborate, it is not too common these days to find a new piece by these two. What a lovlely surprise then to find this one down at the M32 Spot. This particular board is becoming a bit of a goldmine, especially during this very damp winter we have been having.

Feek and 3Dom, M32 Spot, Bristol, February 2020
Feek and 3Dom, M32 Spot, Bristol, February 2020

On the left is a beautiful pencil character  by Feek which appears to have drawn the stunning piece of graffiti writing next to it. 3Dom is an alolrounder who seems to be equally comfortable with graffiti writing as he is with character pieces and abstract pieces, he seems to have it all in his armoury. There is some writing on the piece which reads:

The weight of it was killing me… the warmth of it was keeping me alive.

I’m not too sure if this is a quote or to what it refers, but it feels fairly profound. I like the little shout out to Ryder and Decay, whose collaboration was the previous occupant on this board.

Ciara

 

The tempest rages

While dog walkers soldier on

resilient bunch

 

by Scooj

 

2742. Turbo Island

Oh my goodness, Sled One is literally (almost, figuratively too sort of) on fire at the moment, or at least painting fire, with this bright character toasting a cartoon marshmallow over a hot flame.

Sled One, Turbo Island, Bristol, February 2020
Sled One, Turbo Island, Bristol, February 2020

This piece is more contrived than might at first be apparent. The subject is a direct nod to the bonfires that are regularly started on the little ‘green’ on Turbo Island usually by revellers, homeless people or addicts of one sort or another. I think that this is a remarkable piece by Sled One in so many ways. Technically it is brilliant, but equally brilliant is the little story that is unfolding in front of us.

Sled One, Turbo Island, Bristol, February 2020
Sled One, Turbo Island, Bristol, February 2020

I don’t really know how it is even possible, but I think this young artist is just getting better and better and I’m not sure he is even close to peaking yet. I hope this purple patch we are seeing from Sled One continues well into the year.

2741. M32 roundabout J3 (194)

There is rarely a time when I don’t enjoy seeing work by Mr Draws. His DRAW moniker will be a familiar site to any observant Bristolian in recent years, even if they haven’t considered the name any further.

Mr Draws. M32 roundabout, Bristol, February 2020
Mr Draws. M32 roundabout, Bristol, February 2020

In this fun piece, Mr Draws has added interest to his writing with a little spaceship sending light beams down onto his work. Although not an original concept, it is a fun idea that brought a smile to my face. Mr drwas continues to show great stamina, painting walls come rain or shine and keeping Bristol’s USP ticking over nicely.

 

 

 

2740. St Werburghs tunnel (141)

It is not too often that you get to see a piece by Gage Graphics that is not a commission or a festival work, so this recent stunner in St Werburghs tunnel is something of a rarity. Featuring writing and a character, it is a real beauty and was a nice surprise when I came across it last week.

Gage Graphics, St Werburghs, Bristol, February 2020
Gage Graphics, St Werburghs, Bristol, February 2020

The writing says serif (I wonder if it is in anyway related to the typeface) and is expertly painted, with some nice arrows incorporated too. I suspect that Biers (who has other names) would definitely approve of the horse/donkey braying ‘ooohhhyyyeeeaaahhh’. A real treat.

Gage Graphics, St Werburghs, Bristol, February 2020
Gage Graphics, St Werburghs, Bristol, February 2020

2739. St Werburghs tunnel (140)

Walking the dog one lunchtime a few weeks ago I was lucky enough to meet two lovely artists busy at work at the farm end of St Werburghs tunnel. I recognised the work of Morny instantly, his naive style is both eye-catching and compelling, so I went and introduced myself. I was touched that he seemed to know about my Instagram/Twitter accounts, but I don’t know if he has ventured as far as Natural Adventures just yet. He introduced me to his painting partner Billy, who was painting a bright and colourful mural to his right.

Morny and Billy, St Werburghs, Bristol, January 2020
Morny and Billy, St Werburghs, Bristol, January 2020

I’m glad I took these WIP (Work in Progress) shots because when I returned a couple of days later to take pictures of the finished wall, it had been painted over. I cringed a little, because I told them that turnover on this particular wall was quite slow and that their work would be there for a while. Just shows what I know huh? Billy’s work reminds me a little of Zoe Power’s, because of its simple form and colourful fills. I do hope she isn’t put off by the rapidity of the disappearance of her piece and that she paints more walls this year.

Morny, St Werburghs, Bristol, January 2020
Morny, St Werburghs, Bristol, January 2020

There was one remaining part of Morny’s piece that survived for my return, but it only really hints at what had been there. Such a pity. I guess it is impossible to be everywhere all the time.

Birthday gifts

.

What can you get them?

People who want for nothing

this is the problem

.

by Scooj

2738. Dean Lane skate park (280)

When Inkie comes back to Bristol, he usually marks his return with a little gift or two, and this one from a recent visit home is an absolute corker. Deliciously clean and sharp, this vibrant INKIE is a classy piece.

Inkie, Dean Lane, Bristol, January 2020
Inkie, Dean Lane, Bristol, January 2020

It is incredible how the colours leap out and slap you in the face, an effect probably exaggerated by the gray day and flat light. It is great to see a little shout out to The Agent, who is one of the longer established street artists in Bristol. Altogether a superb piece. Thank you Inkie.

2737. Dean Lane skate park (279)

I don’t need to write too much about this – regular readers will know the form. It is a rabbit by Nevergiveup or #followmyrabbits. This one is on the roof of the Bedminster swimming baths which is on Dean Lane, a popular graffiti spot but it has to be said that this rabbit stands out from all the graffiti writing around it.

Nevergiveup, Dean Lane, Bristol, November 2019
Nevergiveup, Dean Lane, Bristol, November 2019

I’m not too sure how old this rabbit is – it looks quite fresh, and I have a feeling that there might have been a different one here before it, but then again I might be imagining things. So, so many more rabbits to share…