What a delightful surprise it was to come across this unheralded piece from Haka on the M32 roundabout. Haka is one of those artists who very much does his own thing in his own way, and pretty much every piece is a tribute to his friend CK One, which is really touching.
Haka, M32 roundabout, Bristol, May 2021
This particular vibrant and wild portrait is, according to Haka’s own Instagram feed, a self-portrait. Having never met the artist, I can’t vouch for its accuracy, but I haven’t seen anyone looking like this in the Bristol area before. Great fun piece.
An outstanding calligrapher who is possibly a little underrepresented in Natural Adventures is Stivs. This beautiful piece of calligraphic writing from not too long ago so perfectly demonstrates his extraordinary ability to paint such beautifully formed letters.
Stivs, M32 roundabout, Bristol, May 2021
The whole shape and size of this piece is really most aesthetically pleasing and easy on the eye. The writing which spells STIVS is elaborate and complex, but in the hands of the artist is expertly executed. Note to self – time for a Stivs gallery?
From a little while ago, this beauty by Daz Cat seems to have slipped the net… until now. This door has undergone many transformations and is a good candidate for a Thursday Doors post in the future.
Daz Cat, M32 cycle path, Bristol, May 2021
Daz Cat has been one of Bristol’s most consistent character artists over the past twelve months, apparently undeterred by any impacts of COVID-19. His pieces can be found all over the city and range from quick cat face throw ups to elaborate and beautifully painted story pieces, in fact I believe he might have painted a new one at St George skate park only yesterday. Always great to see.
Billy is an artist whose work I really admire and enjoy. Her childlike naive style betrays a clever storytelling ability through art and words that make her pieces talk. Add to that the wonderful colours that she uses with such freedom and you have a vibrant and meaningful piece of art that we can all relate to.
Billy, Muriel Alleyway, Bristol, May 2021
In this wonderful little lane in Brislington, Billy brings us a ‘wish you were here’ postcard-style holiday piece featuring a sunbathing nude and a curious blue character on a beach next to the sea. I wonder if this is more about our past reminding us what a holiday actually looks and feels like. It has been such a long time for us all since out last proper holiday. First world problems!
A wonderful and enjoyable piece.
This particular secluded spot near the long wall in Cumberland Basin has been ‘occupied’ by Eman and there are currently six or seven of his pieces crammed into this particular space, of which this is one.
Eman, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, May 2021
Eman is currently playing around with all sorts of designs and seems to be having a lot of fun with creating new characters. This simple and cute creature is fast becoming a ‘thing’ and I wonder if Eman might fill the gap left behind by Followmyrabbits and start populating Bristol’s streets with these loveable alien/imagined animal things. I like the reversed colours and spots that Eman has used to great effect and the simplicity and clean lines. Look out for more of these creatures right here on Natural Adventures.
Leonard Lane has had a small renaissance lately thanks in no small part to 3F Fino who seems to have been enjoying himself and experimenting with ideas in the murky, narrow, stinky Lane.
3F Fino, Leonard Lane, Bristol, May 2021
This is an unusual and impactful piece from 3F Fino, and I’m not sure I would have been able to attribute it to him if it were not signed. There is something faintly Van Goughian about the artwork which looks like a series of brush strokes rather than the work of a spray can. Original and interesting work.
This is the second set of photographs of Blaise Hamlet, a small National Trust estate of ‘Lilliputian’ cottages in North Bristol, where posting doors is really an excuse for me to share this amazing place with you, as the doors themselves aren’t really anything too special.
I managed to visit a couple of weeks ago with the dog in tow, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. This small oasis reminds us of days gone by and a less complicated time that offers a sense of peace and tranquility. Enjoy the second part of this visit:
Dove doors at No 4 Blaise Hamlet, Bristol, May 2021 Door at No 4 Blaise Hamlet, Bristol, May 2021 No 5 Blaise Hamlet, Bristol, May 2021 Door at No 5 Blaise Hamlet, Bristol, May 2021 No 6 Blaise Hamlet, Bristol, May 2021 Door at No 6 Blaise Hamlet, Bristol, May 2021 Thatched cottage No 7? Blaise Hamlet, Bristol, May 2021 Doorway to No 8 Blaise Hamlet, Bristol, May 2021 No 9 Blaise Hamlet, Bristol, May 2021
I hope that you have enjoyed the quick tour of these delightful cottages, and strongly recommend that if you find yourself in Bristol with 30 minutes to kill, a quick visit would be very worthwhile.
If you have made it this far, you probably like doors, and you really ought to take a look at the No Facilities blog by Dan Anton who has taken over the hosting of Thursday Doors from Norm 2.0 blog. Links to more doorscursions can be found in the comments section of Dan Anton’s Thursday Doors post.
Natural adventures 