One of the most eye catching murals from this year’s Upfest must surely be this wonderful fox by artist Rob Wass.
The urban fox has become part of the furniture in Bristol, and has been studied over many years by Bristol University. It has become something of an emblem for the city.
Rob Wass, who lives and works in London creates some wonderful colourful works, but I think that these large scale murals are something of a slight departure.
There can be few things
in life more frivolous than
chasing your own tail.
by Scooj
My 1988 Falkland Island journal continues…
Sunday 17 April 1988, Koei Maru 30
Getting pretty pissed off out here – the weather is non-descript, overcast. I am in permaslumber and can’t break out. My cabin is too hot, probably causing my drowsiness, the work is bloody boring and most other activities send me to sleep.
I found an interesting letter in the TLS. I wonder if Ad had tactfully neglected to send the issue with the original article in it – I will have to ask him.
I have seen two more birds, one yesterday and one today:
a little grey and white bird, round and small, ‘flying’ underwater. I’ve seen it on the wall chart, but don’t remember the name;
a tern-like bird, very white with a grey cap and light grey wing uppers. A sleek bird with a forked tail.
Monday 18 April 1988, Koei Maru 30
I damn well slept again from 24:00 until 02:00. It is driving me bonkers. I shouldn’t need an ‘afternoon’ kip after having some ten hours or more night’s sleep. What is happening to me?
Walked into the bridge to find the Fishing Master in his underpants and vest. This is the first time this has happened. It is impossible to know what to do. I cannot ignore him (which I do), because it is so obvious. I cannot leave, because I have work to do.
I slept from 06:30 to 12:30, ready to eat steak, but I have just found the Fishing Master in the kitchen and I think he is eating my food. Revenge is sweet.
I managed to get a steak in the end. Wrote to Nick B and to Deb.
I have bumped my head countless times today. It’s a bastard, I’ve got lumps on my head now. It seems to happen as I pass through doorways.
Tuesday 19 April 1988, Koei Maru 30
I hate to admit it, but I wrote nothing today…little happens.
The young 20 year old crew member is sick.
Wednesday 20 April 1988, Koei Maru 30
I think this trip will go faster than the last, especially since I know that it is the last voyage for squid.
I also know that the KM30 will call in at Port Stanley on the 15th to tranship squid with the last KSJ reefer before setting out for a further 10 days.
I set a good quiz for Gavin, which I enjoyed doing, but at this moment, 05:00 I am very pissed off indeed – I don’t know why, I suppose there are many reasons. One which occurs to me immediately is that squid are horrible. I hate bloody squid…I’m even beginning to hate the taste of it. This is a shitty job anyway – yeah, great, so I’ll have a few anecdotes to bore my friends with, but basically it’s shitty. Who else would do this kind of work, that had spent 4 years at university? nobody.
She loves him, it’s true,
though her dark purpose prevents
an eternal love.
by Scooj
He loves her so much,
his proclamation is clear
for all to witness.
by Scooj
This mural is one of several tribute walls in Bristol dedicated to Matt Hibbert known locally as ‘Mibsy’.
Mibsy had opened a spray paint shop (King of Paint) that supplied many of the local street artists, and he was much loved within the graffiti community.
His untimely death in July 2014, he was only 39, sparked a large number of tribute works, in particular in the Stokes Croft area.
This work, I believe, was a collaboration between Jon5, Silent Hobo, Sepr (see 19 and 22), Deamze and Dotcom, all Bristol artists.
The site is an interesting one. The once magnificent building dating back to 1868 was an ironmongery and hardware store but has fallen on hard times and is now derelict.
There is also a further interesting feature that accompanies the mural. On the left hand side is a statement that has been over-painted, but can be seen in relief, which reads ‘hate is foolish’. Layer upon layer.
6.5/10
Oh sweet slumber come
and engulf me in your arms;
nourish me with dreams.
by Scooj
On a wall opposite the Phlegm mural, previously featured, is a beautiful stencil of a tabby cat.
The cat, by Beastie, an artist from Gloucester, has left its blue paw prints behind. This is a lovely and somewhat understated work.
Beastie has been nicknamed the Banksy of Gloucester by the local media, and he would appear to be both prolific and popular.
7/10
Tight, fat and bloated,
September’s offering is
October’s desire.
by Scooj
This is a rather topical stencil which is by Stewy, whose dodo can also be found in Leonard Lane.
Stewy’s work includes stencils of iconic figures, and this one is of a well known celebrity in Bristol. DJ Derek is a 73 year-old disc jockey who plays sets in pubs and clubs in the Bristol area, and has also played at Glastonbury.
He went missing on 23 July this year, and has still not been found. Many fear the worst.
This stencil was produced before DJ Derek went missing, and the added graffiti makes sense when you understand the back-story.
7/10
Natural adventures 