As I said in a recent write-up, I struggle to keep up with the prolific Mote, but like to post what I can when I can. This is a rather fun piece from the artist in one of his favourite spots on the north bank of the river in Cumberland Basin.
Mote, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, November 2022
Mote has made space on the wall to allow the piece to stand out from the surrounding graffiti, something he tends to do very well. The monster is another creation from his fertile imagination, and is rather likeable. The decorations in the fills are rather interesting, in particular the toadstools – I’m not too sure where they are coming from…
Some readers of this blog may not know that it is called Natural Adventures because it was started as a digitisation of a journal I kept during an adventure I had in the Falkland Islands in 1988 when I was a young man. I was a fisheries scientist working for the Falkland Islands Government, and at this point in the Journal had spent several weeks at sea on a Japanese squid jigger called the Koei Maru 30, and very much looking forward to some shore leave.
For context, it might be worth reading chapter 1, ‘An ill wind‘.
The full series of posts are in the ‘Falkland Journal, 1988′ category of the Natural Adventures blog, to be read in reverse order (from the bottom up).
Wednesday 13 July 1988. Koei Maru 30
Well, I’m jolly batey (pissed-off) this morning. I have been told that in fact we’re staying out for a day longer than planned because, well, I don’t exactly understand why. Still, it has really pissed me (and many of the crew) off.
There was I this morning thinking that my sampling was the last I was going to do and feeling a little sad about it, when in fact I shouldn’t have done.
Actually, I’m not going to do a sample tomorrow – I’m going to be laid back and do gangion (jargon) counts only! So there!
I have just finished ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ what an incredible end – I never guessed. So Clever. I wish I could create something like that. A most enjoyable book, despite me taking so long to read it.
Thursday 14 July 1988. Koei Maru 30
Once again a miraculous sunrise – if nothing else, I shall miss these when I leave these islands for good.
I have been racing through William Golding’s ‘Rites of Passage’ which is a topical and easy to read book. I am enjoying it.
A small bird (a petrel of some sort – perhaps a white-chinned petrel) (more likely a storm petrel) was sitting in the squid gutter. I took some piccies of it – poor thing is very bedraggled – I don’t know how these birds get in such a state – perhaps it is a disease or something – I don’t know.
Storm Petrel, Koei Maru 30, South Atlantic, July 1988
Well, tomorrow we really will be in Stanley and my feet shall embrace terra firma for the first time in 34 days – what a luxury it will be, not to have to compensate for thee rolling of the ship – it is wearisome in the extreme.
A cutting:
Basking shark article, Falkland Islands, July 1988
Perhaps the Marine Conservation Society will be relevant to me one day – I hope so – it is a body I admire and would like to be involved with – perhaps I’ll drop them a line.
Friday 15 July 1988. Koei Maru 30/Port Stanley, Emma’s Guest House
A dull day, but home time. Up early.
So many problems – arrived in Stanley – the crew were all in good spirits.
The meeting with the Fishing Master, JJ (the Falkland Fisheries chief officer), me, Okida (the vessel owner?) and Crag went dismally. JJ insisted on 120 days. What a bloody nightmare. Poor Phil will have to take the brunt of the crew’s discontent.
It is all such a cock up, and working on the KM30 will be a nightmare for observers.
SHIT, I feel like a traitor, and they treated me like one. So sad.
My desk at Fishops, Port Stanley, Falkland Islands, July 1988
I listened to granny’s tape letter – so good to hear all her news. Very sweet. I love her all the more for hearing it.
Went to Sean’s for chops with Phil – got very pissed – Back to Anna and Sean’s and then very, very drunk – a nice welcome home.
Saturday 16 July 1988. Port Stanley, Emma’s Guest House
I’m feeling morose. I have just realised how short my UK leave is. It is depressing. I’m also concerned about the long-lining. I am so angry with the Ice Master, who is being incredibly immature and hurtful – the Fishing Master too.
Phoned home and D and they all sound well. D sounded a little down, I can’t wait to be with her again. I miss her so much – this week will be a trial.
Crag has handed in his notice and will be leaving in late August. This is very sad. After he goes, there’ll only be Sean, Phil, Drin, Dan and Liz. I’m also depressed because I’m going to be spending a lot more time at sea when I come back, on a ship that hates me!
It doesn’t get much better than this. A frog wearing a cowboy hat. Fantastic. This piece is by the artist with no ‘street name’, so for the meantime I am calling her Frog, for obvious reasons.
Frog, Brunel Way, Bristol, November 2022
Frog has painted alongside Nugmoose a couple of times, and his piece is a yard or two away from this one. The frog is nicely painted without sentimentalising the frog’s features. The frog looks like a frog, apart from the cowboy hat. It is not a cartoon representation of a frog. The humour is in the absurdity of a frog wearing a hat and doesn’t rely on a funny frog. Great stuff.
On the day that sees England play Wales in the football world cup, I find myself a little distracted. Before the tournament started, I was indifferent about England, and was rather more concerned that all the Arsenal players involved in the tournament come home unscathed and safe, but now I find myself caring. I’d like England to do well, despite their poor performance against the USA. As I say – distracted.
This is a fine piece from Acer at the entrance to the tunnel, painted in collaboration with Benjimagnetic (post to follow). Acer One has had an exceptional year on the streets, modifying and developing his style with outstanding results.
Acer One, St Werburghs, Bristol, November 2022
This piece, spelling out ACER 1, has all the components that he has been working on, such as the rainbow fill in his letters, the minimalist design of his letters, and the double drop shadows that serve to give depth and perspective. A real beauty, and a lovely touch to the right with a rainbow scale bar. A classy piece.
Tack Jucker, River Avon, Bristol November 2022Tack Jucker, Brunel Way, Bristol, August 2022Tack Jucker, M32 roundabout, Bristol, August 2022Tack Jucker, Brunel Way, Bristol, June 2022Tack Jucker, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, February 2022Tack Jucker, Sparke Evans Park, Bristol, January 2022Tack Jucker, Catherine Mead Street, Bristol, November 2021Tack Jucker, Cumberland basin, Bristol, October 2021Tack Jucker, Sparke Evans Park, Bristol, October 2021Tack Jucker, Brunel Way, Bristol, October 2021Tack Jucker, Sparke Evans Park, Bristol, October 2021
I was rather late to the party regarding Vozie, which is embarrassing at best, but better late than never. I might have to trawl through some archives to see if I have overlooked any of her pieces from before my ‘awakening’ at Upfest this year. What is clear is that Vozie is a massively talented and accomplished writer whose work is both beautiful and compelling.
Vozie, St Werburghs, Bristol, November 2022
This one in the tunnel, painted as part of Bnie’s birthday paint jam, is an absolute banger. Painted in the paint jam colours, the letters VOZIE are sensationally filled with fabulous transitions between the colours and delicious accent lines and patterns on the edges of the letters. Fast becoming a fave.
Visiting artists are always welcome in Bristol, as they bring fresh perspectives and often glorious artwork to the city. On his visit to Bristol in September this year, Qwynto left us with at least two, and I think a third piece. This one is on the far right-hand side of the Coach and Horses wall.
Qwynto, Coach and Horses, Bristol, November 2022
I believe Qwynto is based in London, but I have struggled to find out much more about the artist. There are some similarities with Kid Crayon’s style of portraits, perhaps more to do with the colourful approach. This is a fine portrait, which has managed to remain intact for a couple of months, which is pretty good going really.
Maesyhook, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, November 2022
I like surprises, especially ones that involve street art, and boy was this a surprise. Maesyhook is known for her Kawaii cute animal pieces, so this abstract piece in Cumberland Basin is a massive departure from what we expect to see. She has also signed it @m.a.e.s.y_ which is a bit of a change in her personal branding.
Maesyhook, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, November 2022
I think the piece was inspired by Autumn, or Otoño as she states on her Instagram, and by a friend who painted an abstract piece adjacent to this one. There is a sense of freedom in this piece that breaks away from the formality of a character or writing, and I guess it for the viewer to make of it what they will. I would certainly welcome more of this from Maesyhook, or more of her Kawaii work.
Some readers of this blog may not know that it is called Natural Adventures because it was started as a digitisation of a journal I kept during an adventure I had in the Falkland Islands in 1988 when I was a young man. I was a fisheries scientist working for the Falkland Islands Government, and at this point in the Journal had spent several weeks at sea on a Japanese squid jigger called the Koei Maru 30, and very much looking forward to some shore leave.
For context, it might be worth reading chapter 1, ‘An ill wind‘.
The full series of posts are in the ‘Falkland Journal, 1988′ category of the Natural Adventures blog, to be read in reverse order (from the bottom up).
Sunday 10 July 1988, Koei Maru 30
Today is full of promise. The sun is shining after a glorious sunrise which began with a deep blue-purple and a sliver of a crescent moon in a cloudless starry sky. The orange glows in the East then began and heralded this lovely crisp day.
Sunrise, South Atlantic, Koei Maru 30, July 1988
Another great bit of news is that I am to return to Port Stanley on the 14th, this coming Thursday. The Fishing Master also said that they would still be fishing when I returned from the UK and that they would have a party before returning to Japan, He is a real Jekyll and Hyde – I never quite know which mood I catch him in.
Today has fulfilled its promise, mainly in that it is nearly over. It has been sunny and clear, which lifts the depression which sets in during the gloom and overcast days. A few more Barry please. (an in joke with myself)
Now watching a Japanese war film – a little tactless I think, considering I’m English, but not to worry.
Japanese war film, doodle. Koei Maru 30, July 1988
Monday 11 July 1988. Koei Maru 30
Having looked forward so much to today’s radio session, I actually forgot it in my forgetfulness… eh?
I was instead having lots of fun in the factory deck. Abe is a great bloke – always poking fun, always playing the monkey. Very funny. I’m glad that people aged 28 or so can still be complete fools, it is refreshing.
Wrote possibly my last letter for a while to Mum and Ad. Talked about Abe and Mr Chiba.
Couldn’t get to sleep at all, I’m so excited about getting back to Port Stanley.
Tuesday 12 July 1988. Koei Mau 30
After three and a half hours sleep, I went to hold 4 and took loads of ‘crew at work’ piccies. I also took some photographs of one of the loveliest sunrises I’ve ever witnessed. The wispy clouds touched with pink. I wish it was a slide not a print!
Crew preparing baskets for the day’s fishing, Koei Maru 30, July 1988
Abe and Abe the Bosun, Koei Maru 30, July 1988
Crew on deck 4, Koei Maru 30, July 1988
Young crew member with squid-baited long-line baskets ready for deployment, Koei Maru 30, July 1988
Wrote a letter to D, telling her that I’m going completely bonkers. I am.
I am very tired, but have enjoyed today very much. The more I do this work, the more I enjoy it. Abe got me to top and tail and gut my hake today, which was a good compromise because it meant they readily gave them to me, and it also kept me busy.
I am mortified – I am devastated.
My final link with childhood – the bracelet I have worn every day since my A-levels has just broken – I feel torn and weak like Samson without hair. A great sadness for me. In tatters, I feel like crying but am too tired.
Bead bracelet broken, doodle, Koei Maru 30, July 1988
Actually, I don’t think I will ever sleep again. Or will I? 18:00hrs 12.7.88 – Bracelet RIP
Natural adventures 