Little Paradise
where surprises can happen
keep your eyes open.
by Scooj
896. Stokes Croft, the Carriageworks (26)
This use to be one of the graffiti spots that I wrote about most frequently, but alas, the taggers have done their bit to deter a great many artists from spraying here. It is a pity, because these arches are probably the best feature walls in Bristol for street art.
This piece is a quick one from Mr Draws, that although probably not one of his best, is eye-catching nonetheless. You can make out the word ‘draw’ arising from a vanishing point to the left of the piece. I like the way that Mr Draws is fairly fearless about where he places his work, knowing that it is all ephemeral and that his own will in time be overwritten.
895. The Bearpit (78)
So the most prolific Bristol street artist, Laic217, continues to spread his love all over the city. This one is at the bottom of the steps on the north west side of The Bearpit. The story here is not entirely clear, but the bug spray would appear to be killing the bugs inside the skeleton’s head.
Laic217 is really perfecting these skull characters, and telling loads of stories on the way. There are emergent themes in his work: skulls and death generally; insects; bucket hats and spray cans. Few of his pieces don’t have two or more of these things.
You won’t have to wait long for another Laic217 post – I have several waiting in the wings.
894. Little Paradise (1)
I was on the hunt for a new spot in Bedminster, wandering around an area I am not so familiar with, and would you believe it? I came across this fabulous Feoflip piece in the charmingly named Little Paradise.
This must have been yet another of his little surprises left behind for Bristolians to enjoy from last year’s Upfest. His work is just amazing, and this is a perfect example from him. What is amazing is that several other Bristol graff spotters also found this piece recently, even though it has been here for some time. Scarily, we obviously walk the same routes. I sometimes wonder if I have a doppelganger.
893. Lower Approach Road (5)
Another fine piece at this relatively new location at Temple Meads station. This is a lovely work from Kid Crayon featuring a group of people and their obsessions with their mobile phones. Possibly representative of the crowds of people departing from and arriving at the station each and every day.
I am not sure if any of these characters are based on real people, but the fellow on the right eating his phone has an uncanny resemblance to Paul Monsters (Paul Roberts) who painted a collaboration with Copyright just around the corner.
Somehow no Kid Crayon piece feels complete without purple or blue-faced people, and here he offers lashings of them. The young girl actually looks quite sinister, reminiscent of the character from The Addams Family played by Christina Ricci.
Quite who the pretty lady with the squinty eye at the centre of the picture is I don’t know, but I love the detail of her necklace and freckled nose. All in all this is a superb piece from Kid Crayon…full of stories and beautifully executed.
Examination
Need to book eye test;
wish they’d call it a check up
I don’t like failing.
by Scooj
892. Moon Street (32)
Once more we see a pairing of Laic217 and Cort on this hoarding panel in Moon Street. Unfortunately I arrived to photograph it just a little too late, and the Cort half has been dogged with a throw up. This is an all too familiar sight in the Stokes Croft area and can at times be really frustrating, and indeed has driven some artists away from the area, which is a real pity.
The Laic217 half of this collaboration features a rather menacing skull wearing a red bucket had with horns sticking through the top. the word ‘inferno’ stitched into the brim of the hat suggests that this may indeed be Satan.
Another nice piece from these artists and another weekly (at least) dose of Laic217.
I have just noticed that the shadow on the pavement in the bottom picture looks a little like it could be the shadow cast by Satan.
891. North Street Hoardings (8)
I think that Sirens must have been squatting uncomfortably on the ground for a while during the creation of this calming piece in North Street. It is tucked in amongst scaffolding and a small alcove, often used by graffiti artists and taggers. The space smells…well what should I say? a bit like a WC, and I guess that plenty of pub goers relieve themselves here after an evening out.
How fabulous then to see this uplifting piece so typical of Sirens. Silhouetted houses and rooftops with a magnificent setting sun; an inspirational piece so full of hope. I know that Sirens likes to surprise people with his choice of location and he has excelled with this one. I imagine many will walk past it none the wiser, but those who look around will see it and benefit from the joy it brings. Nice one Sirens!
890. Bedminster
On one of my lunchtime jaunts I got lucky enough to meet Andy Council working on a piece that didn’t incorporate animals, which judging from our conversation, I think is something of a ‘day off’ for him.
He was working on quite an awkward low stretch of wall on a ramp, but has managed to craft an impressive cityscape in his most distinctive style.
The location is a spot new to me, and there is a host of other treasures there from local graffiti artists. I’ll come on to these over the coming weeks.
What I particularly like about this work is the vibrant colours and use of the space. It shows how a bit of time spent in the hands of a skilled artist can improve the local environment of what was previously a dull grey utilitarian tiled pathway. Nice to meet Andy for the first time too.
889. Lower Approach Road (4)
This is a magnificent piece down on the black hoardings beside Temple Meads station by Lokey. His work is really beautiful and the 3D writing that he creates is so very easy on the eye.
A different take on wildstyle writing, Lokey never fails to impress. In this particular piece his colour selections work really well with the black background, and the way he has shaded the letters with graded greens adds another level of texture to the piece.
As with so many writers, he has included a little character to the right of the writing. The character is a beautifully sprayed robot whose edges are highlighted by the ‘glow’ coming from the letters. Masterful work.
Taking a close up look at his lettering gives a real appreciation of the technical skills needed to create the 3D effect. A lovely piece.
Natural adventures 