Tag: Aspire

564. Picton Lane (8)

This is a little spot in a very narrow lane where Aspire likes to paint his birds. I recently posted a work from here of a couple of house sparrows. This, according to Aspire’s website is a coconut lorikeet. So very beautiful and nicely painted, as one would expect from Aspire.

SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES
SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

The lane itself is so narrow, that taking decent pictures is really difficult. One note I would make though is that the pictures look ever so slightly out of focus. This is not in fact the case – Aspire manages to create a hint of soft focus on some of his pieces, and you can see this on both the lorikeet and the sparrows.

Aspire, Picton Lane, Bristol, November 2016
Aspire, Picton Lane, Bristol, November 2016

I will never tire of finding and reporting on Aspire’s work. I tried to find some in London’s Leake Street recently, but failed.

540. Picton Lane (6)

This is another beautiful bird creation by Aspire in Picton Lane, a little alleyway tucked away in Montpelier. I think these are house sparrows, which were so common when I was a youngster, but are something of a rarity these days.

Aspire, Picton Lane, Bristol, June 2016
Aspire, Picton Lane, Bristol, June 2016

I am full of admiration for the way that Aspire can just turn up to a wall and within a few hours transform it into something of beauty. His talent is as rare as the birds he paints.

Aspire, Picton Lane, Bristol, June 2016
Aspire, Picton Lane, Bristol, June 2016

I am filled with horror to learn that he has recently moved to London. Our loss is most certainly London’s gain. I wish him all the very best…the streets are lined with gold don’t you know.

Aspire, Picton Lane, Bristol, June 2016
Aspire, Picton Lane, Bristol, June 2016

I am sure that he will come back occasionally to his native Bristol, lest we forget (an unlikely scenario). Bon voyage.

503. City Road (4)

I have known about this piece for a while, but just never knew where it was. To my huge excitement and fulfilment I found it recently, while looking for another piece nearby. This is by one of my favourite street artists, Aspire, who is better known for his amazing birds.

Aspire, City Road, Bristol, October 2016
Aspire, City Road, Bristol, October 2016

I don’t know who the subject of the piece is, but I would guess a prominent local musician or blues artist perhaps. It seems slightly peculiar seeing work by Aspire that is not a bird, but I consider it to be equally good, and I would like to see more of it.

Aspire, City Road, Bristol, October 2016
Aspire, City Road, Bristol, October 2016

The piece has been here for a while and is slightly worse for wear, but it has persisted and survived untagged…often the mark of a respected artist.

495. The Bearpit (26)

On the 15th October 2016 The Bearpit played host to an international exhibition entitled ‘Resiste’. The exhibition featured the works of the Assembly of Revolutionary Artists of Oaxaco, Mexico. I will cover this exhibition in more detail in a forthcoming post, but today I will focus on the participation in the exhibition by Bristol’s magnificent Aspire.

Aspire, The Bearpit, Bristol, October 2016
Aspire, The Bearpit, Bristol, October 2016
Aspire has sprayed many birds in The Bearpit, but perhaps none so eye catching and appropriate to the immediate context as these two beautiful humming birds. The Bearpit is awash with Mexican protest street art, but these humming birds bring some tranquility to the overall atmosphere.

Aspire, The Bearpit, Bristol, October 2016
Aspire, The Bearpit, Bristol, October 2016
Yet another example of Bristol street art at its best, working alongside other cultures, movements and politics. The Bearpit is such an interesting cultural space, often rather controversial and edgy, but never boring.

Aspire, The Bearpit, Bristol, October 2016
Aspire, The Bearpit, Bristol, October 2016

480. Moon Street (14)

I don’t know quite why, but I have held on to these pictures for some time now. I think it is because I was worried that I might have already posted them. I have to confess that my blog is becoming a bit of a logistical challenge…dozens of folders and thousands of images…sometimes I lose track.

Aspire, Moon Street, Bristol, April 2016
Aspire, Moon Street, Bristol, April 2016
Forget all about my admin issues because once again Aspire has produced another masterpiece tucked away in a neglected corner of Bristol. I love his work, I have always loved his work, and I suspect I always will love his work. If I am honest, I envy his talent, I wish I could do something like this, but I struggle even to draw the curtains. I must be content with admiring the talent of others.

474. Ashley Road (9)

Aspire sprayed this a little while ago, and within a very short space of time, a rather ‘jobsworth’ enforcement notice went up over the top of it. Some people are really stupid, or don’t really care, but when you look at the whole scene I know which bit I consider ugly and which out of place.

Aspire, Ashley Road, Bristol, September 2016
Aspire, Ashley Road, Bristol, September 2016
Aspire continues on his run of fantastic bird art for the citizens of Bristol. We are lucky to say the least.

Aspire, Ashley Road, Bristol, September 2016
Aspire, Ashley Road, Bristol, September 2016

400. The Bearpit (25)

It is fitting that my 400th post on street art should feature Aspire. It is difficult to tire of his incredible graffiti pictures of birds. This fine bird in the incongruous setting of The Bearpit is an American Goldfinch and can still be found at the end of the Southern tunnel.

Aspire, The Bearpit, Bristol, August 2016
Aspire, The Bearpit, Bristol, August 2016

Aspire really needs to get out to New York and paint for the Audubon Mural Project, he even paints American birds! I’m not sure how artists get an invitation to paint for the project, but it must be time for Aspire? In the meantime, we’ll just enjoy his work here in Bristol.

Aspire, The Bearpit, Bristol, August 2016
Aspire, The Bearpit, Bristol, August 2016

397. Charles Street (2)

I posted about this duo back in January this year, with a focus on the robin by the talented Aspire. At the time I didn’t know who had created the wheatpaste of a yellow telephone box with Marilyn Monroe in it. It was of course D7606…he even signed it!

D7606, Charles Street, Bristol, August 2016
D7606, Charles Street, Bristol, August 2016

Recently, the yellow telephone box has been replaced by an orange one and Monroe by Bowie, I am guessing that D7606 made this exchange during Upfest, as he was in Bristol doing his stuff during the festival.

D7606, Charles Street, Bristol, August 2016
D7606, Charles Street, Bristol, August 2016

Since becoming aware of D7606, and reading an excellent interview with him, I have really begun to enjoy his work, and with my weekly work trips to London, I encounter his treats all over the Shoreditch area. There is something fun about the repetition of themes that he pastes up, and he makes street art very accessible for wannabe graffiti artists (like me).

D7606, Charles Street, Bristol, August 2016
D7606, Charles Street, Bristol, August 2016

This is a wonderful vibrant, contemporary piece, and I love it. Aspire looking good as ever.

388. Upfest 2016 (32)

This artist has appeared regularly on this blog and requires no introduction. Aspire’s birds are in inspiration and a tonic for those who live in the city of Bristol. He is a prolific artist who brightens up the some of the darker places for example; The Bearpit and walls and hoardings in the Stokes Croft area.

Aspire, Ashton Gate School, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016
Aspire, Ashton Gate School, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016

 

This is not the first Blue Jay that I have seen by Aspire, and I hope he will continue to do more. This one is special though, in that it was produced for Upfest and will remain intact for at least a year as it is within the playground of Ashton Gate School, in the company of some other great street art.

Aspire, Ashton Gate School, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016
Aspire, Ashton Gate School, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016

Alas! I didn’t make it to this site on the Saturday, and missed the opportunity of seeing Aspire at work and of meeting him. Note to self…make better use of the Saturday at Upfest 2017.

Aspire, Ashton Gate School, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016
Aspire, Ashton Gate School, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016

“You are beautiful when you are who you are”

338. Stokes Croft, Attic Bar

I’m not sure how many times I might have walked past this before I noticed it. I would like to think not many. Recently (I think) the Attic Bar at the bottom end of Stokes Croft (It might even be North Road) had a little face lift with this collaboration between Aspire and another artist. I haven’t yet worked out who the other artist is, but the work looks familiar.

Aspire and ? Stokes Croft, Bristol, June 2016
Aspire and ? Stokes Croft, Bristol, June 2016

As always, Aspire has turned out yet another superb bird, which looks like a blue jay again, to watch over us.

Aspire and ? Stokes Croft, Bristol, June 2016
Aspire and ? Stokes Croft, Bristol, June 2016

I am perplexed by not knowing who the writer is. If anyone reading this knows the answer, please drop me a comment.