Unexpected joy

.

Unusual find

beneath the garden decking;

secluded wren nest.

.

by Scooj

1483. The Bearpit (145)

So, here he is once again, this time making an appearance in one of the tunnels of The Bearpit. This toucan, by Touc, really is one of the cheeriest graffiti characters in town and I would suggest you have a cold heart if you aren’t the tiniest bit captivated by him.

Touc, The Bearpit, Bristol, February 2018
Touc, The Bearpit, Bristol, February 2018

I don’t know what HATOUCAN means…is it a toucan sneeze? My supply of Touc finds is drying up a little, so you might not see him for a little while – until then…farewell.

Nuthatch

 

Atop a tall ash

against a backdrop of blue

I catch a nuthatch.

 

by Scooj

1430. The Bearpit (132)

Observant citizens of Bristol might have noticed this little character making a few appearances about the place recently. This little toucan, in the middle of The Bearpit, is by relative newcomer (I think) Touc (Sven Stears).

Touc, The Bearpit, Bristol, April 2018
Touc, The Bearpit, Bristol, April 2018

I always like to see new street artists joining the throng and it is particularly nice to see something rather different. On his Instagram profile, Touc descrbes himself as a performance poet, artist, actor, B-movie hero and probably a lizardman. Im not sure about the last bit, but I look forward to seeing more from Touc in all his guises in the near future.

 

Goldcrest

 

This smallest of birds

restless, flits from tree to tree;

see the yellow flash.

 

by Scooj

 

  • Sweet joy…I saw one of these in the garden this morning.

1360. Newfoundland Street (1)

I’m not quite sure how this spot has passed me by until a couple of weeks ago. On the site where my old garage used to be – the place where I got my car MOTd – there is now a large development under construction. I believe that an hotel is being built, although I’m mystified as to why they have chosen to locate one here, it is not exactly a prime site.

Aspire, Newfoundland Street, Bristol, March 2018
Aspire, Newfoundland Street, Bristol, March 2018

There are several Bristol artists featured on this hoarding and the first of these I am witing about is Aspire. His work is always a real treat to find, especially as he now lives in London, and seeing new work by him in Bristol is a rarity. His depiction of birds is in the same category as ATM and Louis Masai and is always an eyebrow-raiser in these urban locations.

Aspire, Newfoundland Street, Bristol, March 2018
Aspire, Newfoundland Street, Bristol, March 2018

In this piece Aspire has painted four pigeons, although these are so beautiful I’d prefer to call them rock doves. In the centre of the picture is, I think, a partridge. I’m not sure of the significance of this…maybe there isn’t any, but it is an unusual assembly of species. Aspire’s work is always brilliant and this piece simply confirms that.

Uplifting

.

At West Wittering

on the beach with my eyes closed

a sweet skylark sings.

.

by Scooj

Blackcap

 

Modest grey warbler

dances in the damsen tree;

a blink and it’s gone.

 

by Scooj

1313. Jessop Underpass

I have known about this wonderful piece by Loch Ness for an age, but never managed to get near enough to photograph it. It is ever so slightly off the main drag, and too far away for me to reach it in a lunchtime walk.

Loch Ness, Jessop Underpass, Bristol, December 2017
Loch Ness, Jessop Underpass, Bristol, December 2017

It is a classy piece from this fine Bristol artist who combines colours and form to great effect. Many of his older murals feature monsters, but more recently he has worked on these wildlife-themed imaginary beings which transform from anumal into pattern and design.

Loch Ness, Jessop Underpass, Bristol, December 2017
Loch Ness, Jessop Underpass, Bristol, December 2017

I happen to think that this is a particularly fine example of his work, and really should have brought it to your attention sooner. I will try to do better.

Winter seen

 

Winter-stripped branches

offer scant cover for the

marauding magpies.

 

by Scooj