1925. M32 roundabout J3 (112)

Even when it seems like there is nothing much going on, mainly because of the damp weather, I find that I am rarely disappointed when I go to check a wall to see if there is anything new.

Silent Hobo, M32 roundabout, Bristol, December 2018
Silent Hobo, M32 roundabout, Bristol, December 2018

My reward for nipping down to the M32 roundabout a week or so back was this magnificent, and rare, collaboration by Silent Hobo and Logoe. I met this pair painting together about a year ago, and they clearly enjoy each other’s company.

Silent Hobo, M32 roundabout, Bristol, December 2018
Silent Hobo, M32 roundabout, Bristol, December 2018

Judging from the ‘Rad Dads’ slogan, I am guessing that this is a message about the status of the artists. I wonder if the depiction in the Silent Hobo half of this piece is a self-portrait (almost certainly) and whether he actually painted this piece with a child strapped to his chest.

Logoe, M32 roundabout, Bristol, December 2018
Logoe, M32 roundabout, Bristol, December 2018

Logoe’s writing is distinctive, from the little I have seen, having a sort of joined-up hand writing look to it. Overall I love this collaboration and the sentiments of pride in, and love for their children. Great stuff for the Christmas holidays.

1397. Upfest 2017 (154)

Without question, watching Arladiss painting this piece was my most joyful experience at Upfest 2017. This was the second piece she worked on in South Street Park during the festival, and I was lucky enough to see her adding the final touches.

Arladiss, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Arladiss, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

The charming portrait of a child appeared to be finished, but Arladiss had other plans. The youthful joy she brings to her paintings of children is complemented with a bit of child-like fun to bring about the final touches.

Arladiss, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Arladiss, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

Arladis held a paintbrush loaded with paint and proceeded to splatter the piece with great gusto. Just watching her do this was an experience. She was so obviously enjoying applying this final touch and was beaming while she did it.

Arladiss, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Arladiss, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

Her sense of fun rubbed off on the few spectators who gathered to see what she was up to and, for a moment we all reverted to a childish state. Her sense of fun is so infectious. I love the piece, and her other Upfest piece, and am thrilled to know that she will be returning for Upfest 2018.

Arladiss, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Arladiss, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

 

937. Upfest 2017 (11)

This was a wonderful and carefree piece beautifully painted by the cheerful and smiling Arladiss, an artist I believe to be from Norway. I noticed that this wasn’t the only piece she worked on during Upfest, although I’m not sure it was planned that way. It seems that the weather may have deterred one or two of the artists and that in South Street Park, where Arladiss was painting, there were a few vacant boards.

Arladiss, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Arladiss, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

You can see from her Facebook pages that most of her work features children enjoying and being a part of the local environment. Indeed, her Upfest profile says that ‘she wants children in a neighbourhood to see the importance of their existence, and show them that they are a vital and beautiful part of the community’.

Arladiss, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Arladiss, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

Her enthusiasm for her work was infectious, and it was fun watching her paint. The combination of the child striking a child-like pose and the birds swirling around her, give a tremendous sense of innocence and freedom.

Arladiss, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Arladiss, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

I think I am a fan.

Bad world

 

A massacre of

innocents. Difficult to

explain to a child.

 

by Scooj

Fourteen

.

He announces his

entrance with a hearty burp;

Why do they do this?

.

By Scooj

Surviving Christmas

 

Christmas cheer, not here;

children break for holidays…

Christmas booze more like.

 

by Scooj

*Not really – pretty excited about it all. Just wanted to have some fun with words.

Angels

 

Raising children can

try the patience of angels;

my wings need preening.

 

by Scooj

 

  • with a nod to Eddie Reader and an earworm.

The Bank of Dad

 

It’s open all hours

no charges for withdrawals

and no banking fees.

 

by Scooj

Tough love

 

It’s hard not to beat

yourself up after getting

mad with your children.

 

by Scooj

They’ll always give you something to worry about

 

With perfect timing,

youngest leaves for Easter camp

as ‘Katie’ storms in.

 

by Scooj