Tag: Eye

1271. St Michael’s Hill (2)

This is not a new piece by Shab, it has been here for months, but it replaces a piece by him that was here before and which I posted in February 2017. It would seem that Shab has the permission of the owners to claim this spot as his own.

Shab, St Michael's Hill, Bristol, November 2017
Shab, St Michael’s Hill, Bristol, November 2017

I never tire of the abstract form that Shab brings to his work, enjoy the anatomical references he makes in his work, which recently has been the inclusion of an eye. In this piece he includes another eye and also the eye scokets and nasal cavity of a skull.

Shab, St Michael's Hill, Bristol, November 2017
Shab, St Michael’s Hill, Bristol, November 2017

This is an interesting piece and slightly off the beaten track. One for the locals.

1110. Upfest 2017 (91)

A truly awe-inspiring collaboration from Upfest this year was by the magnificent My Dog Sighs and Snub23. There is so much to like about this piece, starting with the wall itself, which played host to this fabulous piece by Sokar Uno in 2016.

My Dog Sighs and Snub23, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
My Dog Sighs and Snub23, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

The eye and the water drops which provide the focus for the piece is by My Dog Sighs, and there is a whole story going on in the reflected figure in the eye itself. I am a big fan of his work, and it just seems to be getting better and better.

My Dog Sighs and Snub23, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
My Dog Sighs and Snub23, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

Snub23 has been to Upfest for the last three years now, and his geometric patterns are becoming more of a feature of his work. You may recall he created similar patterns on the side of the bus at Upfest 2016.

My Dog Sighs and Snub23, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
My Dog Sighs and Snub23, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

This is an absolutely outstanding collaboration and one that will go down as a highlight of this year’s festival for many visitors, including myself.

1100. Dean Lane skate park (85)

A familiar piece in a familiar place from a familiar artist. This is a beautiful abstract piece by Shab, sprayed in one of his favourite spots in Dean Lane skate park. I do like it when artists kind of ‘claim’ a spot, although it is not so good when they guard it jealously.

Shab, Dean Lane, Bristol, October 2017
Shab, Dean Lane, Bristol, October 2017

Always pleasing on the eye, Shab’s work holds a kind of mystery for the viewer, and a fascination too. Of course, the eye usually plays a part in his work, and adds some realism to this abstract world. Such subtle colours in the eye, set against the black and white surround.

Shab, Dean Lane, Bristol, October 2017
Shab, Dean Lane, Bristol, October 2017

I have always liked and probably always like the work of this highly respected Bristol master.

972. Upfest 2017 (32)

It is great to be able to post yet another incredible work by another Bristol Artist. This one is by Shab, and stands head and shoulders above many of then other abstract pieces at Upfest this year. His use of the brilliant white an black outlines on a slightly off-white background works a treat, and the match and flame are something to behold.

Shab, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Shab, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

This is a thoughtful piece which had some scratching their heads. An acquired taste maybe, but actually technically really good. As always with his pieces an eye is incorporated too.

Shab, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Shab, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

I do really like his work, but missed the opportunity to meet him. He had finished by the time I made it this far on the first day. This one makes it into my top 10 for the festival.

910. Wade Street (1)

I took a new route whilst going somewhere with the family a few weeks ago, and in my rear view mirror caught sight of this fabulous Shab piece. I made a mental note of its location and returned to photograph it a few days later.

Shab, Wade Street, Bristol, June 2017
Shab, Wade Street, Bristol, June 2017

I don’t think it is a new piece, but it certainly is a belter. There are four of his characteristic line drawn figures sprayed over a textured background created with a blue roller. The overall effect is quite stunning, and I think this is one of the best I have seen to date.

Shab, Wade Street, Bristol, June 2017
Shab, Wade Street, Bristol, June 2017

Of course, each figure has eyes, and oh, what eyes these are. There is a story here – maybe of love, indicated by then heart, or maybe other things going on. Overall it is simply spectacular. A lucky spot in my rear view mirror.

876. Upfest 2016 (143)

This is a really interesting piece by the Dutch street artist Pronk-Stukken, not only for its unusual and captivating subject, but also because it was sprayed at Dean Lane skate park, which is not an official site for Upfest artists, and one that gets sprayed numerous times over during Upfest. My guess is that he had another piece somewhere at the frstival, which I don’t appear to have photographed.

Pronk-Stukken, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016
Pronk-Stukken, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016

This piece reminds me of a camel, but that is just what I see. I loved this piece the first time I saw it, and still like it now. One of my favourites of the festival. Regrettably it looks like Pronk-Stukken will not be returning this year.

Pronk-Stukken, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016
Pronk-Stukken, Upfest, Bristol, July 2016

816. Dean Lane skate park (52)

ON a recent sunny lunchtime walk to Dean Lane, I was lucky enough to meet Jimmer Willmott for the first, and I hope not last, time. A vibrant and chatty fellow, we had a great conversation about art styles and eyes in particular. He was spraying this one while we were talking, but seemed really laid back about being interrupted.

Jimmer Willmott, Dean Lane, Bristol, May 2017
Jimmer Willmott, Dean Lane, Bristol, May 2017

I’m not sure I have consciously noticed any of his work before, but as with meeting any artist for the first time, I will definitely be looking out for more of his work. On the day in question, he was hanging out with a couple of other artists enjoying the sun, DC Guts and Lumagro. Work from the latter to follow. A fortuitous walk, and wonderful eye too.

806. Dean Lane skate park (49)

This is a small piece from Shab down at Deaners from a couple of weeks back. It is a wonderful abstract piece with great eyes…oh those eyes. I discovered another much larger piece by Shab in another part of Bristol, and am itching to go and photograph it.

Shab, Dean Lane, Bristol, May 2017
Shab, Dean Lane, Bristol, May 2017

It is always a pleasure to see his work, every one feels like a little present. I feel very lucky to be able to access the free galleries that are the Bristol walls. My task is to make these treasures accessible for all.

Shab, Dean Lane, Bristol, May 2017
Shab, Dean Lane, Bristol, May 2017

746. Wilder Street (15)

There is a lot to say about this remarkable recent piece by 3Dom in Wilder Street. I found out, while speaking to Alex from Where the Wall, that strictly speaking 3Dom did not have permission to spray the piece. Furthermore he sprayed over one of the landmark pieces left behind by Shalak Attack and Bruno Smokey when they visited Bristol last year.

3Dom, Wilder Street, Bristol, April 2017
3Dom, Wilder Street, Bristol, April 2017

I get the feeling that 3Dom got away with this misdemeanour on two counts…firstly his status as a local artist and secondly it is quite simply outstanding. The work in my eyes represents quite a departure from the usual wild and weird characters normally associated with his work. Here we see an intricate and beautiful study of floral patterns, shapes and colours, so very different from his previous work.

3Dom, Wilder Street, Bristol, April 2017
3Dom, Wilder Street, Bristol, April 2017

This is a truly outstanding piece and worth a trip to Wilder Street to grab a look. I noticed via 3Dom’s Insta account that he not so very long ago produced a similar style piece in London. This is the mark of an artist exploring new ideas and expressions, not something all are blessed with. I look forward to maybe seeing more of this stuff, which I understand was freestyled. Bravo!

3Dom, Wilder Street, Bristol, April 2017
3Dom, Wilder Street, Bristol, April 2017

715. Dean Lane skatepark (38)

Oh my goodness – they are everywhere. It seems that now I am so much more aware of the work of Shab, I am seeing it everywhere. This is a piece that appeared…and disappeared pretty quickly from Dean Lane. It is a wonderful small abstract piece that is rather subtle, and could be missed or overlooked.

Shab, Dean Lane, Bristol, March 2017
Shab, Dean Lane, Bristol, March 2017

It is however the work of a very accomplished and practised artist whose creations are very easy on the eye, but also seem to ask questions or challenge in some way – I’m not sure if I have explained that very well, but they kind of leave you thinking. This is a lovely piece and of course we have another fabulous eye.

Shab, Dean Lane, Bristol, March 2017
Shab, Dean Lane, Bristol, March 2017