Tag: Face

2008. New Stadium Road (11)

Finding out the identity of an artist is something of a liberation for people like me, because it means I can go back through my archives to put a name to all those ‘unknown artist’ pieces. And so it is with Panskaribas…this is the third post in recent weeks of his work.

Panskaribas, New Stadium Road, Bristol, October 2018
Panskaribas, New Stadium Road, Bristol, October 2018

At present I know little of the artist, but I think he might be a friend of Run Z whose piece is next to this one and they dovetail nicely. In this piece we have two ‘doodled’ faces, one orange and one green. In my mind’s eye I have tried to unravel how he paints these, but think I’d need to watch him to be sure. Such an unusual and noteworthy style.

1998. M32 Spot (37)

Well I think we all know where Zake’s favourite place to spray his work is. I think all but one of my posts have described his work on these columns under the M32 leading into Bristol. This one is recent, and he has signed it much more boldly, unlike some of his earlier pieces which were difficult to identify. Maybe he is becoming more confident in his statements now.

Zake, M32 Spot, Bristol, January 2019
Zake, M32 Spot, Bristol, January 2019

There is something a little ghoulish in his characters, but particularly in these two, with the white of their eyes prominent and the slightly strange idea of one of them spewing out of the mouth of the other. He seems to use the column space really well, which is a skill in itself. I only wish that I could find a good time of day to come and take pictures. I expect it would be best at night with a flash, because the bright light during the day plays havoc with the camera’s automatic settings.

1996. St Werburghs tunnel (60)

These two have collaborated a few times before and it is always a treat when they do. Somehow the styles of Tasha Bee and Mr Draws complement each other so well. Perhaps it is their love of lots of colour or their soft designs – I don’t know, but they work well together, and both such nice people too.

Tasha Bee, St Werburghs, Bristol, January 2019
Tasha Bee, St Werburghs, Bristol, January 2019

There is something rather happy about Tasha Bee’s face, perhaps the hint of a smile…an enigmatic smile maybe? This is great to see, as some of her faces seem quite serene or sad even. Not this one. Maybe my eye is distracted a little by the big grin of a Fiva piece which they have painted over.

Mr Draws, St Werburghs, Bristol, January 2019
Mr Draws, St Werburghs, Bristol, January 2019

I have said it countless times before, but I make no bones about saying it again, I will never tire of Mr Draw’s work and his relentless productivity. Even when he’s not spraying walls, he is always working on sketches or paintings. The including of an uncertain smilie adds to the charm of this piece. A lovely collaboration.

1973. M32 roundabout J3 (120)

Readers will be in no doubt that Face 1st is one of my favourite and most featured artists in Natural Adventures. This beautiful work at the M32 roundabout features his trademark faces and some incredibly sweet elephants…without ears.

Face 1st, M32 roundsbout, Bristol, January 2019
Face 1st, M32 roundsbout, Bristol, January 2019

It would appear that Face 1st is not to everyone’s taste and just to the right of the piece is a throw up saying ‘Face Junk’. Well, on the upside, at least they didn’t deface (literally) his work, and the quality of the ‘protest’ simply isn’t up to much, emphasising how much better the Face 1st piece actually is. You certainly have to develop a thick skin to be in this game, but I guess you wouldn’t do it if you were too sensitive. Another work from this gentleman that I can cherish.

1944. Thomas Street (3)

I really like trawling back through old pictures because when I revisit them I almost invariably look at them through new eyes. This is a piece by DNT going back to January last year which contains several elements of interest. His name appears in the middle of the piece and on the left is a yellow face with something of a pained expression and on the right is some cool dude with a sharp flat top haircut.

DNT, Thomas Street, Bristol, February 2018
DNT, Thomas Street, Bristol, February 2018

The letters MBG stand for Matchbox Gallery, which is a gallery a few doors up the street owned and managed (I think) by DNT himself. Note to self…I really need to pop in there and say hello. A nice quick one from this artist who frequently paints in this area of Stokes Croft.

1943. M32 roundabout J3 (114)

One problem with prolific artists is that it is easy to let good pieces remain in archive, because time and tide wait for no man, blah blah blah. This beauty from Face 1st is from January last year, but is well worth the wait.

Face 1st, M32 roundabout, Bristol, January 2018
Face 1st, M32 roundabout, Bristol, January 2018

Tucked into one of the pedestrian tunnels, a favoured spot for Face 1st, is this striking face…striking because of its strongly contrasting colours. For every piece by this artist that I post, there is probably one still in archive.

1940. Dean Lane skate park (183)

Although not her best work technically, I love this piece by Tasha Bee in Dean Lane, because of the incorporation of the budlia bush as the character’s hair. I love it when artists incorporate the surroundings of a piece into the work, and Tasha has done it beautifully here.

Tasha Bee, Dean Lane, Bristol, December 2018
Tasha Bee, Dean Lane, Bristol, December 2018

I think that this was done as a little extra while she participated in a recent collaboration with Soap and Stupid Stupid Meathole, posted a week or two back. A quick one with that touch of magic.

1898. M32 roundabout J3 (111)

The pedestrian/cyclist tunnels of the M32 roundabout are festooned with Face 1st pieces past and present, many of which I photograph, but never get round to posting. I was never going to let this one get away though.

Face 1st, M32 roundabout, Bristol, November 2018
Face 1st, M32 roundabout, Bristol, November 2018

In this piece, which was very difficult to photograph on account of the narrowness of the tunnel and light intrusion, we see two faces with quite different expressions. It looks like the one on the left is full of mischief and the one on the right looks rather sad.

Face 1st, M32 roundabout, Bristol, November 2018
Face 1st, M32 roundabout, Bristol, November 2018

The hair of both the characters spells out FACE and for good measure the artist has added 1st at the right hand side. Another nice piece from this most prolific of artists.

1896. Franklyn Lane (1)

There is a reward for those who wander. I took a little walk in St Pauls a short while ago and went down a back street I’ve never been down before and there on an old derelict building I found this interesting piece on dit of board covering a door.

Aicha, Franklyn Lane, Bristol, November 2018
Aicha, Franklyn Lane, Bristol, November 2018

The drawn sketch, which I assume is by Aicha, is an unusual find and one that would more likely be found in a studio or gallery. It is also unusual because it has been drawn directly onto the surface, rather than on to a piece of paper and pasted up. I have not heard of Aicha before so can tell you nothing about the artist. I am guessing that I might have seen some tags from this artist before. A fine creative sketch and welcome contribution to the Bristol scene.

1872. Upfest 2018 (91)

Whoops! a slightly wonkey picture of a beautiful shutter piece by Vanesa Longchamp on North Street. This was one of two Upfest pieces by the artist that I had not come across before the festival. Looking at digital social media, you can see how popular her work is and it is easy to understand why.

Vanesa Longchamp, Upfest, Bristol, July 2018
Vanesa Longchamp, Upfest, Bristol, July 2018

I love it when artists do more than one piece at the festival, especially when one of them is likely to have some permanence. Like her other piece, this is a beauty which oozes class. While the lines and concept are straightforward, the execution and USP are stamped all over it. We wwere lucky to see two of her works this year.

Vanesa Longchamp, Upfest, Bristol, July 2018
Vanesa Longchamp, Upfest, Bristol, July 2018