Tag: Letters

1333. The Bearpit (119)

There is quite a story behind this Mr Draws piece at The Bearpit and it offers a little insight into the goings on between artists. This particular spot is a favourite for Mr Draws and he sprays here often. The stripy piece below was another fun piece from this happy-go-lucky artist.

Mr Draws, The Bearpit, Bristol, February 2018
Mr Draws, The Bearpit, Bristol, February 2018

A day or two later the piece was sprayed over, but with nothing in particular, by an artist who had previously sprayed a piece here (another artist who I admire). I have to say though that this is poor form; to deface another artist’s work is disrespectful and not really in the spirit of the street art scene…it is the sort of thing that taggers do.

Mr Draws, The Bearpit, Bristol, February 2018
Mr Draws, The Bearpit, Bristol, February 2018

Anyhow, Mr Draws cleverly incorporated the ‘new background’ into another piece by reinstating the original black outline and included a peace symbol for good measure. Unfortunately, a day or two later the piece was once again defaced.

I will not judge what lies behind this difference of opinion between the two artists, but I am sure there are better ways to deal with it. For me, I got two Mr Draws pieces for the price of one, so it’s not all bad.

1237. Stokes Croft, the carriageworks (31)

I don’t think I will ever tire of the work of Mr Draws. I love the variety of ways that he can conjure up the word DRAW. Some are very quick pieces, some influenced by alcohol, some working on clever creative ideas and some containing more complexity that first meets the eye.

Mr Draws, Stokes Croft, Bristol, December 2017
Mr Draws, Stokes Croft, Bristol, December 2017

This is a particularly pleasing piece by Mr Draws, and his colour selections and patterns are exquisite. A real ray of sunshine on this wall. I like to think of his work as a diamond in the rough, but that would ignore the sophistication of some of his work. Always a favourite.

1212. Dean Lane skate park (96)

What a lovely big smile in Dean Lane, from an artist called Luke Petty (Instagram @lukesmile91). It is a nice big bold piece and has similarities to the work of Pref 1D without the wordplay element.

Luke Smile, Dean Lane, Bristol, November 2017
Luke Smile, Dean Lane, Bristol, November 2017

I have not been able to find out much about the artist other than that it seems he is British but has been travelling in Australia. Since doing this piece in Bristol and an earlier one in Shoreditch, it appears he has done one in Sydney, Australia. So I am guessing that he is back down under again.

At the time of writing (three or four days ago) this piece was still there and in pristine condition, where all around it has changed.A mark of respect.

1175. The Bearpit (109)

A little trip down memory lane, this is a nice colourful quick one from Mr Draws down in The Bearpit. Always playing with the order and orientation of his letters, Mr Draws brings a bit of life and vibrancy to the spots he chooses.

Mr Draws, The Bearpit, Bristol, April 2017
Mr Draws, The Bearpit, Bristol, April 2017

I took this back in April and am posting it now, because it just feels like I haven’t done anything by him for ages. Mr Draws is definitely an artist who produces street work in pulses, and once he gets going he becomes extremely prolific.

1030. Upfest 2017 (58)

It takes a little while to get to grips with this piece by Pref ID, but it is a really clever piece of writing. A quick look at his website indicates how he likes to disguise slogans by conflating all the words into one, creating something of a letter puzzle.

Pref ID, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Pref ID, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

In this piece just off North Street Pref ID has written the words ‘Mind Bending’ – the blue letters say MIND and the white ones BENDING. It is a sophisticated work and has been really skilfully executed. Quite a different kind of piece.

Pref ID, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Pref ID, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

My attempt to chat with the artist was not overly successful. I approached him and asked him who he was (a not unreasonable question at a street art festival), to which he replied “who the f*ck are you!” – so I told him who I was. He didn’t speak again. Maybe he was just having a bad hair day, or maybe he just took an instant dislike to me, who knows? It is a first though. I have met cagey artists and exuberant ones, modest ones, happy and sad ones, but this is the first time I have encountered such grumpiness. None of this however detracts from just how good this piece is.

Pref ID, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Pref ID, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

I shall be more careful in future if I see Pref ID in town.

 

981. M32 roundabout J3 (44)

It is great when visiting artists come to Bristol for Upfest, and then decide to remain  a short while in the City adding one or two more pieces. On this occasion, Helen Bur was accompanied to one of Bristol’s great spots by Kid Crayon, where she sprayed this lovely piece.

Helen Bur, M32 roundabout, Bristol, August 2017
Helen Bur, M32 roundabout, Bristol, August 2017

I like these letters and especially the HB pencil which appears to be a signature icon, if her website is anything to go by. As an aside, it is interesting that she uses a pencil and was spraying with Kid Crayon, who always used to feature a crayon in his work although recently he seems to have dropped it. Artists featuring the tools of their trade.

This is a good piece, and as a resident of Bristol, it is always pleasant to see visiting artists enjoying our streets.

 

 

960. Wilder Street (18)

This is another little post-Upfest ‘gift’ this time from Hide2 in the Stokes Croft area of Bristol. It is one of three pieces on Wilder street, the others being from Aintzane Crucet and Deamze, courtesy of the curated wall from Where the Wall.

Hide2, Wilder Street, Bristol, August 2017
Hide2, Wilder Street, Bristol, August 2017

This is not Hide2’s Upfest piece, which will be posted in due course, but it is nonetheless a wonderful work of wildstyle writing and of a really high standard. The colour choices are excellent and definition and shadows in his lettering is highly accomplished.

Hide2 is based in Malaga, Spain and I highly recommend a quick look at his Instagram feed. All good.

519. Dean Lane skate park (27)

It would appear that Mr Draws has recently had an epiphany. The master of drawing mountains has started to do some writing, which is all rather exciting really. I have seen several of his new pieces in the Stokes Croft area, and this one in Dean Lane is rather good.

Mr Draws, Dean Lane, Bristol, November 2016
Mr Draws, Dean Lane, Bristol, November 2016

I enjoy his selection of colours and the block capitals. Turning the A upside down seems to work really well. Adding this new dimension to his portfolio can only be a really good thing. I wonder where this adventure will take him. I note it has recently taken him to Leake Street in London.