Groundhog day

 

Saw my first today

only a fleeting glimpse; I

saw my first today.

 

by Scooj

 

My recent trip to the United States offered so many new experiences, and wildlife encounters…expect more to crop up in this blog.

Horseshoe crab

 

Ancient encrusted

survivor of Earthly time

washed up on the shore.

 

by Scooj

Mulberry Point

 

The stillness reaches

into my soul; once again

I can breathe easy.

 

by Scooj

259. North Street, Workout (2)

It recently occurred to me that I am going to have to work through my backlog of Upfest 2015 pieces, because it will not be too long before they get replaced during the 2016 extravaganza and appear a little out of date. July 23-25 will see an influx of 300 artists showing off their talent, and I have to say I can’t wait. Among them will be Louis Masai, a London based artist who is renowned for his beautiful animal works.

Louis Masai, North Street, Bristol, January 2016
Louis Masai, North Street, Bristol, January 2016

Louis Masai gained an art degree from Falmouth in Cornwall, and has been living in London since 2010. More about him from his own website. This is a beautiful picture of two macaws (I seem to have posted a lot of these lately) and a clear and simple message that they belong in the wild and not in cages. I can go with that. His work is outstanding and his presence in Bristol this year will be a real bonus.

 

Snooze

 

Forty winks snatched high

in the air, hidden from the

wreckless crowd below.

 

by Scooj

Plastic sheep

 

In pebble dash fields

Spring lambs frolic unaware

of the urban sprawl.

 

by Scooj

Swift

 

With my eyes closed I

can hear the shrill cries of swifts

signalling Summer.

 

by Scooj

252. No fixed abode (1)

I caught sight of this caravan across the M32 while out for a walk last week. It had all the hallmarks of a work by Aspire, but it wasn’t until I downloaded the pictures onto my PC that I was able to see the signature.

Aspire, Caravan M32, Bristol, May 2016
Aspire, Caravan M32, Bristol, May 2016

When I see a piece like this, which I might add is another beauty, I am left with so many questions. Who lives in the caravan? How does Aspire know them? Was it a commission? and so on. This is an unusual and distinctive piece.

Aspire, Caravan M32, Bristol, May 2016
Aspire, Caravan M32, Bristol, May 2016

Swan

 

Resting in Spring sun

natural soft down pillow;

no synthetics here.

 

by Scooj

Japanese Knotweed

 

Hostile alien

ornamental, unwelcome

in the native lands.

 

by Scooj

 

  • Edited because I can’t count. The word ‘hostile’ replaces ‘invasive’. Sorry fellow counters.