151. Ashley Road (2)

This hoarding, on the corner of Ashley Road and Picton Street is a favourite of mine; the pieces here never last long, but they command attention due to the great location. The first time I ever saw one of Tom Miller’s works was here. Regrettably I didn’t photograph it and then it was gone. Right now the hoarding belongs to Aspire.

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Aspire, Ashley Road, Bristol, March 2016

This piece appeared earlier this week, and in my view, is one of Aspire’s best so far. I am not sure what species the bird is, but it doesn’t look like a British one.

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Aspire, Ashley Road, Bristol, March 2016

With the improving weather, the turnover of street art is on the up, and I really look forward to Monday mornings to see what has changed.

8/10

Classy birds

 

Collared doves in love;

modest country cousins to

the streetwise pigeon.

 

by Scooj

Aye-aye

 

In my mind’s eye, I

see a creature of the night

with long fingers poised.

 

by Scooj

 

150. Armada Place (2)

It seems hard to believe that I have notched up 150 posts of Bristol street art already. It wasn’t meant to become a ‘thing’ but it has somehow crept under my skin. Mrs Scooj is underwhelmed by my interest in urban art, but I have the bug, and it gives me great pleasure.

This is one of two new pieces by Bristol artist Aspire. His works, mostly of birds, are truly beautiful and at this time of year entirely appropriate and the Spring gets a foothold and lightens out hearts. This is a ‘tui bird‘ an endemic bird of New Zealand – not something we usually see in the Stokes Croft area.

Aspire, Armada Place, Bristol, March 2016 - Tui Bird
Aspire, Armada Place, Bristol, March 2016 – Tui Bird

I have featured two other Aspire works previously, a robin (and who doesn’t love robins?) and another bird (I’m not sure what species).

Just wonderful. 8/10

143. Leonard Lane (7)

Inspired by Frankie Beane’s recent post featuring ATM I thought I would share some wildlife street art by the artist in the wonderful Leonard Lane. This thin lane that follows the boundary of the old city wall is festooned with natural history street art instigated by a project called ‘Human Nature‘. Some 18 artists including ATM and Stewy took part, and I have posted several works already in this blog.

ATM, Leonard Lane, Bristol, August 2015
ATM, Leonard Lane, Bristol, August 2015

My challenge was to demonstrate that ATM, although a specialist in painting birds, has also painted some stunning creatures, including this moth and beetle.

ATM, Leonard Lane, Bristol, August 2015
ATM, Leonard Lane, Bristol, August 2015

I stroll down Leonard Lane about once a week, hoping to see something new. Some of the works have been tagged and are getting a little ragged…maybe time for a revamp?

ATM, Leonard Lane, Bristol, August 2015
ATM, Leonard Lane, Bristol, August 2015

8/10

Long tailed tit

 

Welcome visitor

on the damson tree by the

window, foraging.

 

by Scooj

Green

 

Spring’s prelude so green,

a sight for sore eyes after

the long wet grey days.

 

by Scooj

Then and now

 

Butterfly dreams in

Winter, I wonder how to

gaze once more in awe.

 

by Scooj

Modesty

 

Give me the smallest

space and there I will try to

grow, untroubling.

 

by Scooj

 

  • with a nod to John Clare (I Am!) for the final word.

The curse of adulthood

 

When I was young I

saw only the wonder of

the world; no longer.

 

by Scooj