5973. Cumberland Basin

Nips, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, April 2024
Nips, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, April 2024

Although she has only relatively recently come under my radar, Nips is a definite favourite whose work I always feel pleased to see. I often wonder whether I would be able to identify writers’ work if they didn’t use their customary letters, and the truth is I don’t know, some have a style that is easier to recognise than others. I would like to think that I would always recognise a Nips piece even if other letters were used.

Nips, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, April 2024
Nips, Cumberland Basin, Bristol, April 2024

Nips’ graffiti writing here has used a wonderful palette of colours that work incredibly well together and, as ever, her fill patterns and ideas are superb. The character ‘dot’ on top of her ‘i’ is one of the identifying features of her work. This is a great piece that stands out well from the noise of the messy background wall.

5857. Den Lane skate park (691)

Nips, Dean Lane, Bristol, February 2024
Nips, Dean Lane, Bristol, February 2024

This lovely piece by Nips was slightly hidden from view, behind the hedge and fence on the swimming pool wall in Dean Lane. I think that I have been pretty late to the party when it comes to posting pieces by Nips, but I now have the artist fully in my sights and I’m sure there will be plenty of appearances from now on.

Nips, Dean Lane, Bristol, February 2024
Nips, Dean Lane, Bristol, February 2024

The letters, spelling NIPS, painted in a great and eye-catching combination of black and mint green are set on a complementary pink drop shadow. The star of the piece though, for me, is the crazy dog character making up the dot on the letter ‘i’. It is details and additions like this that elevate a good piece to a great one. More to come from Nips before too long.

5797. M32 roundabout J2 (5)

Nips, M32 roundabout J2, Bristol, January 2023
Nips, M32 roundabout J2, Bristol, January 2023

Nips is an artist I really don’t know too much about and haven’t posted very often. Her work is neat and tidy and I would put her into the same style grouping as Desi, Evey, Maes and Rose (whose work I have not yet posted). The letters are large and clear, no disguises or complacated design work, simply honest and authentic graffiti writing.

Nips, M32 roundabout J2, Bristol, January 2023
Nips, M32 roundabout J2, Bristol, January 2023

This is a small one from the J2 roundabout, next to the large Tesco in Eastville. Letters spelling out NIPS are filled with lilac and decorated with orange and white spots. Keeping it simple can be a good thing where the phrase ‘more is less’ can be applied. I hope to see much more of Nips’ work in 2024.

5721. Sparke Evans Park (86)

Nips, Sparke Evans Park, Bristol, December 2023
Nips, Sparke Evans Park, Bristol, December 2023

Counterintuitively, now that I have a little bit more time on my hands during the Christmas break, I am finding it harder to make time to write my blog. Perhaps it is the disruption to my routines – and I am a grumpy old man who has become rather fond of routine, which makes me a good companion for the dog. Regular patterns work for both of us. Today’s piece is a piece by Nips in Sparke Evans Park.

Nips, Sparke Evans Park, Bristol, December 2023
Nips, Sparke Evans Park, Bristol, December 2023

I haven’t posted all of Nips’ pieces, that I have seen, but will try to remedy this in the New Year, because I rather like her straightforward no-nonsense approach to graffiti writing. There is a lack of pretentiousness in her work, that is refreshing. The most notable thing about this piece is the outstanding fill design and execution. Modest and yet impactful, this is a really enjoyable piece from an artist I know little about.