6636. Dean Lane skate park (794)

Risky, Dean Lane, Bristol, December 2024
Risky, Dean Lane, Bristol, December 2024

It feels funny posting this piece by Risky, because it is only the third to have made it onto the pages of Natural Adventures, but I have been photographing his work for at least two years, so I am surprised I haven’t published more. I know little about the artist, and can’t find any socials at all, so until I catch Risky in the act I’ll have to remain ignorant – having said this, I have a nagging feeling that I may have met him a while back, painting under Brunel Way… the old grey matter isn’t what it used to be.

Risky, Dean Lane, Bristol, December 2024
Risky, Dean Lane, Bristol, December 2024

I love it that Risky, like so many other occasional writers in Bristol, turns up from time to time with a vibrant and colourful piece like this one, that really catch the eye. While this isn’t technically high-end, it has loads of things that I like; some great letter shapes and that strong red colour works really hard; some interesting white highlights that help the letters to pop, and some more subtle red highlights, adding a bit of depth to the letters; finally, a green drop shadow and yellow border. Although not the tidiest piece I have seen, I really like it.

6425. Dean Lane skate park (764)

Risky, Dean Lane, Bristol, September 2024
Risky, Dean Lane, Bristol, September 2024

I have been aware of Risky’s writing about the place for some while now, but I would say that in the last six months or so he has really upped his game, and is turning out some rather nice writing and some interesting fills, where his earlier pieces were perhaps cutting his teeth or practising.

Risky, Dean Lane, Bristol, September 2024
Risky, Dean Lane, Bristol, September 2024

This one in Dean Lane follows a fairly basic formula, and has been executed really well. The letters RISKY are in two tones of red giving a basic light/shadow effect, which provides depth to the letters. The writing has a contrasting green drop shadow and the whole thing is bordered with a dark blue line. There is lots of thought and care that has gone into this piece of graffiti writing, and I look forward to this continuing evolution from Risky.

6334. Leonard Lane (49)

Risky, Leonard Lane, Bristol, June 2024
Risky, Leonard Lane, Bristol, June 2024

In spite of it being one of my favourite spots, I still haven’t marked up the half-century of posts from Leonard Lane, but not far off now. Risky is a writer who I have been aware of for a few years and although I haven’t yet posted any of his pieces, I have been meaning to forever.

Risky, Leonard Lane, Bristol, June 2024
Risky, Leonard Lane, Bristol, June 2024

This by far the most impressive piece from Risky that I have seen so far, and I have to say that I really love it, and it is a perfect piece of graffiti writing for the location. Each of the letters RISKY are afforded a completely unique colour/pattern regime, and the whole thing comes across as an energetic and happy piece. Perhaps it is not the tidiest piece ever, but I don’t think that matters at all. Look out for more from Risky, now that I have started the ball rolling.

5334. St John’s Lane (3)

Rusk, St John's Lane, Bristol, June 2023
Rusk, St John’s Lane, Bristol, June 2023

The paint jam on the new hoardings on St John’s Lane turned out some very special pieces, including this gorgeous writing from Rusk. Before posting it, I really ought to have gone back and photographed it without the mottled light on it, but I am both lazy and impatient, so have decided to post it warts and all.

Rusk, St John's Lane, Bristol, June 2023
Rusk, St John’s Lane, Bristol, June 2023

Rusk has been turning out this very special ribbon-style writing for  little while now, and I have to say that I definitely like it. It is almost like a transition between flat wild style and anamorphic style, having plenty of three dimensional depth to the letters sitting on a flat background. Great colours, great letters spelling RISKY beautifully presented and finished.