The letters DSC give away the fact that this epic chrome monster is by Stivs. I guess, from time to time, if you are going to go big, you might as well do it loud and proud. To give you some sense of scale, these letters are probably about 11 or 12 feet tall – that is a lot of chrome paint!
I apologise for the poor photography – my iPhone doesn’t seem to like this section of tunnel and often turns out blurry images (note to self – sort it out). Stiv’s enormous letters are written in a calligraffiti style, but being so large are a little less sophisticated than some of his normal-sized pieces. A big bit of fun in the tunnel.
In this post, I take another quick jump back in time, to November last year, to share this script piece from Stivs. It has been quite noticeable that Stivs has changed the ratios of his pieces over the last year or so. He used to split his character pieces and calligraffiti roughly 50/50, but these days he has shortened his writing, often to the initials DSC, and is painting fewer character pieces. I guess, other factors have impacted on how much he paints at the moment.
Stivs, M32 roundabout, Bristol, November 2025
The three letters, DSC, stand for ‘Dog Sh*t Club’ which is probably why the letters are preferred. Stivs has worked the letters really nicely in a Gothic style, and the bronze colour really stands out. The harsh letters are somewhat softened by the surrounding yellow cloud with what looks like red and orange sperm cells wiggling their way into the letters. A curious piece, but one I wanted to share from the archive.
Sled One, Oust and Stivs Brunel Way, Bristol, October 2025
I came across this outstanding collaboration, intending to photograph its predecessor by Dibz and Fade who I had watched painting their collaboration, but as I have said, you snooze, you lose in this game and when I returned it had been painted over by this masterpiece. I think that this is probably my favourite collaboration of the year so far, oozing with talent.
Sled One, Brunel Way, Bristol, October 2025
To the left, Sled One has painted one of his magnificent cartoon-style creations, heavily loaded with political commentary. The piece is reflecting the rather unsettling rise of the appropriation of the St George Cross to represent anti-immigration (and for some, racist) sentiments, purporting to be patriotism. This is another division stoked up by the right wing parties, Reform and the Conservatives, as a wedge issue from which they expect to benefit.
Anti-immigration and racist sentiments are not particularly well-supported in Bristol, and Sled One has illustrated a large shoe squashing a gammon (“gammon” is a derogatory slang term for middle-aged, often ruddy-faced, white men who are perceived as being nationalistic, anti-immigrant, and particularly supportive of Brexit) attempting to paint a St George cross on the sole of the shoe. He is being squished. If only it was that simple to moderate this rise in anti-foreigner narrative masquerading as patriotism.
Oust, Brunel Way, Bristol, October 2025
The middle section of this triptych is a superbly colourful piece of graffiti writing by Oust, spelling out OUSTER. Beautiful letters, beautiful fill colours, some nice flame bursts and bubbly background. A first-class piece of writing.
Stivs, Brunel Way, Bristol, October 2025
On the right is an outstanding cartoon portrait piece by Stivs, which I think is one of his best, and that is a high bar indeed. The stylised portrait draws on the Japanese anime genre and has so much movement and attitude about it. The piece is beautifully executed and looks like it could be a still from a film.
Stivs, Brunel Way, Bristol, October 2025
As I said before, an outstanding collaboration. Bravo! Sled One, Oust and Stivs.
I don’t visit Montpelier Park all that often, but every time I do go, there seems to be new stuff there, so maybe I ought to increase the frequency of my trips so that I don’t miss out on beauties like this one from Stivs.
Stivs, Montpelier Park, Bristol, August 2025
Stivs is something of an enigma. His work is so varied, he is unbelievably talented, and you never really quite know what he is going to come up with next. He used to be heavy on the calligraffiti, but these days he is painting more of these portrait pieces. This one is a real stunner, and drifting ever-closer to photorealism. I am very much enjoying the ride.
It looks like Stivs will once again be dividing opinion with this combination piece on the long wall at Sparke Evans Park. Although it was painted alongside the countless Paroe tribute pieces, it is not clear that this is one of them, and even if it were, it would seem a little inappropriate.
Stivs, Sparke Evans Park, Bristol, July 2025
This is not the first time Stivs has painted a topless woman, but I worry that he might have missed the mark with this one, accompanying it with the words ‘Equal opportunities’. I’m not too sure what point he is trying to make, but it doesn’t sit all that comfortably with me. Don’t get me wrong, I am not a prude and am all for nudity in street art (as in all art), it is the messaging that worries me. The artwork is good, and the calligraffiti spelling out DSC – 25 – Stivs is totally in keeping with his style and talent.
It is difficult to know how he does it, but Stivs keeps on turning out masterful pieces, whether it is his calligraffiti, portraits or robots, they just keep on coming and with such high quality. This is a stunning portrait o the swimming pool wall at Dean Lane.
Stivs, Dean Lane, Bristol, June 2025
Stivs uses the technique of painting patterns on the wall, taking a picture of the patterns, overlaying his sketch onto the picture and then using the patterns as a kind of template reference. The result is utterly beguiling and beautiful. If it is at all possible, Stivs is just getting better and better.
This wall, I believe, is owned by the householder behind it who has been happy to give permission to Silent Hobo, in the past, and more recently Stivs and Vane to decorate the wall. This recent makeover is their second collaboration here, and they have created something truly beautiful.
Vane, Mina Road, Bristol, May 2025
The art nouveau style of this two-part collaboration is not only really unusual, but arresting, and perhaps something you might expect to see on the near continent rather than in Bristol. Vane’s photorealistic portrait is engulfed in flowers and surrounded with a stunning art nouveau design, not unlike the metro signs in Paris.
Stivs, Mina Road, Bristol, May 2025
Stivs continuers the theme, with the highly designed background and floral decoration, and also includes a portrait, although one that is perhaps slightly less photorealistic. This collaboration is as outstanding as it is unexpected. A very special piece.
Stivs has been painting some extraordinary portrait pieces recently, demonstrating that his talents extend far beyond his outstanding calligraffiti for which he is best known. This is a gritty and authentic portrait of his friend and fellow artist Badger Feral.
Stivs, Sparke Evans Park, Bristol, March 2025
The piece is representative and beautifully painted, without the need to be photorealistic, which is the temptation for many portrait artists. I am full of admiration for the range and quality of work that Stivs achieves, and am always pleasantly surprised when I find new pieces by him. Long-live Dog Supremacy Crew (DSC).
There is no question about it, Stivs is an extremely talented artist. Whether it is his extraordinarily tight calligraffiti, his cartoon characters or his portrait pieces, his natural ability shines through in all of his work. Recently he painted this stunning portrait piece in Dean Lane, bringing enjoyment to many.
Stivs, Dean Lane, Bristol, March 2025
I don’t know whether it is easier or more difficult to paint portrait pieces in single tones or in full colour, but either way, I am in awe of anyone who carries it off. This is a beautiful cartoon portrait piece, that feels like it has a Japanese film influence, but I am only guessing. The different tones and shades in the face create wonderful depth, and the subtle streaks in the hair hint at the shape and style of it. An outstanding and quite unexpected piece.
Badger Feral and Stivs, St Werburghs, Bristol, February 2025
This slightly unusual collaboration from Badger Feral and Stivs has been turning a few heads, and not surprisingly, as it is rather striking. While I am very familiar with Stivs’ work, I believe this is the first piece I have come across by Badger Feral.
Badger Feral, St Werburghs, Bristol, February 2025
Starting with the Badger Feral piece, we are presented with a portrait of a hooded woman, with red hair and gold earrings. Her blue eyes are matched by the hood around her head. The portrait has a slightly darker side, with an inverted cross on the woman’s forehead, and her hood is suspended by a line of little skulls. Lots to take in here, and plenty of symbolism too.
Stivs, St Werburghs, Bristol, February 2025
Stivs on the other hand has painted a portrait of a jolly fellow wearing a cap. I don’t know who the character is, but there might be a clue in the ‘Jim Bitch’ that accompanies the piece. Stivs has painted the portrait in a photorealistic style, and it looks like, from subsequent pieces, that he is rather enjoying portrait work at the moment. There is so much to take in from this ever so slightly weird collaboration.
Natural adventures 