Tag: Tattoo

4996. Devon Road (19)

Unknown, Devon Road, Bristol, January 2023
Unknown, Devon Road, Bristol, January 2023

I was caught very much in two minds about posting this beautiful little unsigned piece in Devon Road. Firstly, I have no idea who the artist is, which is always a little bit of a challenge for me and secondly, there are rain drops on the lens, obscuring the bottom of the picture. Ordinarily these two factors would dictate that this piece would remain in the archives, but I really like it, so I used my own veto (which I think I am allowed to do) to publish it.

Unknown, Devon Road, Bristol, January 2023
Unknown, Devon Road, Bristol, January 2023

The motif is a strong one, and at a guess I would say was influenced by the tattoo world. There is a story of heartache here, burning love constrained by thorns. I love it. The piece is beautifully executed, with fabulous shading and highlights, and there is something rather simple about the design, the balance is just right, and it is not trying to do too much. Now all I need is to find the artist who painted it.

3627. Brunel Way (96)

Because of its association with graffiti and street art, Bristol is a bit of a magnet for visiting artists and what fortune that Kane Rose paid a visit while painting alongside the No Frills crew a few weeks back. I don’t know the artist, but know that he is a tattoo artists who also paints walls, like so many of our own Bristol artists.

Kane Rose, Brunel Way, Bristol, April 2021
Kane Rose, Brunel Way, Bristol, April 2021

When I first saw this I wondered whether it might have been by SkyHigh, because there is a definite similarity of styles. I have to confess that I had to wait until I saw the piece appear on Instagram before I could be sure of the artist. The block letters, each with a different colour and style, on first inspection appears to spell USA, but I have a feeling it actually says UPSTART. A lovely piece.

3054. Cattle Market Road (5)

This is the fifth and final piece from the magnificent outdoor gallery in Cattle Market Road arranged by The Hass. it is by an artist I’ve not come across before, which should not come as too much as a surprise because he is a tattoo artist called Josh B.

Josh B, Cattle Market Road, Bristol, June 2020
Josh B, Cattle Market Road, Bristol, June 2020

It is immediately clear that this is the work of a tattoo artist, particularly looking at the bird, flowers and hand on the left. I can’t put my finger on why the tattoo style comes across so strongly, maybe the way the spray paint is used in the way that ink is, I don’t know. The piece is really beautifully painted and it is great to see the Bristol reference in the shape of the Bristol suspension bridge in one of the framed pictures. A lovely piece.

957. Upfest 2017 (23)

Stefania Gala is an Italian tattoo artist who has only recently turned her talent to street art. Her first piece I think was from earlier this year and shows what a future she can have in street art should she wish to follow it up.

Stefania Gala, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Stefania Gala, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

In the Biography notes of the Upfest programme, she says ‘Recently I had the opportunity to paint my first wall in an abandoned place and I had the great joy of being able to express myself artistically in a place to be revalued. In order to get rid of the ‘canvas’ and to give my artwork to others, unconditionally.’ I like that sentiment very much.

Stefania Gala, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Stefania Gala, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

This piece for Upfest is really beautiful and captivating and interestingly does not look like a tattoo piece reworked…she is creating something special in its own right as street art. It is a clever piece, using a 3D effect to place the subject in the box really skilfully.

I hope she spends more time on her street art and comes back to Bristol for next year’s Upfest.

879. Upfest 2016 (146)

This colourful piece is by a graffiti artist turned tattooist, Cize one. An artist for more than thirty years, Cize one has produced an accomplished piece here. Having read that he designs tattoos, one can see that he pays a lot of attention to detail, and has clear lines which are filled with colour. It is an unusual, almost comic-book style that he uses. Very nice.

Cize One, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017
Cize One, Upfest, Bristol, July 2017

379. Moon Street (16)

One of the great things about Upfest is all the ‘extras’ that get left behind by artists who come over to Bristol for a few days. Hunting these down is all part of the fun for street rats. This is a wonderful set of three wheatpastes left by Din Din, whose ‘official’ stencil was utterly fantastic.

Din Din, Moon Street, Bristol, August 2016
Din Din, Moon Street, Bristol, August 2016

Here on the North side of town it is great to see some of Din Din’s work. Although it is already looking a bit scruffy, it is still a pleasure to see it. I am not too sure who the pictures are of other than they are heavily tattooed men, but I like them regardless. More of these ‘naughties’ to come.