Tag: Urban

834. Raleigh Road, Tobacco Factory (9)

I love the stencil work of Stephen Quick, and I love Star Wars, so this was a nice treat for me to find. The piece is attached next to the front gate of the car park to the Tobacco Factory and looks out onto the street with a quiet modesty.

Stephen Quick, Raleigh Road Tobacco Factory, Bristol, May 2017
Stephen Quick, Raleigh Road Tobacco Factory, Bristol, May 2017

I guess it is a tribute piece to the amazing Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia. Stephen Quick is becoming a bit of a specialist at tributes to the stars…which is a little unfortunate, but they are also a wonderful way of recognising how important these people are in our lives.

Stephen Quick, Raleigh Road Tobacco Factory, Bristol, May 2017
Stephen Quick, Raleigh Road Tobacco Factory, Bristol, May 2017

A New Hope is simply shortened to HOPE – there is a story here somewhere. Simple, moving and some great drips. Nice work from Stephen.

831. M32 roundabout J3 (40)

It has been a little while since I have seen a Sled One piece, but this one has been worth waiting for. A crocodile, or is it an alligator? with SLED written into the main part of the body.

Sled One, M32 roundabout Bristol, June 2017
Sled One, M32 roundabout Bristol, June 2017

There is a lot to like about this piece; the colours, the backdrop design, the writing and of course the reptile with its stylish purple glasses. This was my second attempt at photographing the work. The first time was on a very bright day, and there was a shadow cast across half of the wall…sometimes overcast days can be a blessing.

Sled One, M32 roundabout Bristol, June 2017
Sled One, M32 roundabout Bristol, June 2017

830. M32 Roundabout j3 (39)

I was lucky enough to meet Ments at the Graffiti Nation exhibition opening evening at the Upfest shop in April. As with all other graffiti artists, he looked nothing like the image I had conjured up in my mind. It is interesting what assumptions we are capable of making before actually meeting a person.

Ments, M32 Roundabout, Bristol, June 2017
Ments, M32 Roundabout, Bristol, June 2017

Ments came to Bristol but is originally from East Anglia, and if street art is your thing, it is probably an obvious move to make. This piece is of such a high quality and showcases the organic feel he gives to his work.

Ments, M32 Roundabout, Bristol, June 2017
Ments, M32 Roundabout, Bristol, June 2017

This wildstyle writing is complex, but look carefully and you might be able to make out the letters MENTS. His work is so distinctive and seems to improve from piece to piece.

829. Leonard Lane (10)

Since I first ‘found’ Leonard Lane about two years ago, I have been back many times to see if there is any new art down there. Sometimes I get lucky, and this was one of those occasions.

Unknown artist, Leonard Lane, Bristol, April 2017
Unknown artist, Leonard Lane, Bristol, April 2017

This is an unusual piece by an unknown artist (please let me know if you know who painted it), who seems to have used the narrow alleyway to practice some outdoor fine art. The reclining woman is nicely painted, but it is the face that steals it for me – really nicely done.

Unknown artist, Leonard Lane, Bristol, April 2017
Unknown artist, Leonard Lane, Bristol, April 2017

It seems incongruous placed alongside graffiti and tags, but somehow it enhances the piece somewhat. A bit like a DIY PichiAvo piece. I would love to know more about this unusual piece, but suspect it will remain a bit of a mystery.

828. Jamaica Street (7)

A few weeks ago this stunning and touching tribute piece appeared on the People’s Republic of Stokes Croft (PRSC) outdoor gallery wall. It is a wonderful collaboration between The Paintsmiths and Ryder.

The Paintsmiths and Ryder tribute to Raphael Dufresne, Jamaica Street, Bristol, April 2017
The Paintsmiths and Ryder tribute to Raphael Dufresne, Jamaica Street, Bristol, April 2017

The tribute is to Raphael Dufresne, a popular musician on the local scene who passed away on 14 April 2017, suffering a fatal aneurism whilst at the gym. He was only 27 years old. This piece fills me with a sadness, but what a magnificent way to celebrate his life.

The Paintsmiths and Ryder tribute to Raphael Dufresne, Jamaica Street, Bristol, April 2017
The Paintsmiths and Ryder tribute to Raphael Dufresne, Jamaica Street, Bristol, April 2017

I never heard his music, and feel sorry that I never had the chance of seeing him, it sounds like he had a good soul and attitude to life. He had links with PRSC, which is why this tribute is all the more poignant. Really terrific letters from Ryder and a superb portrait by The Paintsmiths. Sad.

The Paintsmiths and Ryder tribute to Raphael Dufresne, Jamaica Street, Bristol, April 2017
The Paintsmiths and Ryder tribute to Raphael Dufresne, Jamaica Street, Bristol, April 2017

827. City Road (4)

Some weeks ago now, I had a great walk home from work, and discovered several wheatpastes by qWeRT. This one was rather better concealed than others I had spotted, and photographing it was a little awkward because the householder was sitting in the doorway, soaking up the sun. I asked if they minded me taking a picture…I don’t think they had even noticed this little gem on their own doorstep. Oh well.

qWeRT, City Road, Bristol, April 2017
qWeRT, City Road, Bristol, April 2017

I am fond of these googly eyed characters, there is something endearing and playful about them. As you will know by now, I am fond of a good paste up, and this one doesn’t disappoint.

826. Stokes Croft, the Carriageworks (26)

A quick one from Jee See on the Carriageworks carrying his trademark ‘seismic’ lettering, this time with accompanying ‘Why sick?’. I’m not too sure what it all means, but it is bright and upbeat.

Jee See, Stokes Croft, Bristol, April 2017
Jee See, Stokes Croft, Bristol, April 2017

Since I took this picture, I have at last met Jee See, and what an utter gent he is. More about this soon. I like this picture with the sun and shadows and the skulking Silent Hobo character on the adjacent space. All good.

824. Dean Lane skate park (56)

Well it has been a few days, hasn’t it? this is one of the best Laic217 pieces that I have seen. I think he is moving on to a new level, and he has worked this wall perfectly. As tribute to the quality of this piece, it has remained untagged and intact for at least a fortnight, which shows the respect from other artists.

Laic217, Dean Lane, Bristol, May 2017
Laic217, Dean Lane, Bristol, May 2017

Although I have seen this theme before (fire from a spray can) from other artists, I think he has excelled with this, in particular I like the way he has shaded the reflected light on the face and head of the skull, grading from white/yellow to purple/black.

Laic217, Dean Lane, Bristol, May 2017
Laic217, Dean Lane, Bristol, May 2017

I still have many more recent pieces by this most prolific artist in my archives, and I will unapologetically post them all. Really fabulous work.

823. Dean Lane skate park (55)

This is a historic moment, for me at least. I saw this piece on a lunchtime trip to the Deaners and the paint was still wet. The artist, Lumagro, was hanging out with DC Guts and Jimmer Willmott (pictured). The reason this is history in the making is that this is Lumagro’s debut piece, and what a stunning introduction.

Lumagro, Dean Lane, Bristol, May 2017
Lumagro, Dean Lane, Bristol, May 2017

I believe the artist may be from Spain or a Spanish speaking country, and there certainly appears to be more than a little Mediterranean/European influence in this piece. I absolutely love it and want to see more of his work.

Lumagro, Dean Lane, Bristol, May 2017
Lumagro, Dean Lane, Bristol, May 2017

Distinctive and classy, Lumagro owns this space…albeit for a short time. I think this piece shows that you can produce a sophisticated simple work without overdesigning. Just brilliant. Bravo.

 

 

822. Dean Lane skate park (54)

I am so very much enjoying the journey Mr Draws is on at the moment. His trademark mountains seem to be a distant memory, and he is vigorously experimenting with his letters. This is a lovely piece, sprayed over the top of a Kid Crayon work (recently featured) which had been tagged.

Mr Draws, Dean Lane, Bristol, May 2017
Mr Draws, Dean Lane, Bristol, May 2017

Mr Draws is always looking to stretch himself, and uses the walls of Bristol to practice and modify. All the time he is improving his technique and mastery of his craft. This one has a childlike quality to it – candy or marbles or something like that.