I don’t like to get involved in the politics of the scene, but I do feel the vibe in Sheffield is really bad at the moment, it saddens me and it’s taking away much of the pleasure I got from my passion. There is far too much hate on individuals when it’s roots are not necessarily graff related. If you don’t like a style, fair enough but to publicly diss and damage individuals work is pointless. Not everybody likes everything, and why should they? Some ‘acclaimed’ photographers started by only photographing the work of one artist, some have stayed like that. For myself, I try to encompass as much of the scene as I can, and yes I get it that it must be frustrating for certain writers and artists that some of the newcomers to the graff photographic community will ignore many quality pieces to get to a piece by a specific person. But I think all this infighting is missing the point. It’s a good thing that there is a wider interest in graffiti/street art, more interest = more public support and more legal spots, good thing, yes? I think so. It has a down side though. I know there are many who believe that real graff should not be on legal walls, I get that too, the problem, as I see it now is that the areas are being blurred. I’m not getting into the bombing aspect, I mean the less legal sites, in derelict buildings etc. are being treated, by some, as in the public domain, they’re not. They were never meant to be mainstream,discovering and accessing these sites was never supposed to be openly discussed on social networks, it kind of defeats the object. I love the work on legal walls, the more the better, I think it looks amazing and it’s great to see more appearing in the city. But I loved the thrill of finding something unexpected or hidden too, I’ve spent hours and in one case months searching online and walking miles to find that special something, now that’s gone, chances are you’ll have seen a photo of a piece by loads of people within hours of it being done, you’ll have to join the queue to access the site and if you’re lucky, you’ll get there just before somebody’s dogged it! In my opinion this is not a good thing, it’s killed the urbex scene and it’s doing the same to graff. I was reading an interview the other week with an american graff photographer,he said much the same thing, it would appear it’s a problem everywhere. What’s the answer? Buggered if I know, all I hope is that some new fad takes over leaving those of us who like to spend our days sniffing paint fumes dodging syringes and standing in pigeon poo to get on with it. I think it will happen, I just hope the scene hasn’t imploded on itself before it does. We have some fantastic writers and artists in Sheffield, the city is becoming renowned for its graffiti and street art nationwide, even worldwide, long may it continue…. please.
So, rant over, good to see Phlegm back in the city with his Urban Foxes.
 Funny Ideers by CoLor, just a little bit festive.Our friends from the North East, have paid a return visit.D7606,with a cheeky little bit of Marilyn.
Trik 9 with 2 of Santas’ little helpers. I can’t really do this wall justice on here, it has to be seen to be believed. ‘This is Sheffield’ the epic collaboration between Mace, Jaer, Gzos and Pawski.Nice to see Ryak coming out to play.Good to see Black out and about too, don’t see too much of his work.I really like this, Jonas x Meth.
Thanks for your support over the last year it’s much appreciated. I hope your 2013 has been better than mine and that your 2014 is better still. Happy New Year!