Rude Copper
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November 2006
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matt small-this is england, by Rude Copper on Nov 9, 2007 9:36:09 GMT 1, anyone go?
whadidyathink?
anyone go?
whadidyathink?
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Lupa
Artist
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July 2007
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matt small-this is england, by Lupa on Nov 9, 2007 9:43:05 GMT 1, very good evening..........most of the work had sold by the end of the night and many pieces had already been sold pre-preview...
the average price was £5250 + Vat, but it ranged from £2000 - £10,500.00 + VAT, and there were some working pen & pencil sketches for £810....
very good evening..........most of the work had sold by the end of the night and many pieces had already been sold pre-preview...
the average price was £5250 + Vat, but it ranged from £2000 - £10,500.00 + VAT, and there were some working pen & pencil sketches for £810....
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'bric
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May 2006
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matt small-this is england, by 'bric on Nov 9, 2007 9:48:05 GMT 1, Nice to see some more affordable items, going to go down today and have a look.
Nice to see some more affordable items, going to go down today and have a look.
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Rude Copper
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November 2006
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matt small-this is england, by Rude Copper on Nov 9, 2007 9:52:48 GMT 1, you wont be disappointed, he's a huge talent imo, some of the work is quite awesome, saw sean pertwee running around looking a bit frustated as all the best bits had gone,
well worth a visit though.
you wont be disappointed, he's a huge talent imo, some of the work is quite awesome, saw sean pertwee running around looking a bit frustated as all the best bits had gone,
well worth a visit though.
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matt small-this is england, by manchestermike on Nov 9, 2007 10:07:59 GMT 1, Pics please 
Pics please |
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matt small-this is england, by katokato on Nov 9, 2007 10:12:37 GMT 1, Stunning show, was really impressed.
Stunning show, was really impressed.
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matt small-this is england, by slowmo on Nov 9, 2007 10:15:37 GMT 1, I had a strange time at this show last night. On intitial appearance, they looked amazing. This was largely down to the undenyingly good technique that Matt Small has, the application of the paint is amazing, and the 3D pieces really made me pay attention.
What then happened was I started actually looking at the portraits, the show is called this is England, I was expecting to see something in these clearly young people's faces, some sort of tell on their mood or feeling.
Nothing, the eyes do not engage, their is no emotion coming out from them. I got to thinking, if I was to own a piece of this, I would want it to engage me, afterall, when you bring a portrait into your home, thats a new face, you want to know what its thinking, feeling or at least get the feeling they are trying to tell you something.
These pieces, whilst being great, done very little to tell me about England, very little to tell me about who they are and what they think.
So yes, a great show if you don't want anything other from a painting than the knowledge that the execution is second to none, but if you want more from portrait work, it will leave you wanting. For me, once you get beyond the very unique and original style, I would sooner have a Neate or Micallef portrait any day.
But, he is a talent, he has got great ability and is going to make a lot of people very happy as I thought they were reasonably priced (bar the sketches) and did offer portraits of subjects that are very rarely seen in art. Congratulations to Matt Small and Leonard street.
I had a strange time at this show last night. On intitial appearance, they looked amazing. This was largely down to the undenyingly good technique that Matt Small has, the application of the paint is amazing, and the 3D pieces really made me pay attention.
What then happened was I started actually looking at the portraits, the show is called this is England, I was expecting to see something in these clearly young people's faces, some sort of tell on their mood or feeling.
Nothing, the eyes do not engage, their is no emotion coming out from them. I got to thinking, if I was to own a piece of this, I would want it to engage me, afterall, when you bring a portrait into your home, thats a new face, you want to know what its thinking, feeling or at least get the feeling they are trying to tell you something.
These pieces, whilst being great, done very little to tell me about England, very little to tell me about who they are and what they think.
So yes, a great show if you don't want anything other from a painting than the knowledge that the execution is second to none, but if you want more from portrait work, it will leave you wanting. For me, once you get beyond the very unique and original style, I would sooner have a Neate or Micallef portrait any day.
But, he is a talent, he has got great ability and is going to make a lot of people very happy as I thought they were reasonably priced (bar the sketches) and did offer portraits of subjects that are very rarely seen in art. Congratulations to Matt Small and Leonard street.
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motor
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December 2006
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matt small-this is england, by motor on Nov 9, 2007 10:20:46 GMT 1, I had a strange time at this show last night. On intitial appearance, they looked amazing. This was largely down to the undenyingly good technique that Matt Small has, the application of the paint is amazing, and the 3D pieces really made me pay attention. What then happened was I started actually looking at the portraits, the show is called this is England, I was expecting to see something in these clearly young people's faces, some sort of tell on their mood or feeling. Nothing, the eyes do not engage, their is no emotion coming out from them. I got to thinking, if I was to own a piece of this, I would want it to engage me, afterall, when you bring a portrait into your home, thats a new face, you want to know what its thinking, feeling or at least get the feeling they are trying to tell you something. These pieces, whilst being great, done very little to tell me about England, very little to tell me about who they are and what they think. So yes, a great show if you don't want anything other from a painting than the knowledge that the execution is second to none, but if you want more from portrait work, it will leave you wanting. For me, once you get beyond the very unique and original style, I would sooner have a Neate or Micallef portrait any day. But, he is a talent, he has got great ability and is going to make a lot of people very happy as I thought they were reasonably priced (bar the sketches) and did offer portraits of subjects that are very rarely seen in art. Congratulations to Matt Small and Leonard street.
Well put Slowmo, all of it. Great talent, great skills but lacking a emotional depth (my personal opinion)
+
I had a strange time at this show last night. On intitial appearance, they looked amazing. This was largely down to the undenyingly good technique that Matt Small has, the application of the paint is amazing, and the 3D pieces really made me pay attention. What then happened was I started actually looking at the portraits, the show is called this is England, I was expecting to see something in these clearly young people's faces, some sort of tell on their mood or feeling. Nothing, the eyes do not engage, their is no emotion coming out from them. I got to thinking, if I was to own a piece of this, I would want it to engage me, afterall, when you bring a portrait into your home, thats a new face, you want to know what its thinking, feeling or at least get the feeling they are trying to tell you something. These pieces, whilst being great, done very little to tell me about England, very little to tell me about who they are and what they think. So yes, a great show if you don't want anything other from a painting than the knowledge that the execution is second to none, but if you want more from portrait work, it will leave you wanting. For me, once you get beyond the very unique and original style, I would sooner have a Neate or Micallef portrait any day. But, he is a talent, he has got great ability and is going to make a lot of people very happy as I thought they were reasonably priced (bar the sketches) and did offer portraits of subjects that are very rarely seen in art. Congratulations to Matt Small and Leonard street. Well put Slowmo, all of it. Great talent, great skills but lacking a emotional depth (my personal opinion) + |
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matt small-this is england, by carlito on Nov 9, 2007 10:59:35 GMT 1, you take what you put in - if you don't see an emotional depth that as much to do with what you take from the picture as to what the picture gives to you - to my mind these pieces have alot more feeling and resonance than alot of other portrait work i've seen and feel absolutely cold too (If you lived where I lived - you'd definitely look at the work and say this is England) - good to see all the crowd 
you take what you put in - if you don't see an emotional depth that as much to do with what you take from the picture as to what the picture gives to you - to my mind these pieces have alot more feeling and resonance than alot of other portrait work i've seen and feel absolutely cold too (If you lived where I lived - you'd definitely look at the work and say this is England) - good to see all the crowd |
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Rude Copper
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matt small-this is england, by Rude Copper on Nov 9, 2007 11:05:34 GMT 1, i know what you mean by that, but i'm not sure i'd agree with it,
a lot of the charecters have emotional depth, some look as if they're about to mug me, offer me brown or coke, some look bored, some look suicidal, subjecyts are multi-cultural & the shows called, this is england, bleak, but relevant & very well presented
i know what you mean by that, but i'm not sure i'd agree with it,
a lot of the charecters have emotional depth, some look as if they're about to mug me, offer me brown or coke, some look bored, some look suicidal, subjecyts are multi-cultural & the shows called, this is england, bleak, but relevant & very well presented
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Lupa
Artist
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matt small-this is england, by Lupa on Nov 9, 2007 11:06:04 GMT 1, good to see you there last night Carlo
good to see you there last night Carlo
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Harveyn
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matt small-this is england, by Harveyn on Nov 9, 2007 11:11:35 GMT 1, I have not seen the show so I cannot comment. I will try to get there when I am in London on the 24th to see 1st hand.
I have a Matt Small piece and I must say it is one of the most engaging pieces of art I have. I probably spend more time staring at it than any other. I do think part of the captivation is the pure brilliance of the technique so I sort of agree on that. But that alone would not be enough to hold my attention for more than a passing moment. I cannot quite put my finger on it. Maybe its the openness of the expression that draws me to it, in an attempt to force me to question the subjects emotion and even my own. There are times its coldness brings to me a feeling of despair.
I also recently bought a piece by an artist called Anticevic and with this piece whilst I am equally stunned by the work I do not find myself in contemplation as much. I am happy with the mood that it creates and emotions it portrays. In a way I am sort of saying that it offers less intrigue and posses less questions. It is still completely stunning and is just different from Matt's piece.
I have not seen the show so I cannot comment. I will try to get there when I am in London on the 24th to see 1st hand. I have a Matt Small piece and I must say it is one of the most engaging pieces of art I have. I probably spend more time staring at it than any other. I do think part of the captivation is the pure brilliance of the technique so I sort of agree on that. But that alone would not be enough to hold my attention for more than a passing moment. I cannot quite put my finger on it. Maybe its the openness of the expression that draws me to it, in an attempt to force me to question the subjects emotion and even my own. There are times its coldness brings to me a feeling of despair. I also recently bought a piece by an artist called Anticevic and with this piece whilst I am equally stunned by the work I do not find myself in contemplation as much. I am happy with the mood that it creates and emotions it portrays. In a way I am sort of saying that it offers less intrigue and posses less questions. It is still completely stunning and is just different from Matt's piece. |
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matt small-this is england, by carlito on Nov 9, 2007 11:15:46 GMT 1, That is utterly top piece of Matt Small's work - one of his best - I love it....not to get too arty farty but the attitude, pose, his stance the way he's looking out of that picture is immense really catches the attitude
(good to see you Lupa, Gary and all the usual suspects)
That is utterly top piece of Matt Small's work - one of his best - I love it....not to get too arty farty but the attitude, pose, his stance the way he's looking out of that picture is immense really catches the attitude
(good to see you Lupa, Gary and all the usual suspects)
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matt small-this is england, by slowmo on Nov 9, 2007 11:15:49 GMT 1, Fair points. For those in the know though, if I'm right, these are people that Matt see's in the street aren't they? Does anyone know if he asks to take a photo of them?
Fair points. For those in the know though, if I'm right, these are people that Matt see's in the street aren't they? Does anyone know if he asks to take a photo of them?
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Copyright
Artist
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May 2007
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matt small-this is england, by Copyright on Nov 9, 2007 11:19:27 GMT 1,
Off the hook.
Matt took it to the next level, his cutout stuff was crazy good.
Elboe Toe invited me his show at the back was sick too. Anyone check his flower stencils. Amazing.
A lot of people in smart shooes and suites looking at me like i shouldnt be their tho. Maybe cos i was in a hoody covered in paste?
Great work, did not feel welcome. I left quickly
Off the hook. Matt took it to the next level, his cutout stuff was crazy good. Elboe Toe invited me his show at the back was sick too. Anyone check his flower stencils. Amazing. A lot of people in smart shooes and suites looking at me like i shouldnt be their tho. Maybe cos i was in a hoody covered in paste? Great work, did not feel welcome. I left quickly |
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jellya
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November 2006
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matt small-this is england, by jellya on Nov 9, 2007 11:30:06 GMT 1, Any pics from last night? Fascinated by this sculpture
Any pics from last night? Fascinated by this sculpture
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matt small-this is england, by manchestermike on Nov 9, 2007 11:41:17 GMT 1, Not as keen on his women paintings, don't think they have as much power...
If anyone has pics, specifically looking for pics of 'Young Star 10' - did he sell in the end? Also, did 'Simon' sell?
Not as keen on his women paintings, don't think they have as much power...
If anyone has pics, specifically looking for pics of 'Young Star 10' - did he sell in the end? Also, did 'Simon' sell?
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JD
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June 2007
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matt small-this is england, by JD on Nov 9, 2007 12:05:01 GMT 1,
My favourite too, does anyone know if this will be made into a print for us lesser mortals?
My favourite too, does anyone know if this will be made into a print for us lesser mortals? |
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Rude Copper
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November 2006
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matt small-this is england, by Rude Copper on Nov 9, 2007 12:11:32 GMT 1, Fair points. For those in the know though, if I'm right, these are people that Matt see's in the street aren't they? Does anyone know if he asks to take a photo of them?
i think matts doing a presentation next tuesday, might be worth a look, email leonard street, cos theres limited spaces.
Fair points. For those in the know though, if I'm right, these are people that Matt see's in the street aren't they? Does anyone know if he asks to take a photo of them? i think matts doing a presentation next tuesday, might be worth a look, email leonard street, cos theres limited spaces. |
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matt small-this is england, by shavemysoul on Nov 9, 2007 13:01:41 GMT 1, Interesting opinions here. For what mine's worth...
I thought the show was stunning and there were some amazing pieces of work. Matt's tried to 'take it to another level/do something new' on several levels. Firstly, there's a lot of urban projects now collaged into the paint: broken glass, sponge, a moth on 'Girl', a plastic fork on 'Simon' (nice on Scott's mate who bought it and good to see you again - apologies Mike, 'Simon' did sell... as did most - however, as of the end of last night, the massive but brilliant 'Young Star 10' was still available, possible cos its 10.5k + vat). He also attempted pieces on concrete, where all but one did not have his distinctive style of the paint moving away or into the face (i.e. they were more block coloured). Also, the sculpted/nailed pieces were a clear change. More subtely, Matt's started experimenting with the background now.. some of the pieces have a two colour back ground split by the head. One of the pieces, 'Mehmet', has some detail in the background too. So there were new things going on.
I personally felt there was several pieces that really grabbed me and I felt deep emotion from (back to slowmo's comments). But I wonder if it's fair that you could see a piece for a couple of others and say you'll never gain emotion from it (I'm not saying anyone has said that, I'm just pondering that, with time, emotion might develop and perhaps more deeply so cos it wasn't an immediate process).
I thought it was a top top show and was well impressed. Some pieces didn't do it for me, but I still thought they were fantastic pieces of art. I agree with Mike, I struggled to like the female portraits there. Whether that's a receptive position (i.e. we're not used to Matt painting female subjects) or whether it's that he does struggle much more to convey them... i'm not sure. Nice to see you again Scott (hope your mate didn't get an earful from the missus about the purchase), Andrew and James.
For what it's worth, I didn't pick up a piece but my favourites were Jeremy (the piece on all the advertising), Young Star 7 (would sit perfectly alongside Jeremy), Jamie and a very small/one off piece on a concrete slab, 'Martin'. I have just bought a new Matt Small so I was really out last night before it begun. If anyone has a photobucket/flickr account i can upload a photo to so I can show it here, please PM me.
Interesting opinions here. For what mine's worth...
I thought the show was stunning and there were some amazing pieces of work. Matt's tried to 'take it to another level/do something new' on several levels. Firstly, there's a lot of urban projects now collaged into the paint: broken glass, sponge, a moth on 'Girl', a plastic fork on 'Simon' (nice on Scott's mate who bought it and good to see you again - apologies Mike, 'Simon' did sell... as did most - however, as of the end of last night, the massive but brilliant 'Young Star 10' was still available, possible cos its 10.5k + vat). He also attempted pieces on concrete, where all but one did not have his distinctive style of the paint moving away or into the face (i.e. they were more block coloured). Also, the sculpted/nailed pieces were a clear change. More subtely, Matt's started experimenting with the background now.. some of the pieces have a two colour back ground split by the head. One of the pieces, 'Mehmet', has some detail in the background too. So there were new things going on.
I personally felt there was several pieces that really grabbed me and I felt deep emotion from (back to slowmo's comments). But I wonder if it's fair that you could see a piece for a couple of others and say you'll never gain emotion from it (I'm not saying anyone has said that, I'm just pondering that, with time, emotion might develop and perhaps more deeply so cos it wasn't an immediate process).
I thought it was a top top show and was well impressed. Some pieces didn't do it for me, but I still thought they were fantastic pieces of art. I agree with Mike, I struggled to like the female portraits there. Whether that's a receptive position (i.e. we're not used to Matt painting female subjects) or whether it's that he does struggle much more to convey them... i'm not sure. Nice to see you again Scott (hope your mate didn't get an earful from the missus about the purchase), Andrew and James.
For what it's worth, I didn't pick up a piece but my favourites were Jeremy (the piece on all the advertising), Young Star 7 (would sit perfectly alongside Jeremy), Jamie and a very small/one off piece on a concrete slab, 'Martin'. I have just bought a new Matt Small so I was really out last night before it begun. If anyone has a photobucket/flickr account i can upload a photo to so I can show it here, please PM me.
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matt small-this is england, by manchestermike on Nov 9, 2007 13:13:38 GMT 1, Young Star 7 & Jeremy both look good... not seen Martin, but unsure about the concrete ones I have seen, except I think Franklyn works well
I wanna see the sculptures!
Young Star 7 & Jeremy both look good... not seen Martin, but unsure about the concrete ones I have seen, except I think Franklyn works well
I wanna see the sculptures!
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matt small-this is england, by slowmo on Nov 9, 2007 13:14:35 GMT 1, Its interesting how perceptions differ amongst those that view the same piece of work. To each their own .
Its interesting how perceptions differ amongst those that view the same piece of work. To each their own . |
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matt small-this is england, by headphonesex on Nov 9, 2007 13:15:53 GMT 1, My Matt Small is still pretty much my favourite of his.
He doesn't like being photographed though. His expression changes from being wise & benevolent, to looking a bit narked.
Also my camera doesn't focus very well since my mate dropped it on the lens a couple of weeks ago. :-(
My Matt Small is still pretty much my favourite of his. He doesn't like being photographed though. His expression changes from being wise & benevolent, to looking a bit narked. Also my camera doesn't focus very well since my mate dropped it on the lens a couple of weeks ago. :-( |
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Harveyn
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matt small-this is england, by Harveyn on Nov 9, 2007 13:23:47 GMT 1, Shavemysouls piece....liking this... ;D ;D
Shavemysouls piece....liking this... ;D ;D |
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matt small-this is england, by shavemysoul on Nov 9, 2007 13:24:30 GMT 1, Young Star 7 & Jeremy both look good... not seen Martin, but unsure about the concrete ones I have seen, except I think Franklyn works well I wanna see the sculptures!
Thanks for the photos Abdo...
Mike, 'Martin' wasn't like the other concretes in that it was just as his metal ones for style, the colour moved just like a typical Matt Small. It was small but very detailed. Lucky bugger who got it.
Slowmo - completely agreed.. but we're all (or perhaps most?) subjective creatures so I guess it makes sense.
Young Star 7 & Jeremy both look good... not seen Martin, but unsure about the concrete ones I have seen, except I think Franklyn works well I wanna see the sculptures! Thanks for the photos Abdo... Mike, 'Martin' wasn't like the other concretes in that it was just as his metal ones for style, the colour moved just like a typical Matt Small. It was small but very detailed. Lucky bugger who got it. Slowmo - completely agreed.. but we're all (or perhaps most?) subjective creatures so I guess it makes sense. |
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matt small-this is england, by finsburyparkranger on Nov 9, 2007 13:24:52 GMT 1, Well I tell you what, I was very taken back by the many piece especially by the concrete pieces. We need to get pics up but they were very special. Matt had chiseled concrete so that it looked like its was naturally broken and cracked but had masterfully done it so it showed the perfect contours of one of his subjects. He had painted on top,so when you step back you see a fantastic portrait, when you step in you're confused how the appealingly natural cracks of the wall come to make the required lines for the face. Its a technique that is begging to be done to walls out doors. I really hope Matt takes this technique out of the studio. If he would be prepared to go move past his self doubt about not wanting to be seen to be jumping on the street art band wagon (which is an admiral instinct), we could see some street art from matt that would up the bar how street artists have engaged with the wall to a new dimension, literally.
Well I tell you what, I was very taken back by the many piece especially by the concrete pieces. We need to get pics up but they were very special. Matt had chiseled concrete so that it looked like its was naturally broken and cracked but had masterfully done it so it showed the perfect contours of one of his subjects. He had painted on top,so when you step back you see a fantastic portrait, when you step in you're confused how the appealingly natural cracks of the wall come to make the required lines for the face. Its a technique that is begging to be done to walls out doors. I really hope Matt takes this technique out of the studio. If he would be prepared to go move past his self doubt about not wanting to be seen to be jumping on the street art band wagon (which is an admiral instinct), we could see some street art from matt that would up the bar how street artists have engaged with the wall to a new dimension, literally.
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matt small-this is england, by shavemysoul on Nov 9, 2007 13:25:43 GMT 1, Shavemysouls piece....liking this... ;D ;D
Thanks for this mate +1... also, thanks to others who offered to help out. You're very kind boardies  +1 to you all when I can.
'Doug' is on a fridge door. He's quite small but very beautiful.
Shavemysouls piece....liking this... ;D ;D Thanks for this mate +1... also, thanks to others who offered to help out. You're very kind boardies +1 to you all when I can. 'Doug' is on a fridge door. He's quite small but very beautiful. |
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matt small-this is england, by shavemysoul on Nov 9, 2007 13:27:32 GMT 1, I really hope Matt takes this technique out of the studio. If he would be prepared to go move past his self doubt about not wanting to be seen to be jumping on the street art band wagon (which is an admiral instinct), we could see some street art from matt that would up the bar how street artists have engaged with the wall to a new dimension, literally.
Amen to that FPR.
I really hope Matt takes this technique out of the studio. If he would be prepared to go move past his self doubt about not wanting to be seen to be jumping on the street art band wagon (which is an admiral instinct), we could see some street art from matt that would up the bar how street artists have engaged with the wall to a new dimension, literally. Amen to that FPR. |
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+1 to you all when I can.
