I recently got a message in my inbox about an artist, Griffin One. He does a lot of stuff, but the things I’m most interested in are the murals. I’ll let you see what you think.

Website: http://www.griffinone.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/GriffinOneDesign

Hi, sorry about the downtime on the forums, a short explanation can be found here

~Joe

Hi, im Stephen Ball, and i have been asked by the great people here at Concrete Canvas to be a guest blogger, so i thought my first post should be something thats very close to my heart and inspiration, its sad times in the street art world…

I started going to the sketch city events in 2005 and they have helped me so much with exposure, aswell as inspiration, and work. Earlier this year they opened their own street art gallery space in the heart of manchester. Upperspace, has been a very popular gallery, and has had some really great exhibitions from world renouned street artists, and illustrators including, Jon Burgerman, Guy McKinley, China Mike, Hammo, Laurie Pink,8-bit, and countless others…

They announced this week that they will be closing, due to circumstances…

Please read their press release below, and get on board to help the guys out.

// HISTORY
Upper Space was started by the Arts07 award winning Sketch City in 2007. Built over the last year and a half in an old warehouse in the cultural heart of Manchester, Upper Space is home to the region’s first street art gallery space, a cafe, an event space and alternative clothing boutique.

Adopting Manchester’s world renowned D.I.Y. approach to innovation and the arts, Sketch City and Marbella Cafe were joined by over 30 volunteers who gave their time and skills over the course of 6 months for the creation of a new, exciting social and artistic hub in the heart of the northern quarter of Manchester. Seeing the potential of the space and the shared ethos of the people involved, a Community Interest Company was formed that brought together Sketch City, Marbella Creative Industries and the Silverwood shop to create the Upper Space Collective. A proper grass roots venture.

Opening in February 2008, the Upper Space took the city by storm and soon developed a reputation for cutting edge events, gallery shows and promoting inclusivity to the arts across the spectrum. Having helped launch the careers of some of the regions most exciting, contemporary up and coming street artists, our aim is to promote the visual arts and the social within the city centre of Manchester and further afield.

// UPPER SPACE FORCED EVICTION

WEDNESDAY 3RD DECEMBER

Upper Space employees arrived to work on the 3rd of December to find the doors to the building chained and padlocked, the dispute, between the owners of the building and Sunshine Studios has resulted in Upper Space being given the options of paying 50% more rent or closing. With no forewarning being given at all to the events of the morning, Upper Space has been temporarily occupied by members of the collective until we can remove the artists work and our possessions from the building and relocate to a new premises.

PLEASE SIGN OUR ONLINE PETITION AS WE RAISE AWARENESS AND GATHER SUPPORT FOR A NEW HOME IN THE NEW YEAR…

http://www.gopetition.co.uk/petitions/upper-space.html

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD AND HELP US TO PROMOTE ALTERNATIVE CULTURE IN A CITY THAT IS BECOMING MORE AND MORE PRIVATIZED BY THE SECOND.

MUCH LOVE

UPPER SPACE XXX

Kirpy is an insanely talented 16 year-old from Melbourne, Australia. He has been painting since 2005 and has already worked with the likes of Ghostpatrol, Miso and Satta. We Caught up with Kirpy for a quick chat and a few questions.

What do you think is more rewarding, your on the street stencils or your canvas work?

Both really. On the streets is always satisfying as there’s the thrill and adrenalin element,as well as going back to the spot and seeing your work. But off the street has a certain aesthetic quality for me, in that the detail and use of layers, colours and backgrounds in canvas work can be appreciated a lot more.

What is it like working with such high profile artists, such as Ghostpatrol?

It’s always good painting with other artists, both high profile and unknown. You see other’s working techniques and pick up tips as well. And it’s always good to mix your own style and ideas with someone else’s.

I see you have exhibited work at Stencil Fest and been part of the Artholes show, how was that experience?

It’s good to be exposed to another side of what you do, and beginning to exhibit my work regularly this year has opened a lot of doors for me. People have seen my work and contacted me through that to lead to other jobs and opportunities. I tend to be dealing with people sometimes twice my age so it’s good for me to get the experience early on.

How does the city you live in (Melbourne) affect your work?
Melbourne’s got an incredible scene for street art which of course is definite inspiration. Melbourne affects what I’m exposed to, and therefore I guess all my work has an underlying influence because of that.

What is your favorite material to cut on and why?
printer paper, nice new cutting mat and a fresh blade. orgasmic, because of the amount of detail you can achieve and the control of the blade.

How did you get into the world of graffiti?
Through a school art class initially, back in 2004. Discovered the art form, websites, and just opened my eyes to it. The rest has just kinda followed…

Do you think city councils should buff graffiti, or should they just leave it?
It doesn’t matter. The buff can never stop the art form. If anything, it pushes people to do more. But it is always a kick in the nuts to see your work painted over.

Who or what is your biggest influence?
What: Other stencil artists, graffiti, hip-hop, Melbourne.
Who: Too many to name

Any message for the world?
Nah not really… check out my work!

kirpy.deviantart.com/gallery