Express & Star

PICTURES: Wolverhampton graffiti art is streets ahead

[gallery] From the colourful flight of a hummingbird, to the monochrome close-up of a chimpanzee – the graffiti work of a Wolverhampton artist is helping to re-define street art.

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Steve Edwards, a so-called 'Graffoflarge' artist has been commissioned by community organisations around Wolverhampton to transform derelict and unsightly walls and buildings into works of art.

The artist, who is 42 and lives in Castlecroft, completed a BA Honours degree in Fine Art at Coventry University, graduating in 1998. However, Mr Edwards was a civil engineer for several years, working for Severn Trent. He left the company in 2011 and began creating his artwork.

Mr Edwards said: "I like to focus on the positive things in life, rather than on the negative – the world is dark enough."

Mr Edwards' most recent piece, in front of the derelict eye infirmary on Compton Road, was inspired by the artist quarter's logo and the inside of a plant.

"You can see a triangle inside a speech bubble shape," he explained. "The triangle is the A and the speech bubble is the Q – representing 'Artists Quarter.'"

The piece was funded by Creative Black Country in conjunction with community organisation Mental Spaces and Westside Artists' Quarter.

Last year, the artist also painted several murals for Dudley Zoo, including the black and white chimpanzee piece which was painted as part of their chimp house.

Mr Edwards will be doing some painting at Bantock House Museum and Park on July 23. He is launching a series of art sessions for children, taking place in Heath Town, Wednesbury and Tamworth.

To find out more, visit Mr Edward's website graffoflarge.com

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