"This notice certifies the stake claimed by and for the use of Sniff and all those who enjoy and respect the untamed nature of the Albany Bulb". Thanks, Sniff.

There is a collection of artworks around the north shores of the Bulb. Most seem to have been created by Sniff.

Hearsay has it that Sniff was a marginally deranged squatter who began painting the exposed concrete structures, structures that were the demoed remains of buildings, with donated house paint. He then branched out to paint on found panels and to sculpt with driftwood and floatation foam, creating a personal refuge from the tortures of modern society. Over time, Sniff worked out his demons on his panels and has become accepted within the Bay arts community. A triumph of art over adversity.

(The "real" story can be found here and here.)

Either way, the stuff is kick-ass. When I first saw the paintings last year (2001), I was struck by the energy of the figures and compositions and a little disturbed by the lack of harmony between the lives within the panels. It was clear that there was a clear sense of color and a practiced hand with brushes.

This year when I visited I spent most of my time documenting. Out of the periphery of the camera, I began to see a more sophisticated structure of elements, like a multi-dimenstional web, within certain panels.

I was also able to better grasp the corpus that the fifty-plus make up. There is an obstinate consistency of voice and texture from beginning to end. There is a clearly stated progression of theme from beginning to end. And throughout there weaves variations of the theme, constrasting and supporting and pushing it forward.

In short, Sniff's work at the Albany Bulb is a remarkable contribution to our civil society.

It would be a shame, however, if the work became institutionalized and the site became "curated". That's why it is imperative to leave the Albany Bulb alone so that it can evolve and flourish.