One of London's more unique street artists, based on the medium he uses, is Ben Wilson. He is also known as the "Chewing Gum Man" because his medium of choice is used bubble gum. He paints miniature paintings on top of used bubble gum that has been trampled into pavements. I first came across the artist's work (and the artist himself) at 'Baroque the Streets' in Dulwich a few years ago. I've also happened to come across one of his miniature paintings in Shoreditch, but after working in the area for nearly 2.5 years, that was the only piece I discovered.
However, I'd made my way across the Millennium Bridge by St. Paul's Cathedral a few times in 2014. Each time, I noticed Ben Wilson's artwork and also saw the artist painting there on one occasion. Of course, the tourists were asking him about his work and having a chat with him and having their photographs taken. I didn't speak to the artist this time as I was in a little hurry myself to get back to the office from lunch.
It appears that the artist created some of the paintings based on the people he met and their requests as I noticed that some of the paintings contain initials and names.
I've included a range of gum paintings below, but there are so many of these all along the bridge. Some of them have been faded, and others are freshly-painted. The gum trampled into the metal frames of the bridge creates unique shapes that the artist has fun with. He uses the shapes to create creatures.
For more information about the artist and an interview about his work on Millennium Bridge, see: http://inspiringcity.com/2014/04/18/the-chewing-gum-man-paints-a-trail-of-400-mini-artworks-on-the-millenium-bridge/
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