(Image: Craig Comerford)
A County Durham artist who began painting over abusive graffiti to "make people smile" has become a popular figure in his community, with residents taking part in free art hunts and seeking out his colourful murals across the town.
Craig Comerford, who is known by artist name I Am Risk, began painting in his hometown of Shildon after spotting what he called "unsavoury graffiti".
Comerford had been interested in graffiti and street art for years before he began practising on his garage wall three years ago.
After seeing abusive graffiti, he contacted landlords and offered to cover it with colourful art to “make people smile”.
Comerford's Shildon free art event has garnered attention from locals (Image: Craig Comerford)
Recently, Comerford has sparked interest across the town with his free art hunt on October 4, hiding magpie paintings across Shildon for locals to find.
He said reception to his art has been overwhelmingly positive, and that he was "blown away" by the praise from locals.
His first public piece was created at Red Alligator in South Church, Bishop Auckland.
The project grew, with businesses sometimes helping to pay for supplies, but he does not charge for the art and is happy to fund it himself.
Comerford sees his work as a hobby and enjoys chatting to residents who stop while he paints.
Comerford has previously hidden art for gigs such as Oasis. (Image: Craig Comerford)
Craig Comerford hopes to make his free art events regular. (Image: Craig Comerford)
Comerford’s signature style features a black-and-white figure against colourful backgrounds, often showing children doing adult jobs such as hairdressing or mechanics. He often tailors designs to the business he is painting on.
Craig said one specific comment from a local stayed with him. He said: "Somebody said I was brightening the town up one wall at a time, and I thought that was a really lovely thing."
With Shildon previously named as a "dangerous" area, Comerford said he hopes his art and events can bring the community together, and that he puts "peace and love" into every piece.
The Shildon artist added: "It's just trying to put a smile on people's faces."
He has permission for every wall he paints, helping him avoid disputes.
Comerford has previously hidden art for gigs such as Sam Fender. (Image: Craig Comerford)
Comerford said when he was recently covering graffiti at a nearby community centre, a resident mentioned they search for his art while walking around Shildon with their family.
The comment inspired him to make the free art events regular.
Comerford has staged free art hunts before, giving away soldier paintings for Remembrance Day and painting vinyl records for concerts by Sam Fender and Oasis.
During the Kevin Keegan memorials at St James' Park, Comerford also gave out portraits of the Newcastle United legend around the ground. The art hunts were originally inspired by artists he met at a graffiti convention.
Comerford said other artists used free work to promote sales, but he wanted to use it to connect with the community.
He explained: "For the sake of what it is, with time and costs, I put a few out, put clues out, I put pictures out, and then people hopefully get a bit fresh air, have a look about, and try and find it.”
He expected mostly children to take part, but was amazed by the number of adults searching around Shildon.
Comerford said: "If it makes people smile, and they enjoy looking at it rather than a blank wall, or a wall that’s had something horrible written on it, then that's good.”
He hopes to hold the event every month, possibly giving away free robin paintings this Christmas. More information about Comerford's upcoming events can be found on I Am Risk's social media.