SANDY | JONATHAN SANDFORD

She Had A Point

2011-11-23T18:43:00.004Z

Doing a Larry

2011-10-27T13:37:00.005+01:00

I nearly had an episode like this today. I bought myself a new stanley knife for work on the shedio but couldn't open the bloody packaging. I needed a sharp blade to cut it free! Oh, the irony of it all

Gimme Shelter

2011-10-18T10:35:00.006+01:00

Every Shedio build is managed by our professional site foreman. They get younger every year!
Isaac looking like a stereotypical builder & adjusting his jeans at any given opportunity

The roof is on & now needs to be made water tight which I will do later this week. I have since put ply on the left wall too. Things are taking shape very quickly

Shedio Number Two

2011-10-12T16:45:00.011+01:00

Well, it's been awhile since the last update & it's mainly due to the fact we have a new addition to the clan in the form of Ella. She arrived in April & it's been mad hectic (what with having Isaac too) since. Ella & Isaac watching boats on the Norfolk Broads.

So, the reason for this new post is I have embarked on another Shedio build & wanted to share some pics of progress so far...My Father-out-law - Richard - is helping me this time. Here we are putting the second door inObviously a cut hand is mandatory when doing this sort of thing!Next, cut your rafters & nail those suckers onThen, ponder progress & feel pretty pleased with yourselfThe story so far.....more to follow soon

2011-03-18T15:42:00.003Z

A few months ago I entered a snowboard design competition put on by Artec. This was my entry....yep, it's that bloody ostrich again!!

Los(t) Logos

2010-12-15T15:04:00.004Z

Here's a couple of logos I did for the boys from Burn The Witch. Unfortunately they never saw the light of day as BTW disbanded (some members forming Gulls - check me links) before I had chance to use them

Skate & Create

2010-09-13T11:16:00.004+01:00

It's been a while since the last post & to be honest I've not produced much art I'm happy to share with you. However, I have to share the awesome work of artist HAROSHI with you. This take on Jim Phillips' screaming hand was part of Haroshi's outstanding exhibition earlier this year in Japan. By utilising the coloured plies of old, broken skateboards he makes sculptural pieces which reflect an aesthetic we all closely associate with skateboarding. Clickety click HERE for more photos from the incredible exhibition

Pen & Ink

2010-02-11T22:19:00.005Z

This is beautiful....Amen!

Wolfie of Sudbury

2010-01-26T13:28:00.004Z

Yeah, yeah I know it's been a while since the last post but I have my reasons.....moving house & not having the internet for yonks are two for a start! Anyway, here's a post for the new decade. As you'll see it's a re-working of the Burn The Witch wolf butchered in photoshop!! My photoshop skills are crude at best but I like how this turned out. Maybe I over did it (as there's a certain understated quality about the former) but who knows. More soon, I promise

2009-10-06T16:28:00.003+01:00

Proud eagle perched on his prey (gecko) & tree, surveying his manor. Monoprint

.....& Rip It!!

2009-09-29T15:13:00.003+01:00

A work in progress. Yep, I've used the ostrich image a few times but I think it's a strong one & works well with an elongated picture plane. Perfect for a sheet of griptape, which is what this is

Yep! A Post...

2009-09-16T15:59:00.001+01:00

Monoprint of an eagle head

2009-07-31T12:51:00.001+01:00

Experimenting with some colour in my lino prints at the moment. Really pleased with how this one turned out

2009-07-20T10:38:00.003+01:00

Further development of the previous wolf sketch. Stickers are done, tees on the way. Stoked!

2009-07-14T10:17:00.003+01:00

Monoprint sketch of a wolf head. The early stages of a t-shirt/sticker design for my friend's band

R.I.P Bernie Tostenson

2009-06-30T10:43:00.006+01:00

I have just learned that legendary skateboard graphic artist Bernie Tostenson passed away earlier this year. This man was responsible for pioneering silk-screen techniques unique to the skateboard industry as well as producing some of the most iconic imagery from the early 80's until his passing this year. Most notable are Sims' Hosoi 'rising sun' (which is still getting appropriated now!) the Brand-X 'Riot Stick' (See above. My first ever pro deck!), & various Flip boards including the Penny 'Cheech & Chong'. I think it's safe to say this man ignited my early interest in skateboard graphics & has kept me captivated ever since. R.I.P Bernie Tostenson

Retail Therapy

2009-06-16T14:46:00.003+01:00

I've built myself a shop over at Big Cartel. If you've got a a paypal account & you fancy a lino print then take a gander here: BONE IDLE BIBLE SHOPPE

Poster Boy

2009-06-09T14:10:00.002+01:00

I've been working on some posters for a local martial arts club lately. Here's some examples of ones I've created so far. I'll post the final one once the club has decided.

2009-05-08T14:43:00.003+01:00

Recently I've been working on a birthday invite for my uncle's 70th. I've battled production issues with this image for a couple weeks now & in the end I had to settle for using stencils. Not a method I use often but it seemed a good fit in this case. Here's the results

Good Folkes

2009-05-05T13:22:00.002+01:00

Due to the effects of this economic depression the Folkes-Miller Gallery has been forced to close it's doors & sell up. I'd just like to extend my gratitude & goodwill to Mo for exhibiting my work & wish her all the best with future projects. The pic's of a large scale painting of mine at the gallery

D.I.T.C...again

2009-04-28T15:08:00.002+01:00

Whilst sifting through some old work I came across this. I believe it was for a GCSE art project or something. Either way I clearly had no shame 'borrowing' from a 2000ad comic I had at the time

Hero Worship

2009-04-16T09:47:00.003+01:00

I got myself the brand spanking new Ryan McGinness book the other day & it's jaw on the floor incredible! I've always longed for one of his monographs but they're usually so hard to come by but not so with this tome. If you're a fan of his work, or just curious, I seriously recommend a purchase. With indepth interviews, recent paintings & an insight into his creative process it's a beautifully concise book

2009-03-24T12:06:00.003Z

My favourite anti-hero of the moment Dexter Morgan...

I Ain't No Atiba

2009-03-17T10:42:00.002Z

This photo, of Channon King, was taken about 10 years ago on my old man's film camera. Now, I'm no photographer but I know when it comes to skate photography you need a fast shutter speed. Unfortunately, this camera - A Pentax MV-1 - is fully automatic so unless you have maximum light & open the aperture right up it's slow as hell. In my ignorance I thought shooting this photo directly into the sun would help - DUH! However with a few tweaks at the developing stage the results were better than expected

35mm

2009-03-13T10:47:00.003Z

A print taken from the previously posted lino cut. I'm having issues with the printing but what do I expect when my press consists of a sheet of foam & a household rolling pin!! Despite quite liking the unpredictable nature of this printing method I'm finding I waste far too much paper producing some totally unusable prints

Soul Stealer

2009-03-10T14:09:00.002Z

Lino cut in progress. Just about to print the first run; I'll post the results soon

Make Tea Not Art

2009-02-24T15:45:00.003Z

Super quick sketch/watercolour of two fishing boats moored on Aldeburgh beach. Yes, it has got a tea stain on it! I like how my tea knew exactly where to place itself though

Glory Days

2009-02-18T13:11:00.006Z

I found this gem of skateboarding nostalgia a few months back & thought it deserved a post. It's a TWS from 1989....yep, 20 years ago!!...with a tattoo-less Matt Hensley on the cover styling out a melancholy to fakie. Amongst the gold inside (Bill Danforth pro spotlight, Spike Jonze penned Paris tour) was a rad double page spread of Andy Jenkins'(creative director of Girl) Wrench Pilot comic. If you click on the image you'll be able to read it. Enjoy!
If you'd like to see more from the excellent Wrench Pilot series Clickety click Furthermore; your time won't be wasted if you pop by bendpress.com to view more of Andy Jenkins' great art & daily bloggings

D.I.T.C

2009-02-13T15:19:00.004Z

Whilst cleaning up my struggling hard drive I found this photo of an old painting I did

2009-02-03T10:51:00.002Z

A commissioned monotype print of my uncle's snow covered garden in rural France

2009-01-27T10:00:00.004Z

A couple of prints taken directly from my old, used skateboards. I really like the marks that are left from skating & wanted to produce something that immortalised their usage. Printing them whilst maintaining the richness of the black ink was an issue hence the slightly faded appearance. Something I hope to rectify

All Hail...

2009-01-23T14:06:00.002Z

A quick monotype print of the legendary John Cardiel. A nod must go out to Sam Ashley who's photo I used as reference. Check his site HERE

2009-01-21T08:34:00.001Z

A lino cut of an old fashioned film camera...

2009-01-20T10:43:00.002Z

This is the view from my studio this morning. I overlook the local water meadows so after a particularly heavy downpour I'm faced with a temporary lake right outside the window. Fortunately, it's high enough not to flood so I can watch the swans without the worry of floating away!!

2009-01-19T14:41:00.002Z

Goodbye Tony. See you on the other side

2009-01-12T14:49:00.005Z

My 13 month old son, Isaac, has been getting his art on in nursery lately. This is from his recent abstract expressionist period! A contender for the 2009 Turner Prize perhaps?

...and a Bottle of Rum

2009-01-06T11:24:00.004Z

When I was in primary school the creator, JOHN RYAN, of the then famous cartoon Captain Pugwash came to our school. Whilst he gave a talk he nonchalantly drew a scene including many of the characters he'd created for the show. I was in awe of the skill, wit & dexterity in which he executed the piece & have cherished the moment ever since. Pirate ship linocut

Siena

2009-01-05T11:35:00.003Z

A linocut of Siena town square as seen from the top of the town hall's tower. As is tradition, every year the locals take to the streets in & around the square to witness a spectacular horse race which takes part in those very streets. Unfortunately I didn't get to see the race but given how narrow & windy these streets were I can imagine it's a scary affair for both participants & spectators alike

2008-12-22T13:34:00.005Z

I've been making a lot of lino cut prints lately so whilst I had the ink & roller out I decided to produce some monotypes too. As with the lino cuts it's the printing that's proving most challenging, especially as I don't have a press. However, I'm enjoying the inconsistent results

2008-12-16T10:48:00.003Z

An experiment in ink & watercolour

Batman & ...

2008-12-15T10:48:00.003Z

Here's a little robin red breast I created for some Crimble cards a few weeks back

Relief

2008-12-10T10:20:00.002Z

Experimenting with some lino cut prints at the moment. The main deal is finding ways to print them because a half decent press costs nearly a grand! I printed this using a rolling pin which is really primitive but it adds a certain rawness to it which I like

Watch TV & Have a Couple of Beers...

2008-12-02T13:30:00.003Z

Not being from a particularly temperate island I've never really understood the need for beer coosys. Having said that I've always wanted one & was stoked when my man Russ brought me one back from SF. Then, about two weeks later, some friends got back from a wedding in Oz where the guest gifts were beer coosys with the big days date on. Despite my absence from said do I was still allocated one of these little gems, & although it's not hot here I still use them to keep my hand warm whilst having a swig. Genius!

Anti-Hero

2008-11-26T14:58:00.002Z

Take a butcher's hook at this humourous & insightful interview with legendary skate graphics man, Todd Francis. He's responsible for some of the most iconic graphics of recent times including the much over used (deservedly so mind you!) Anti-Hero eagle. Go here to see photos from his recent retrospective show in SF

Rampage '92

2008-11-21T15:33:00.003Z

This is Kilkey 50-50ing the original Leigh-on-Sea vert (circa 1992) before it was cut down to 8 foot. I miss this old park & I think it's a real shame what was put in its place is so crap. It's an real insult to the local skate population. Bring back the original Rampage!

En Billet

2008-11-14T11:23:00.002Z

About a year ago Dave built two ghetto micro quarter pipes amongst the rubble of a former factory. One weekend we were happily skating said quarters when a power crazy security guard from the neighbouring factory (turns out they owned the site) told us to do one. Obviously we declined which lead Mr. Group4 to call the boys in blue. The ticket pictured is the result of our efforts & fortunately didn't go further than a stern telling off from PC Boobhat....Phew! In 20+ years of skating this is the only ticket I've ever received. In a funny way I was kind of chuffed

Gordon & Smith

2008-11-11T11:20:00.002Z

whilst trawling through my folder of old drawings (really don't know why i kept them!!) i came across this gem. i seem to remember this being from an advert for billy ruff's pro board on which this graphic appeared. i think the main character had puppet strings coming from his fingers to a still of billy ruff doing an invert or something...deep! needless to say i was obsessed with this board graphic but was never able to track it down...bum!

Tod Twists

2008-11-10T10:16:00.003Z

my first 'real' deck was a brand x riot stick & at the time i was completely obsessed with the company & it's aesthetic. so it's no surprise that when i put budget felt tip to my spar bought sketch pad i would draw graphics inspired by the company. not sure why but i must have been conscious of copyright laws at a very early age because, as you can see, i've called my company brand y....haha!

Pig Shed Possee

2008-11-07T15:52:00.003Z

a few years back (i'm trying not to acknowledge it was 20!!) a bloke known simply as mash built an amazing 6-7ft ramp in a disused pig shed on his gandpa's farm. now, given the farm was only 20 minutes from my house it meant myself and good friend kilkey spent almost every weekend there training the tranny skills! whether it be by train, then bus or 2 different buses we found our way there no matter what (later kilkey bought a shitty metro- our saviour!). anyway, in the height of it's infamy many people passed through the pig shed including deathbox pro wurzel. a mini ramp made from the original latimer rd. vert was later built & along with the 6-7ft it proved to be where many of us old'uns like munson, sam wright, pedge & pepe, justin, long ron, hammy, dom, mash, etc cut our transitional teeth to public enemy's 'it takes a nation...'which seemed to be on constant repeat at the time....bring that beat back!!

Don't Call it a Comeback

2008-11-03T15:45:00.004Z

yeah , i know it's been yonks since i posted on this 'ere blog. been busy playing dad & putting the finishing touches to my shedio (as posted previously) which seemed to take on a severn bridge/my life's work/gaudi's segrada familia type status. it's finished now so expect some photos but in the mean time i want those of you who have skated for years/used to skate many moons ago to look at this website: CEASE&DESIST & reminicse of days gone by & boards you once had. so far my favourite has been the 101 natas/satan board (check piccy). mainly because in a fit of stupidity when i was faced with a limited deck choice in a shop in bude i chose a no-pro acme board over this one. yes, i am a dick! funny now i look back on it but i guess i just didn't understand back then how good 101 actually was.

Inspiration for the Nation

2008-02-10T10:29:00.000Z

A few weeks back through the good people at Analogue Books in Edinburgh I was able to get the newly released Evan Hecox monograph. Needless to say it's truly amazing & has inspired me to get off my lazy ass & start 'doing art' again. The best part of the book for me are his linocut prints. They're reproduced to look just like they'd been printed directly into the book by the man himself (peep below image). Radness! Anyway, if you need this sorta thing in your life click 'ere now: Analogue

2007-12-18T19:57:00.000Z

I finally got my copy of Lakai's opus 'Fully Flared' the other day. Safe to say it's absolutely ridiculous & overflowing with inspirational skateboarding, all of which is a far cry from the usual man on rail / man over stairs fare....thank fuck! Anyway, Isaac also approves of the latest filmic offerings from the Girl camp & it seems Pappalardo's section inparticular was his favourite (indicated by the fact he stopped crying as soon as Bad Brains kicked in) . What can I say? The boy has taste!!

The Son & Heir

2007-11-26T20:27:00.000Z

After an emergency cesarean section Isaac David Sandford came into this world at 8.56pm on Thursday 22nd November 2007 & weighed a whopping 9lbs 1/2 oz!! Both mother & baby are doing really very well & daddy is obviously super stoked. At present he is not a ginge but it's early days....I originally had dark hair!!

Seen & Shepard Fairey in the Smoke

2007-11-08T20:05:00.000Z

unbelievably both seen & shepard fairey are showing in east london at the moment ('til nov. 25th). both gigs have been organized by stolen space gallery & are within a stones throw of each other in the brick lane/truman brewery area. it's looking unlikely that i'll be able to see either show (**guted!!**) but i strongly advise any of you that live near to the smoke to check 'em out. click 'ere for photo's of the opening: JUXTAPOZ
& STOLEN SPACE
also, if you happen to check these shows out on the morrow then be sure to go the above gig & throw my man dave a shaka!

2007-11-06T18:24:00.000Z

confirming what we all knew years ago.....rowley rides indy's! ride the best, fuck the rest & all that!!! click 'ere: SCOUSER for radness

Battles!!

2007-10-30T22:46:00.000Z

Me likey this band. If you've not heard 'em, then get educated! They're signed to Warp so i think that justifies them & their sound more than adequately. Gotta thank Harman for giving me a cd of their music many moons ago....cheers. Now enjoy

Get Poked!!

2007-10-18T10:09:00.000+01:00

I stumbled across this the other day & thought it should be shared with those of you who frequent this 'ere blog. Funny shit!!

How to Build a Shedio pt.III

2007-10-16T20:08:00.000+01:00

With the prospect of a long day's work ahead I opted for a fried egg sanger for breakfast....
..needed a couple of these to stoke the fire as the day progressed..
..which resulted in me having a very productive day ending in the completion of three of the outside walls. Apologies for the wonky photo but it was taken whilst trying not to fall in a ditch full of stagnant water!!
This is the view across the sudbury water meadows taken from inside the shedio. Pretty good huh?

How to Build a Shedio pt.II

2007-10-09T10:07:00.000+01:00

Inside the Shedio with the roof felt on ready for slates to be put in place...
...hard at work putting the slates on...
....the last few slates being brought up courtesy of 'dad labour' (I'd be up shit creek without his expertise & graft. What a dude!) & an overview of the nearly finished roof.

Can't (roof)Truss It!

2007-10-01T13:14:00.001+01:00

Roof on, window in, door frame fixed.... Not a bad day's work for a sunday!! Soon I'll be in there 'doing art'...yay!

How to Build a Shedio pt.I

2007-09-29T17:45:00.002+01:00

The previous incarnation of my Shedio was too small & looking tired, so I took it down last week....
....drafted in some 'Dad labour' (helps that he's had 40 years experience as a carpenter mind!!)....
...bought a load of this....
..keept the work force fuelled with a lot of these..
...& ended the day with this! Still got a lot to do but progress is extremely good. We're pitching the roof tomorrow so look out for an update

The Queen

2007-09-26T20:21:00.000+01:00

Here's a ghetto homemade Helen Mirren tee made with one of those iron-on transfers you buy & print yourself. As for the subject matter.....I guess Dr. Freud would sight some perverted theory about mother & son but, he was a weirdo that fancied his dog & not his wife...!!

D.I.T.C

2007-09-09T20:27:00.000+01:00

I found this photo of my second ever board the other day. I, like everyone at the time, was totally in awe of Matt Hensley. Unfortunately, wearing cargo shorts, long sleeves under my tees & imitating his style (complete with puffed out cheeks) was completely contradicted by the fact I'd slapped a Grosso sticker, some Tracker trucks, rails, & Tracker Ollie wheels on his pro model. Ah well, I had fun!!

2007-08-28T22:49:00.000+01:00

i first became aware of Fernando Elvira's art from the series of boards he designed for cliche a few years back. as with all great artists that you discover through the diverse world of skateboarding his work stretches far beyond making graphics for boards & utilizes lots of different media to create a distinctive & bold aesthetic. anyway, about two months ago he painted a bowl in sweden & it looks awesome! click here:
DEFEKT to see the outcome. if you want to see more of Elvira's work peep it here COCOBULA

TEE TIME

2007-08-22T16:09:00.001+01:00

here is the first 'real' skate tee i ever owned. i'm not sure why i kept it - as it's proper skin tight nowadays- but i'm glad i did. i remember the first time i wore it skating & my mates being really stoked. then as we left the park on our boards, via a small slope to the gates, i slid out & tore holes in the shoulder. i was so gutted but it was darned to look as good as new & lasted another few years until growing got in the way...

2007-08-13T21:33:00.000+01:00

TONY WILSON 1950-2007
We owe a lot to this man. All that was & is good about British music can be credited to him...... Now, listen to Joy Division

2007-08-05T13:24:00.000+01:00

whilst leaving pisa airport to pick up the rental car for our blind leading the blind, totally don't know where we're going in the dark, death race to the villa my friend matt and i were faced with this painted bronze sculpture of a pigeon. with half it's head missing & a club foot it was a grim greeting....welcome to pisa!!

as a contrast below is another view of siena town's clock tower taken from it's courtyard...

2007-07-17T21:26:00.000+01:00

i'm exhibiting some seen & unseen paintings / drawings in a group exhibition at the folkes-miller gallery from saturday evening onwards - for about three months. peep the flyer & if you're in the area pop in & say 'sup! click the gallery link on the left for more info. regarding opening times

2007-07-16T22:09:00.000+01:00

i went to a friends wedding in tuscany, italy last week. this is a flick of the town square of siena. every year the people of the town gather here to see the finish of a horse race that, unbelievably, takes part through the streets of siena. sadly i didn't get to see it but the views from the clock tower on the right were astounding

2007-07-10T13:41:00.000+01:00

this is quite possibly the best piece of graffiti i have ever seen. in a town where it is hard to find visual stimuli (especially that with a political motive) i have to admire the artist's sentiment....i just wish i'd thought of it!!

2007-07-07T17:34:00.001+01:00

i took this photo about five minutes after the previous post. it's amazing how quickly the colours & light can change so dramatically....moody huh?

2007-07-05T21:06:00.001+01:00

i have to get up for work at a highly unsociable hour. in the winter, i not only go to work in the dark i also come home in the dark. mostly those winter months are hideous torture but every so often the sky will be clear and i get to witness amazing sunrises like this.....not all bad really!!