Author: Sanford R. Bender

I am an architect with extensive experience in government, judicial, health care, educational, and scientific research facility projects. My responsibilities have included design, client relations, presentation, writing, research, consultant coordination, code compliance, LEED certification review, contract documentation, project delivery and construction administration. Presently, I am pursuing certification in the National Sustainable Building Advisor Program and studying ecological engineering. Besides practicing architecture, I also continue to passionately follow my fine arts background in drawing, painting, writing, and music.
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Head in the clouds

“Pondering on Monday morning” drawn with pen and ink, and colored pencils on paper by Sanford Ross Bender on February 5, 2026
“Head in the clouds” composed and performed wioth concertina and guitar by Sanford Ross Bender on March 2, 2026.

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Light shafts

“Light shafts” photographed by Sanford Ross Bender in St. Marks, Florida on September 7, 2019.

“Alligator afternoon” composed and performed with banjo and concertina by Sanford Ross Bender on February 28, 2026.

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Snow deer

“Beyond the bramble” photographed in Bucks County, Pennsylvania by Sanford Ross Bender on November 17, 2015
“Snow deer” composed and performed with guitar and banjo by Sanford Ross Bender on February 25, 2026.

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Battle cry

“Warthog” drawn with colored pencil on paper by Sanford Ross Bender on January 23, 2026.
“Battle cry” composed and performed with guitar, concertina, and percussion on February 21, 2026.
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Dark hill sun dance

“Dark hill meadows” photographed by Sanford Ross Bender in Oregon on July 2, 2016.
“Dark hill sun dance” composed and played with guitar by Sanford Ross Bender on February 16, 2026.

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A complicated soul

“Persistence of the composer” drawn with pencil by Sandy Ross Bender.
“A complicated soul” composed and performed with clarinet, concertina, and guitar by Sandy Ross Bender on February 13, 2026.

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Carefully stepping downhill

“Karlstejn Castle” photographed in Karlstejn, Czechia from outside the fortress walls by Sanford Ross Bender on September 21, 2025.
“Carefully stepping downhill” composed and performed with guitar and concertina by Sanford Ross Bender on February 11, 2026.

Note: “KarlÅ¡tejn Castle was built as a mediaeval fortress overlooking the Berounka River valley in Czechia. The Gothic castle founded in 1348 by King Charles IV served as a place for safekeeping the Imperial Regalia as well as the Bohemian crown jewels, holy relics, and other royal treasures.” -SRB description modified from quotations by Wikipedia and the official KarlÅ¡tejn State Castle website.

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My traveling circus

“Patchwork quilt row” painted and drawn with mixed media by Sanford Ross Bender
“My traveling circus” composed and performed with guitar, banjo, concertina, and snare drum by Sanford Ross Bender on February 8, 2026.
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Prairie Story

“Bison in Iowa” photographed by Sanford Ross Bender in Madrid, Iowa on January 25, 2020.
Prairie Story” composed and performed with guitar and concertina by Sanford Ross Bender on January 31, 2026.
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Start of the year

“Deciding which trail to explore” drawn with pen and ink by Sanford Ross Bender on January 29, 2026.
“Start of the year” composed and performed with concertina and guitar by Sanford Ross Bender on January 28, 2026.