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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When cats, cougars, and lions dream

“When cats, cougars, and lions dream” composed, performed, and recorded with guitar and concertina by Sanford Ross Bender on January 29, 2022.
“Sleeping lioness” drawn with colored pencil on paper by Sanford Ross Bender
“Sleeping cats” drawn with charcoal on paper by Sanford Ross Bender
“Seemingly asleep cougar” drawn with colored pencil by Sanford Ross Bender
“Lions in reflection” drawn with colored pencil on paper by Sanford Ross Bender

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Interrupted Anger

“Interrupted Anger” composed, performed, and recorded with guitar and concertina by Sanford Ross Bender on January 15, 2022
“Earth Quilt” drawn and painted with colored pencil and watercolor by Sanford Ross Bender in 1983.

Anger interrupted,

Dissolving dissonance,

Like ephemeral streams,

Quilting prairie terrain,

Meandering,

Through music,

Of my own making.

Poem written by Sanford Ross Bender on January 18, 2022

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Polar Ardor

Polar Ardor (2021)

A short animation about polar life and love created by Camille Wainer (camillewainer.com) in collaboration with composer Sanford Bender (sanfordbender.com).

Inspired by the paper cut style of early animator Lotte Reiniger, Polar Ardor incorporates the additive techniques of woodblock stamping and Chine-collé printmaking to recreate a delicate landscape threatened by division and deterioration.The whimsical music of composer/architect Sanford Bender accompanies each stage of the polar bear’s journey through a varied composition using only two symbolic forms (the heart and the puzzle piece). Simply and subtly, Polar Ardor offers an optimistic message about the importance of collaboration and compassion in the face of an uncertain future.

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Lycanthrope

“Lycanthrope” composed, performed, and recorded with voice singing original poem and accompaniment on guitar, and banjo by S.R. Bender on December 24, 2015
“Werewolf” painted with gouache by S.R. Bender

Lycanthrope

Darting furtively through the mist

Cursed under lunar brightness

The valiancy of my heart

Slashed by razor teeth

Became my darkest side

Evil enclosing

My nocturnal lair

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Mud tracked prints

Find me sprawled

In the dawn of twisted sheets

Like tormented trees

Gnarled from remembering

What blackened life

Is forever gone

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

But only the music

Of wind and owls

And the crackling rain

Had abided my incessant howls

Until yet another night

When gliding clouds

Reveal another full newness of moon

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

S.R. Bender, January 8, 2011