Kentish Express Ashford & District
Inspirational artwork for new-look skate park
‘Although some of the characters crash, others are ready to help’
The Sk8side Youth Centre has been given a revamp with its very own doodle-inspired artwork by artist Sam Cox.
He has created cartoon characters crashing, ramp riders, and snapshots of Ashford in a new mural and on the skate ramps in Tannery Lane after youngsters put forward their ideas.
Ashford Borough Council commissioned Doodle Man Sam to create the inspiring designs to go on the side of the large ramp and to create the new Sk8side sign.
He said: “It has been great fun creating the artwork for Sk8side. Some of the themes I featured in the mural include characters supporting one another and learning how to ride skateboards together.
“Although some of the characters appear to crash and hurt themselves, others are stood nearby ready to help.
“This illustrates the strong bonding side that is part of Sk8side.
“I hope I have inspired them to get creative and maybe even try some doodling themselves.”
Ashford Borough Council’s culture portfolio holder Jessamy Blanford has praised 21-year-old Sam’s work.
Cllr Blanford said: “The project was a wonderful collaboration between young people and a local artist. It is fantastic to see how the ideas suggested have been translated into a trendy mural.”
Sk8side director Simon Woods added: “The artwork is visually stunning and cleverly reflects what Ashford means to young people, and the benefits of having a great local skate park.”
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