Schoph: Sanctuary

About

Schoph and RedHouse Gallery (Harrogate, UK) are collaborating with Island Snowboards (Hokkaido, Japan) to present a glimpse of the artist’s creative journey, from concept to creation.

“Schoph is undoubtedly a dynamic force in the world of snowboarding and art. A true shredder to his core and part of our extended European family, he is a legend in the game.”

John Basset, Island Snowboards

Best known in the snowboard community for his figurative graphic style, this is the first time Schoph’s abstract paintings have appeared on a snowboard. It is also the first time the deck will be exhibited in a gallery setting, alongside the paintings that inspired its design.

The deck itself is titled ‘Supernaut’ and the imagery was originally created by Schoph during the first UK lockdown in 2020. At the time the artist was living in Hirst Priory, an 18th century country house in North Lincolnshire. The grand scale of the location meant it was possible for him to produce some of his largest and most ambitious paintings.

At the time, Schoph relished the opportunity and working in isolation was not unusual: “Usually I don’t look at the outside world, or the internet - so being an artist is naturally isolating - working whenever you have inspiration or drive. For me that is every day anyway.”

A chapter in our history that has been shared universally and brought artists to the fore, the series became known as ‘The Quarantine Paintings’ and there is a fluidity, energy and sense of liberation across the collection. The use of script and gestural brushstrokes echo Cy Twombly, with Schoph incorporating song lyrics and dates in his distinctive hand. The artist likened the paintings to “visual poetry” and “chapters in a book”, documenting the stages of the pandemic, with an anticipated return to the slopes always in mind.

Drawing parallels between his artistic practice and his career as a snowboarder, Schoph simply likes to be ‘in the moment’. He states: “Everyone wants to give everything a title these days. Whether snowboarding or creating art, it’s just about being happy. I’m happy with doing something, and so I crack on. You don't think of anything else, because you enjoy it. Doing what you do doesn’t need a title.”