For some fans, it starts with a jersey or a cap. For Tom Sanford, it’s a canvas — and sometimes, a cut-out sneaker.

The New York-based artist has created a series of paintings inspired by the New York Knicks, including a detailed cut-out of a Nike Dunk in the team’s signature orange and blue.

A fan since the early 1990s, Sanford said his connection to the team has fueled decades of work centered on Knicks culture.

"I think of myself as the unofficial artist of the Knicks. You know, I really like being involved in the cultures I'm making art about," he said.

Sanford's work can be seen on social media under his Instagram handle @Uberkunst. He sometimes partners with Steven Dilakian of @bockerbackpages. 

Among his most recognizable pieces is a stylized image of Knicks star Jalen Brunson, designed to resemble the front of a sugary cereal box. The artwork, dubbed “Captain Clutch,” has become a fan favorite and is widely seen on T-shirts around the city.

"I've made a lot of art, and I've been lucky enough to get a little attention from time to time, but I think my most famous image by far is 'Captain Clutch.' Like, You cannot go to a game without seeing 'Captain Clutch' and every time I wear the t-shirt on the street, I get some dude from across the street yelling, 'Yo, that shirt is hard,'" Sanford said.

Over the years, Sanford has painted some of the franchise’s most iconic players, including Walt Frazier, Patrick Ewing and John Starks. He has also captured the current era of Knicks basketball, featuring players such as Brunson, Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns, who have helped return the team to consistent playoff contention in recent years.

Sanford’s work has even reached City Hall. After hearing about his large wooden cut-out paintings, Mayor Zohran Mamdani arranged for the pieces to be displayed in the building’s rotunda.

Sanford said the team’s recent success has only added to the energy behind his work, which resonates beyond traditional art audiences.

"It's making art about a subject matter [for which] there's a big constituency in New York for. And really, I believe in trying to make art that kind of resonates locally. I'm not interested in biennials and international art stuff. I want to make stuff about the place I live, and the art is kind of magical," he said.

For Sanford, the work is more than a creative outlet — it’s a way of life, blending art with a lifelong passion for the Knicks.