Professional Sand Sculpting & Amateur Aspirations
'Ailina on Art : Jun 9th, 2008
Ouch. We are so quickly humbled.
Came across some “state of the art” sand sculpting.
I wish wish wish I had the opportunity to learn their techniques. Not a very convenient medium, unless we build a sandbox in the backyard. Or if I drive to a sandy creek every time I feel like working.
But sand seems like the perfect medium for me. Tactile, sensual, easily manipulated, nature-made, natural tones and coloring, clean, and I could work in the sunshine (at least three seasons out of the year). And, I could work on a large scale. I think sand could be the only large-scale medium that wouldn’t scare me away.
I look at these photos, and it’s not the work I envy; I envy the accessibility. Feel like I could step right into the frame and catch up a handful of sand, let it sift through my fingers.
Discovered the sculptures are carved from sand that’s been stacked and packed. Team Sandtastic utilizes the wood forms as scaffolding and removes the pieces as they work their way down.
The site also mentions a “windscreen spray” that increases the longevity of a sculpture. I read somewhere that one outdoor sculpture remained intact for over a year. I’m not sure what’s in the spray or how to get it, but if/when a time came that I’d need it, a little research would lead me to it, I’m sure.
The more I think about it, the more I want to go out and buy a kiddie pool and some bags of sand from Lowe’s. Wouldn’t be ideal working conditions, but I’m not exactly in a position to be picky. I’m busy, domestic, and amateur. That adds up to…kiddie pool and sand bags.
