- HubPages»
- Arts and Design»
- Sculpture, Statues & Carving
Everything you were afraid to ask a Sand Sculptor.
Fairy Ring
Everything you were afraid to ask a Sand Sculptor
A professional Sand sculptor for 35 years.
Be fearless its only the web, I have a thick skin and a friendly heart, ask away???
Some questions and answers to get you started.
1.What holds the sand up?
We first compress sand and water by pounding it into concrete like wood forms with layers about every 2 to 4 inches. Instead of sandstone that is created by nature’s time and pressure. Just by packing sand through pressure pounding, almost turning the sand into sand stone like hardness. Once packed, Sand Sculpture cannot be moved once sculpted. We start from top and work our way downward removing forms as we sculpt downward, until down until all forms are removed from the sand sculpture.
2. How long can it last?
Good quality sand, packed well can last up to 2 years outdoors. Indoor, it could last as long as a house when coated with white glue.
3. Are sand sculptor artist?
You are what you think you are. Yes, its much a like fine sketch artist in the round. Sand sculpture is a performance art and anyone can be a part of it too.
4 What if it rains?
The sculptors work under umbrellas.Surprisingly the sand sculpture, rain is less damaging then you would think. We use biodegradable and environmentally friendly, nontoxic, invisible glue that protect against the sun and wind. The glue while protecting the surface details, It adds no structural strength.
5. Do you mind answering questions?
I enjoy talking and interacting with all age groups and walks of life as I sculpt. Answering questions is part of sharing of the greater art experience. People love watching and enjoy talking to me and the other sculptors. After 5 questions it is a $1 a question. (Just kidding)
6. Is this your largest and tallest sand sculpture?
My tallest is 67 feet high and weighing 70,000 tons.
7. Are you afraid to see it destroyed?
Everything is in the process of change. I love the process of sculpting every sculpture is a new, learned experience Destruction can be fun, and we get alot of free help knocking down sand sculptures from a real tiger, an elephant, children, clowns, and even security guards. The important thing is to get a photo before they too much fun destorying it..
8. Where does the sand come from?
It is fine silted sand that usually comes from a local Sand and Gravel pit.
Sand sculpting (a dream job) was voted as one of the "Top Ten Careers in the World". For the majority of sculptors, the artistic qualities which sand possesses are ultimately what they are looking for. Encompassing both disciplines of sculpting and carving, Sand Sculpting is not only a performing art, but is being recognized as a medium for planning, displays and studio work. It is truly the made from sand, ranging from glass to cement and silicone. As well, a great deal of our environment is made of sand and its presence lies deep in our subconscious
Comments
- Author
Thanks, I enjoy you too.
i am so impressed...... Now all my questions are answered. I am in awe of any artist.... I need tolearn to be more artistic. I started art classes last year, and all we did was analyse other artists. Starting with Scream... I was the oldest person there, and the only person that had not seen the picture before, and i had nightmares that night.... i read too much into it ha ha
I digress, would love to see more of your work.... you really make me laugh in the forums....
- Author
Yes, Sandsculpture contest are popping up everywhere
Thanks
When I was a child and at the beach - I would stare at the images made in the sand by the sand sculptor. His sand creations were not as three dimensional as yours. To me it looked as if the images had been scraped out of the sand and his image of a fallen horse was flat on the sand side but 3D on the upper side. There were in all six or seven other subjects, but it was the horse that I remember now. I think I must have asked my parents lots of questions about how the 'sand man' made the horse from sand, but the sand on the beach there was very soft and it was difficult even to build a sand castle that did not fall apart.
When years later they had a festival for sand sculptors at the same beach they imported the sand used, I think it was from Holland. Sorry this is a long comment, it sparked off some good memories, thank you.
- Author
Thanks
I learned a lot about sand sculpture in Southern California
Absolutely amazing.... I have learned so much from you
- Author
Christopher Price
Yeh,
All things change and energy recycles. It’s amazing how many things turn over in life. I look at change as an opportunity to improve
Your skills are truly impressive. "Fairy Ring" was a masterful creation.
I am always amazed by the willingness of sand sculptors to invest so much creative energy and skill in something so short-lived and fleeting. Much of the impetus I feel for creating art is to leave something of myself behind when I am gone. Though nothing lasts forever, I'd like my creations to outlive me and speak for me when I no longer can.
Peace.
CP
- Author
thanks
It's called "The Fairy Ring" all the animals and fairies dance him to sleep
I love this sculpture!
- Author
Thank you
11