Sand sculpture is a fascinating and unexplored art form, from which we can create small or huge intricate sculptures in a relatively short amount of time. The idea that it is built only out of “sand” marvels and intrigues people.
Sand sculpting is most common as a display, promoting art form for fairs, festivals, corporations, conventions, malls etc..
Typically, the preparation work starts before an event opens. The most popular attraction is the sculpting part as well as the finish product. This allows for the compaction part of the project to happen first then the sculptors become live entertainers when everything is open.
Sand sculpture image gallery
How it is done
We get the sand delivered as close to the site as possible. The sand is then put into wood frame boxes by hand or with the help of a bobcat. It then gets mixed with the right amount of water and a construction compactor is used to bind the sand together. This process forms a sand “block” that we later sculpt, always starting at the top and working our way down, taking the wood away in the process.
On indoor projects, we must ensure the structure can support the weight of the sculpture. We use plastic sheets or poly on the floor to contain the water, protected by a sheet of plywood. A wooden perimeter may also be used to contain the sand within a definite space. One way to bring the sand is on pallets in 1 ton bags, then put into wooden framed box. One cubic yard (3’x3’x3’) of compacted sand roughly weighs 1 1/2 ton.
How long does it last
Sand sculptures may last weeks even months depending on the environment. Depending on weather and type of sand, decisions are taken to ensure the completion of a project. Sand is subject to natural erosion, the sun and the wind but tricks of the trade help counter balance those forces.
As team building
Sand sculpting is an easy, light hearted way to challenge employee’s dynamics within a group, working together towards a common goal.
On a typical day, we would spend 2-6 hrs sculpting outside and compaction is done prior to the start-up time, the sand is ready to sculpt (depending on the group interests). Sculptors would then give their tricks of the trade and by the end of the day, the group should have a small sculpture before them.
