Sandfest, far from AK

[flowerpower]

We just got back from a trip to the Texas coast, it was very windy the first day with gusts to 40 mph or so. The surf was pounding and rolling all different directions! We didn't take the pups, they had to stay behind, since it is hard to find a place that allows 3 large hound dogs.
Heidi mentioned Sandfest on the Alaska trip topic and Wow! I was so impressed with some of the artists, I thought I would try posting a few pictures. This is on the beach in Port Aransas, a small resort town on the Texas coast. The sculptors come from all over the country, including one from Italy, and the sculptures are made completely out of sand!
And yes, I know this has absolutely nothing to do with dogs, Alaska, snow or mushing, but some of us must take our recreation where we can, while dreaming of cooler climates!

[flowerpower]

And a couple more. The wind surfer picture I just liked! Moderators, feel free to resize if needed.

[Di*]

Great Pictures Flower! I would love to try sculpting some of those, looks like so much fun! What better place could you have for your "work" environment than the beach !

It is great seeing what everyone is up to now that the racing season is past! So don't worry about being "off-topic" this is what makes it fun to keep tuning in here during the off season!

[tanglefoot]

how do they get the sand to stick together and hold up?

[Jan]

Those are awesome flowerpower -- thanks for sharing!

[Moose]

How long do they last?

[flowerpower]

I don't really know much about it, except it was fasinating to watch the progress. Most seem to use big forms-wooden boxes-that they packed the sand into. They would wet it down, stomp it, beat it with shovels, and add more sand. They did seem to be using some sort of "fixative" in a spray bottle, plus water, to help hold it together. There was a huge one that was done by alot of local artists together as a promotion, and it held up pretty well through the wind and a slight burst of rain. The masters spent two and a half days working on theirs-we left Saturday so the pics are works in progess-they had until noon Sunday to finish. I am guessing they don't hold up too long-one was partially crumbled before they even finished!
More pictures at the website: http://www.texassandfest.com/

[Di*]

Saw a show on this once and yea, they use a big form(a barrel or whatever) to wet the sand and make a firm mound, then they sculpt "into" it and use spray bottles of water to keep it wet/firm while working etc.
I'm sure the conditions(wind, heat etc.) contribute to the time the thing will last....really cool. I'd love to sit and watch a piece from start to finish. Such amazing artists, what a shame the pieces don't last longer!!

[MotorWerk]

Impressive stuff. I've never been sandsculpting. Did try in ice (with a chainsaw) once, but I've got as much talent as a dead ant.

If the wind doesn't break the sculptures up I'm pretty sure the tide will take care of it. Unless someones been cheating and added cement to the sand.

[Heidi]

Great pictures FP! Thanks for sharing them with us.