Sand Sculpting Secrets

What holds the sand together?

This is the most frequently asked question sand sculptors hear. The answer is water, and more specifically the surface tension of water. The ideal sand is a very
fine grain with the naturally occurring silt and clay still in it. If you find
yourself sculpting on a beach, try to dig the sand close to the water line,
or low tide area. Ironically, most beach sand is not very well suited to sand
sculpting, as the grains have become round from wave action and erosion.

Do you have to keep spraying the sand with water?

Yes and no. With good sand, you’ll find that the moisture stays in quite well.
When working outdoors with sun and wind, the spraying will help keep
the details. It is also a good idea to spray an area just prior to carving some
finer points, as the wet sand holds an edge better. Once completed, they
spray a sealer on the surface to keep the water in. This transparent layer
will allow sand sculptures to stay standing for months on end, through
rain, sun and wind. It is not holding the sculpture together any more than
paint holds your car together.

 
How long has the team been sand sculpting?

They are professional artists who work in many different mediums. Starting
with snow sculpting in the early '90s, progressed to ice and finally about
4 years ago tried sand. Surprisingly, it is sometimes easier to make a living
from carving these ephemeral mediums than more conventional materials
like stone and bronze. As artists they are attracted to the possibility of creating
large detailed sculptures in a very short time.

Does it bother you that this sculpture will be destroyed at the end of the event?

No... they realize that they are performance artists, and enjoy the positive
feedback and reactions of the audience as they work. It is quite likely that
they have a larger audience than many artists whose work can only be seen
in galleries. And the audience has a special appreciation for the work, both
for the unique use of a common material, and that these sculptures are
only on display for a limited time. They like the fact that they can create 20 or more giant sculptures in a few weeks.