Sandy

It seems not that long ago I was at the beach every summer with Jackie and the girls playing in the sand. Back then….and today, I’m not much of an artist – mostly pail molds, our specially designed sand diggers, and time! I can remember being on the beach for hours digging enormous moats, making “drip castles” taller than the girls, while protecting the castle with lots of bucket towers! These would all be connected with twigs, shells, seagrasses (whatever we could find!). We would all run down the next day to see if our creation had survived high tide. Now I get to take my grandkids to the beach and build new creations. I still love to make a moat and direct the water within each creation. These days the little ones have just as much fun trying to step all over “Grandpa’s towers” before I can stop them. When it comes to “real” creations, I love to see the creativity and ingenuity of sand sculpture creations – talk about a PIA (Pain in the @%$) Job! Having the genius to design a sculpture in your mind, build the structure and then hand carve the image is truly amazing. Sand sculptures are fascinating examples of art that rely on a combination of physical properties of sand, water, and the skill of the artist. Hats off to this year’s winners. And thanks to people.com and google.com for the info and YouTube for the music – Enjoy!

Check out this fun competition.

Find some other amazing competitions here.

Here’s some fun music while you read:

Sand sculptors can create stable and intricate sculptures that can withstand environmental conditions for a period of time, showcasing both artistic skill and an understanding of the science behind sand’s physical properties.

To understand sandcastles, you first need to step away from the beach. Have you ever noticed how an insect can walk on the surface of a pond? What about that domed effect you see when you fill a glass of water to the VERY TOP? Those are all examples of surface tension in action. Surface tension is also why you can build a sandcastle.  These parts are for all of my engineering friends out there!

Surface tension is the force that causes water molecules to be attracted to one another. It gives wet sand its strength and makes it perfect for building great sandcastles. The water molecules coat the grains of sand and hold them together, forming water-drop bridges in the gaps between the grains.

The shape of sand grains plays a crucial role in the stability of sand sculptures. Angular grains interlock better than rounded grains, providing more stability. Fine sand grains pack together more tightly than coarse grains, which enhances the cohesion between grains. However, too fine grains may lack the structural integrity for tall structures.

Water creates capillary bridges between sand grains, which helps them stick together. The optimal moisture content is typically around 5-7% of the total weight of the sand. Too much water causes the structure to collapse due to the weight, while too little water prevents the grains from sticking together effectively.  The surface tension of water pulls sand grains together. This capillary action helps maintain the shape of the sculpture.

Sculptors use a variety of tools, such as shovels, trowels, brushes, and sculpting knives, to shape and detail the sand. Fine tools allow for intricate designs and smooth finishes. Some artists often carve from the top down to prevent falling debris from damaging lower parts of the sculpture.

The weather plays a significant role in the longevity and stability of sand sculptures. High humidity and moderate temperatures help maintain the moisture content, while strong winds, rain, or extreme heat can erode or collapse the structure. (I loved pouring water on my creations, and watching the sand break down and flow away).

Make it a point this summer to spend some time at the beach.  Dig your toes in the sand and start carving – you’ll have a blast!!