How is sand sculpture made?

Sand sculpture is a spatial work of art, that is made using sand and water. To create sand sculpture qualitative quarry sand is required. The sand is mixed with water and compressed into blocks of a consistency similar to sandstone. Using sharp instruments, the artists hew or cut sculptures from the blocks. This technology allows the creation of large scale works with very fine detail, including compositions of multiple figures, portraits, decorative designs etc.

 What kind of sand is used?

For large scale sculptures with fine detail, a specific type of sand is required. This sand is from quarries that provide appropriate proportions of minerals and clay.

 What happens in rainy or very windy conditions?

Neither wind nor rain will significantly harm sand sculptures, as sand when mixed with water and compressed acquires a consistency similar to sandstone.

 How long will sand sculptures endure?

Properly made sand sculpture will last in the open air for several months. For example, the open air lifespan record in Europe – one year and nine months  - was set by a sand sculpture made in Madurodam, in the Netherlands. In California open air sculptures have stood for two years. If the sculpture is built indoors,  it can last for ten years.

 Where can sand sculptures be located?

Sand sculptures can be made at any site with access for sand and water delivery and electricity connection.

 When were the first sand sculptures created?

Historically sand sculpture was known before our era – in Egypt and India. The modern professional festival movement was begun in the 70’s of the last century in the USA. The first European professional sand sculpture festival took place in the Netherlands, on the Sheveningen beach in 1991. These days the largest and internationally best known festival in Europe – “Sand World” is held every year at the Travemunde beach, in Germany.  However, the largest sand sculptures are created at the “Fiesa” festival in Portugal. Closest to Latvia so far has been Scandinavia’s largest festival, that takes place at the lakeside in the Finnish town of Lappeenranta.

 When did sand sculpture begin in Latvia?

The beginning of professional sand sculpture in Latvia is considered to be the International Sculpture Quadrinnale “Rīga-92”, during which, on June 27^th, 1992 at the Lielupe estuary, sculptors were creating art from sand. On this occasion Latvia was represented by such recognized artists as Kristaps Gulbis, Gļebs Panteļejevs, Olga Šilova and Anda Neretniece.

 After that there were children’s festivals “Golden sand grain/Zelta smilšu grauds” in Pāvilosta, but professional sculptors turned their hand to sand sculpture once more in 2007, at the first “Magic Sand” festival in Jūrmala.

 Where to find more information about sand sculpture?

The Baltic Association of Sand Sculpture was formed in 2006. Its aim is to popularize sand sculpture, to promote the exchange of experience of sculptors and to advance the integration of this art form in the Latvian art scene.