How to build a sand sculpture?
Step 1:
Compact your sand on the table by pushing down with both hands and squeezing in. This will ensure your sand is as dense as possible and will stay together when you being to carve.
Step 2:
Once your sand is compacted, get a tool with a thin edge, or point like the knife and mark out the edges of your sculpture before you begin to carve.
Step 3:
When you have outlined your sculpture, you can begin to carve using either the knife or one of the thin tin tools. Carefully follow your outline until you have carved all the edges.
Use a short downward cutting motion with the carving tools for the best result.
Step 4:
When your sculpture has been shaped fully along the outline, you can then begin to use the other tools to add detail. Always work from the highest point.
If using a wire tool, always cut across, allowing the wire to cut the sand. Do not drag the tool through or it will leave ragged edges.
But how do the experts build these mega sand sculptures?
Step 1:
‘Brickies loam’ (a sand and loam mix made specifically for laying bricks which many people use it for bedding under above ground pools) is brought onto the site by the truckload and moved around to where it is needed by a telescopic handler and a front end loader.
Step 2:
Each sculpture, or pile, requires layers of formwork to achieve a general shape. These forms are made to measure on site.
The base of the sculpture is made, then the forms are filled, layer by layer, with sand and water, and compacted until very hard.
Step 3:
Once the required height and shape is achieved, the top layer of form is removed and carving begins.
The sculpture is carved from top to bottom, a layer at a time. Once complete it is sprayed with a biodegradable sealant to help repel moisture.
Step 4:
Although the sculptures are strong, they need some maintenance through the event period. This is done daily by the resident sculptor.
FAQ
What sort of sand is used in the sculptures?
The sand we use is called heavy sand, or 'brickies' sand which is different to the sand you see on the beach as each grain is square, which means it sticks together better, like building blocks. Beach sand is smoother and rounder so doesn't stay together quite as well.
What happens to the sculptures if it rains?
The finished sculptures are sprayed with an environmentally-friendly, biodegradable spray that gives them a water resistant coating. Over time, wind and rain will erode a sculpture, however, if the sculpture is housed within a protected area it can last for years.
How do sculptors learn their craft?
Sculptors come from varied backgrounds that include fine arts, architecture and design. However most sculptures learn their craft on-the-job by participating in teams at sand sculpting displays around the world and honing their skills. Once they reached a high level of skill they are able to compete in championship events that are held around the world.
Do you add anything to the sand?
Apart from water, nothing is added to the sand - the secret that holds the sand together is the hard compaction of the sand.
Where does the sand come from?
The sand for the Frankston event comes from the Graham Quarries in Langwarrin.
Do the sculptors start from the top or the bottom?
The sand is compacted firmly into wooden forms to create the general shape and size of the sculpture. At this stage, the sculpture resembles a giant wedding cake with many layers. The sculptors use these layers to climb to the top, they remove the wooden formwork from around the top layer and start carving. When they have finished the top layer, they move down to the next, and so on. There is no scaffolding or ladders used.
What tools do the sculptors use?
The sculptors use a variety of tools ranging from trowels of all sizes through to things that you might find in your kitchen drawer at home. They all use a plastic tube, like a large drinking straw, to gently blow away the grains of sand as they care.
Are the sculptures solid sand?
The sculptures are carved completely from solid sand, with no foam or open space underneath what you can see. The only time a sculpture would not be solid is when indoors on a floor with weight bearing limitations. Then we may use a polystyrene core to lighten the load, but the outer sand is still carved by hand.
And the even bigger question, what happens to all these sculptures at the end of the event?
At the end of the event, the sculptures are broken down by a bulldozer and the sand is taken away to be reused or stored for the next year's event.
2011 - Creepy Crawlies
2013 - Under the Sea
How to go?
Take a train from the city to the Frankston line.
Alight at Frankston (the last stop)
Walk in the direction of the Frankston waterfront / tourist information center. It is a 10 minute walk.
Acknowledgements:
All information were provided by Sand Castles Australia
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