Liana

Since January 2008, [|sand storm] events has brought an exhibit of sand sculptures to Frankston's waterfront. This event had previously been held at Rye since 2000.
This event is held from December 26 until April 26 open: Sunday - Friday 10am until 6pm Saturday and public holidays 10am until 9pm

Sand sculptors need two things to create a good sculpture. Patience and endurance as sculptures can take a few days to as long as two months and be up to ten metres in height.

The type of sand used in these sculptures is called "Heavy sand". It is found on some beaches near riverbeds. This sand is cube shaped unlike the sand you'd find at your local beach which is round and warn down.

How sculptures are made
Before sculptors can start carving, they need to form the large blocks of sand. Tall walls are created called "forms" into either a square or rectangular shape. They are then put together to form a huge crate. Sand is then pushed down as hard as possible by being jumped on, hit and watered. This process is called "pound up". The water is added to make the grains of grain stick together like glue and eventually dries out. To the top of one block, more are added to create the need height. This should make a really large block of sand ready to carve.

The next stage is carving. Various tools are used to make detailed shapes. The sand needs to be constantly sprayed so it doesn't dry out. If the sand dries out then it is very difficult to carve from. After the model if finished, it needs to be sprayed with a waterproof coating to protect it from the rain, although this can eventually wear away so minor adjustments need to be made every now and again if kept outside in the open. Wires are also put onto the top of the sculptures to keep birds off.

History
The century when sand sculpting was invented is unknown although we know that it goes way back as the Egyptians used sand sculpting in their pyramids. Since the 19th century, Sand sculptures became profitable with coins being thrown at them, similar to musicians in the street. This type of art grew in popularity in the 20th century and competitions became to occur. The type of sculptures we see today came from California.

Design Elements
The elements used in sand sculpting are texture/pattern, line and shape. Texture and pattern is created with the sculpting tools. They vary from bit of pipe, kitchen utensils and specially made tools.

This year's event
This year's theme is called "Dinostory" it includes artists from all around the world. A story was created for this event. It is as follows:

One hot sunny summer's day While playing in the sand, A girl and her brother carve creatures That long ago roamed the land.

The little boy asks his sister If he's safe here down by the sea. Or can dinosaurs swim, he wonders. Will we both be eaten for tea?

No need to be scared, she tells him They are now nowhere to be found But they lived on the land, in the sea and the air And some burrows underground.

They daydream of what it might be like To conquer all their fears, To go into a valley of dinosaurs And follow them through the years.

There's Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous With creatures of every size. So come with them now through the valley To share their delight and surprise

property of sand sculptures Australia

[[image:IMGP0868.JPG width="383" height="297"]][[image:IMGP0888.JPG width="396" height="294"]]
last year's them: fairy tales and fables Video of the exhibit:

[|part 1]
[|part 2]

2009 - dinostory: [|full vid]

biblography:
[|frankston.vic.gov.au] [|sandstorm e]