S A N D ART CALENDAR 2015



 

"Inspired by the op art movement and artists such as M.C.Escher, I am initially a self-taught graphic artist, producing hand drawn geometric pieces. My artistic inspiration comes from a variety of sources – from viewing logos and symbols, to studying the geometric order is contained within nature, coupled with numerous hours spent on my drawing board bringing to life the geometric shapes I visualize from within my being."

"Since 1990 I have been reproducing my work as large scale pieces of land art (in arable crops), and also photographing the surrounding landscapes in which they reside. I now predominantly create original pieces of land art using the totally natural medium of sand beaches. Due to tidal conditions, the arts transient nature is very ‘of the moment’ … a metaphor for time itself perhaps"

"By understanding the symbiotic relationship between sacred design and its position within an ancient landscape, my art has the ability to enter viewers  psyche and effect how they interpret the world around them. This motivates me to continue pushing the parameters of these mediums’ creative possibilities. Following on from the stone circle-makers of old, I am effectively attempting to create sacred spaces for contemplation, a catalyst by which visitors can question life, the universe, and their place within it."

"For the past three summers, together with my team, I've been creating sand art on the beaches of south/west England. Each piece can only be fully appreciated when viewed from overhead. At ground level the art appears more abstract in appearance. I usually practice my sand art below Brean Down - a rocky headland that juts out into the Bristol channel and offers 300ft high views over the beach below. The Bristol channel has the second largest tidal range in the world. This exposes a wide expanse of sand during low tide...perfect for my art which can measure up to 500ft in diameter. 'Time and tide wait for no man'. Due to tidal conditions I only have a seven hour window in which to create and record each artwork before the incoming tide erases it. I enjoy working with nature and overcoming all the challenges that this presents. Each piece is the final process of a design concept that has been carefully considered in advance. By following a detailed plan, my team and I are able to survey the beach, accurately plotting points, which can subsequently be utilised and linked in a specific order to create each artwork. My tool of choice is an adjustable wire headed leaf rake which I use to tickle the surface of the sand. This exposes the wetter subsurface, thus providing the contrast for the art to become visible. Knowing the fleeting patterns that I leave behind in some way act as catalysts for people to take pleasure and meaning from makes it all worthwhile. I'd advise anyone to give it a try the next time they visit a beach. Go with the flow and develop a style of art that represents yourself…and as they say, practice makes perfect!"

"Due to the sand arts fleeting nature, very few people are able to appreciate it first hand. By way of producing something tangible for everyone to hold onto, and to help fund future art, I’ve produced a 2016 sand art calendar for peoples purchasing pleasure. Each calendar is printed onto 235 g/m² premium glossy card stock and measures approx 280mm x 430mm, with each page/month having a different image of my sand art created during 2015." 

Please visit my website via the following link to order the calendar, thank you: 
http://www.landartist.org/sand-art-calendar




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