As the sun beats down on the sandy shore, the sound of waves crashing onto the beach fills the air. Amidst the sound of seagulls and children playing, a man can be seen kneeling in the sand, his hands moving deftly as he shapes the sand into something beautiful. 

Meet Andoni Bastarrika, a man with a passion for creating stunningly realistic animal sculptures out of sand.

Bastarrika, from Spain, discovered his love for sand sculpting in the summer of 2010 while playing with his daughters on the beach. Since then, he has spent the past ten years perfecting his craft and has created jaw-dropping sand sculptures of animals, such as horses, bison, elephants, and dogs, among many others.

Bastarrika’s love for sand as a medium comes from its behavior. He explained in a Facebook post that “the sand fascinates me because no matter how you look at it, it will always teach you things if you are willing to learn.” 

The artist Andoni Bastarrika poses with his sand art. Photo by Bastarrika

According to him, sand teaches unity, and for him to create a sculpture, many sand particles participate, hugging each other tightly through humidity, so that someone can model their union. Once the artist steps back, the sculpture remains at the mercy of nature, meaning that sooner or later, the wind will dry them up and release each particle, slowly consuming all the individuality and authenticity.

For Bastarrika, making animal sculptures out of sand is a way to embrace their freedom, power, and wisdom through beauty rather than a form of suffering.

Humans ‘overdress’ to survive in many ways. I have never made nor will I make an animal with a necklace or chains. I prefer to embrace their freedom, power, and wisdom through beauty,” he said.

The process of creating a sculpture begins with piling up wet sand and shaping it until he finds the expression that brings it to life. He then uses a sharpened stick and a feather to emphasize its expression. Sometimes, Bastarrika said he incorporates other materials such as coal powder, ashes or glass shards to add realism to his work. 

How long it takes to finish a design, he said, depends on the size of the project. He spent two days finishing an elephant sculpture and 12 hours completing a bison and a horse.

The artist Andoni Bastarrika poses with his sand art. Photo by Bastarrika

Bastarrika’s works focus on creatures of the natural world. His creations look incredibly realistic, and often people think they are real, when they first see them.

I am fascinated that people can confuse sculptures made simply with sand and water as if they were real,” he said. “The sculptures that I create are alive, they speak a language that everyone understands, regardless of their age, culture, or origin,” Bastarrika said.

Bastarrika’s sand sculptures are mesmerizing, and people have been flocking to see them. Many have taken to social media to express their admiration for his talent. “Incredible! His work is out of this world,” one user wrote. “These are amazing! I am speechless,” another user added.

Bastarrika’s sculptures have generated him followers from all over the world, and he has been featured in various media outlets. He hopes to continue his work as a sand sculptor and inspire others to embrace their creativity. “I am grateful for what the sand has given me. It has given me the opportunity to express myself through my hands and my spirit, and I hope that my sculptures can bring inspiration, peace, and joy to everyone who sees them,” he said.

The artist Andoni Bastarrika poses with his sand art. Photo by Bastarrika

Bastarrika’s art is something everyone should be able to see and also serves as a reminder of the beauty of nature and our connection to it. 

Watch below to see some of his works on the beach.

Sources: My Modern Met | My Positive Outlooks