I am an ocean
sandpainter. I hand gather natural ocean sands
and sands from throughout the world.
I have been
experimenting with sand since 1968 and continue
to explore the textures, patterns and rhythms of
the ocean coastlines to depict the very make-up
of the wild coastline beaches.
I've created a form of
painting using natural sands for color and a
nontoxic adhesive. The adhesive is applied to a
panel using brushes. Then the sand is pinched,
blended, dropped and intentionally placed to
create a form of ocean sandpainting. I have
gathered and use over 200 colors of natural
sands. Several layers are required, similar to
paint washes, to bring forth the true color and
design of the sand. The sand enables me to use a
variety of textures as well as colors. Sometimes
the sand is actually crushed seashell, ground to
a sand consistency by the posew of the ocean
itself. It makes for a wonderful
texture.
The sandpaintings allow
us all to touch in with a part of the earth, to
enjoy and remember the beauty, serenity, color
and textures of the earth's natural ocean
coastlines and its inhabitants.
