Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

Artist creates sculptures on beach –the tide keeps washing them away

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With intricate designs featuring landscapes, temples and even a giant cathedral, you’d think these masterpiec­es were on display in an art gallery.

But the incredible pieces are all made out of sand and were created on a beach by a master sculptor who painstakin­gly builds 12ft-high works of art.

Unfortunat­ely for Joo Heng Tan, his detailed designs - some of which require 18 tonnes of sand - only last for hours or days before they are washed away.

It takes Joo up to 24 hours a time to create his incredible work and he said he doesn’t mind that it doesn’t last forever.

His spectacula­r sand sculptures include sand statues, striking mythical creatures or simple street scenes - with his own children sometimes joining the fun to bring the works to life.

Profession­al sand sculptor Joo, 39, from Singapore, said: ‘ I always want to show people what is great art and this is my way to show others what is in my mind through sand sculpture. ‘I have done various sizes, my biggest has been 12 metres tall and my favourites are the more abstract pieces.

‘Sand is a great medium to work with because you can sculpt it to the limits of your own imaginatio­n.’

 ??  ?? Grand designs: One of Joo Heng Tan’s most spectacula­r sand artworks is this huge cathedral, complete with windows and turrets
Grand designs: One of Joo Heng Tan’s most spectacula­r sand artworks is this huge cathedral, complete with windows and turrets
 ??  ?? An Asian-inspired effort sees musical intstrumen­ts being played in this beautiful sculpture
An Asian-inspired effort sees musical intstrumen­ts being played in this beautiful sculpture
 ??  ?? Park life: Joos Heng Tan’s spectacula­r sand work replicates a bench, tree and rolling hills in one of his amazing pieces
Park life: Joos Heng Tan’s spectacula­r sand work replicates a bench, tree and rolling hills in one of his amazing pieces

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