Monday, December 23, 2013

Beach Blanket Bethlehem

My favorite sand sculptor is back on the beaches of Fuengirola. Paul Blane, creator of, among other things, last year's "Last Supper" (click here to see that inspired work), has produced his own version of the Nativity.

BAA.  BAA.  BAA.

Paul's talent and skills are impressive and his obvious sense of humor charms me every time. He knows how to tell a story. He's usually traveling during spring and summer for international competitions and to do custom-ordered work. Click here to check out his website. Winters are usually spent back in Fuengirola, so I'm looking forward to seeing this season's new creations.

(CLICK THE FOLLOWING THREE IMAGES FOR A CLOSER LOOK.)
LEFT...
CENTER...
AND RIGHT. 

Today I told Paul I would love to learn his sculpting technique (the inspiration and creativity are another matter). He said I could apprentice with him... as long as I don't mind hauling water. Seriously.

It's tempting...

But those full buckets are heavy...

And it's a really long walk back from the surf.

THE ARTIST RELAXING IN HIS STUDIO.  I WAS IN A T-SHIRT.
(IT MUST GET COLD SITTING IN THE LATE AFTERNOON SHADE.)

25 comments:

  1. WOW! I could watch this guy working for hours! His work is really good.
    Apprenticing eh? That would be your workout Mitch!
    Great shots you got as well.
    Just looked again....love to be able to do something like this.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jim:
      It actually crossed my mind that it would be a good workout...

      It's hard to believe that's just sand and water.

      Delete
  2. Wow, that is truly beautiful. Impressive!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Judith:
      And a really nice guy, too. A pleasure to stop off for a regular visit.

      Delete
  3. Absolutely Amazing! I walked on our gritty, sandy, very rocky beach today and thought about your friend... then... here he is again! I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  4. His sculptures are the best I have seen. What a clever man.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Andrew:
      There's so much life in his work. I love it.

      Delete
  5. Amaaaaaazing. Wow!
    Happy Christmas Eve to you and Jerry when you read this after midnight tonight, the 23rd :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Judy:
      A beautiful day for a Christmas Eve walk on the beach. Hope the weather is cooperating for you. Joyeux Noël!

      Delete
  6. He truly is an artist. I hope you and San Geraldo have a relaxing and very Merry Christmas. And give the DD my best wishes for a wonderful New Year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stephen:
      Thanks so much. Wishing you and Mrs. C the same! (And thanks so much for remembering the DD; she'll be flattered.)

      Delete
  7. Extraordinary talent! In a way it's a bit sad that sand sculptures are like ice sculptures - catch them while you can because their existence is short-lived. But it's precisely that which makes one appreciate them while they're there rather than like permanent fixtures, which are so easy to take for granted. Anyway, this chap's artistic ability is just breath-taking.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Raybeard:
      Thank "god" for photography. An0ther fun thing about the sand sculptures, however, is that they're constantly evolving. Remember last winter's "Sandbar."

      Delete
  8. Baa, Baa grey sheep!

    An apprentice starts at the bottom of the ladder. Who knows what great creations you produce.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Peter:
      When I was a kid, while everyone else on the beach was building castles or digging holes, I was sculpting sea lions. That was my specialty. Would love to learn more, but don't think I want to lug buckets!

      Delete
  9. Puts my old Bucket Sandcastles to shame!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bob:
      You can be MY apprentice. I'll let YOU haul the water buckets.

      Delete
  10. Merry♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸✰¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ Christmas♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸✰¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪Merry ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸✰¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪Christmas ☆☆☆And¸¸✰¸¸ a ¸¸✰¸¸Happy ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸✰¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪New¸¸✰¸¸ Year

    Tra La La, La La La Laaaaah!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ron:
      So... in Nova Scotia you sing TRA instead of FA? Fascinating.

      Tra la la. La la la. La la la. Catchy!

      Delete
  11. hey mitchell, thanks to all for the lovely comments about my work, it inspires me to work harder, anyone need a sand sculptor?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Paul:
      Too bad about the weather right after I took the pictures, but can't wait to see what you do next. Meanwhile, we'll just keep building your fan club.

      Delete

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