The last time I visited sand sculptor Paul Blane
(click here for his website), he had just started creating his Christmas scene amid the rubble of The Simpson's living room.
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IN THE BEGINNING...
PAUL CREATED THE SIMPSONS. |
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| 22 DECEMBER: MY PREVIOUS VISIT WITH PAUL. |
I hadn't managed to get back to that end of the beach until Sunday afternoon. My timing was perfect. Paul had just that morning completed his masterpiece.
As Paul wrote on his Facebook page:
"...8 days it took me, 15,000 litres of water fetched from the sea, by me, and about 1/2 tonne of blood, sweat, and tears..."
My American friends, that's about 4,000 gallons of water! I wonder how much sand was used. I wasn't there at the right time of day for the best pictures, but I managed.
(Click any image to be wowed.)
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| THE MASTERPIECE (A COMPOSITE SHOT PROVIDED BY PAUL). |
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| WE THREE KINGS... |
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| BAA... BAA... BAA... |
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| PLAYING CAT AND MOUSE... |
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| STACKED PIGLETS... |
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM PAUL BLANE IN FUENGIROLA.
(AND FROM SAN GERALDO AND ME, TOO.) |
Thanks, Mr. Sandman, for bringing us a dream...
Gorgeous video, loved it! Is it just me, or does that donkey look like one very smarmy ass? Oh, and that cow? SO thinking "I've got four big ones, you've got two little ones...I'm still top milker in this stable!"
ReplyDeleteJacqueline:
DeleteI'm sure it's just you... (Actually, you're probably right.)
Once I mastered the art of dumping a bucket full of sand upside-down and calling it a castle, I thought I was finished with the Art of Sand..
ReplyDeleteClearly I was wrong.
Bob:
DeleteWhen I was a kid, I made Sand Seals (like sea lions). I thought I was so talented!
Well, if God needed six days to create the whole caboodle I reckon a further two days to produce something rather closer to perfection is not bad going. The animals (so expertly, erm, 'captured') rather shift the attention away from the Holy Family & Three Kings - a refreshingly different slant on an overworked theme.
ReplyDeleteIs there a collection box for visitors to show appreciation for his artistry and efforts? There ought to be as the display is quite stunning.
Video is superb. Reminder of the first time I heard that song - mid 1950s, the 'Four Aces' version which we had on one of those easily breakable 78 r.p.m records. Of course at the tender age of 8/9 I had no idea who or what Mr Sandman was - and was slightly creeped out by the idea, associating the name with a black silhouetted caped and hatted figure one saw on the labels of 'Mr SandEman' port - even though, of course, I was far, far too young to partake. So go these memories of childhood!
Ray:
DeleteThere is a collection box. What's unfortunate is Paul is one of only two sculptors here who actually registered (and auditioned) with the city and pay taxes and insurance and everything else. They need to rake in quite a bit each day to make up for the incredible expense of the "privilege" to create art here. Even more unfortunate is, although they pay to do this legally, a number of sand "artists" have their own spots on the beach without paying. I don't think anyone should have to pay. But, if it's going to be required, the least the city could do is enforce the law for the people who are paying thousands of euros a year.
wow, the three kings are fantastic.
ReplyDeleteGosia:
DeleteI agree. And the expressions on the animals' faces, too!
Amazing craftsmanship. I wouldn't know how to create something like this.
ReplyDeleteStephen:
DeleteI so admire Paul. He combines creativity, artistry, wit, patience, and engineering. It's not a simple process.
They are impressive yes. How he has the patience for this is a marvel.
ReplyDeleteSpo:
DeleteMore patience than I would have. If there's rain or strong wind, he has to repair and, sometimes, start over. Then there's the daily maintenance.
The suckling piglets appeal to me. What terrific work he does.
ReplyDeleteAndrew:
DeleteHIs sense of humor is wonderful. And since the work requires constant maintenance and repair, he's always changing things and adding new figures and details. It makes me want to go back every day.
Unbelievable sand art from this master. Thanks for sharing these with us, Mitchell. Have a wonderful 2015.
ReplyDeleteLinda:
DeleteWishing you the same!
Happy Holidays to you and SG!
ReplyDeleteThe 'sandman' is incredible....all that effort produces very fine art!
The song is my all-time favourite, Mitchell. I learned it as a kid. This group does a great job with it. Thanks.
Jim:
DeleteI had completely forgotten about your nephew's version of the song. Had I remembered it, I would have used it instead. Wishing you guys (and your girl) a wonderful New Year's Eve and a year of good health and continued happiness.