When we hear the words “sand sculpture,” we often picture sandcastles. However, Andoni Bastarrika proves that there’s more to sand art than tiny structures. He creates astonishingly realistic animal portraits that will make you look twice. To achieve this effect, Bastarrika tightly compacts the sand, creating a blank canvas for textures like fur and wrinkles. He enhances the illusion by using stone powders to color the sand and incorporating other materials as necessary. The animals he creates appear to be resting on the ground, with an ocean view in the background.
In the summer of 2010, Bastarrika discovered his talent for a unique type of sculpture while playing with his daughters on the beach. This realization sparked a passion within him, leading him to practice for two years during seasons when the beaches were empty. Finally feeling ready to share his talents with others, he started sculpting nude subjects, including animals, which he prefers due to their natural curves and fluidity. Instead of using metal tools like spatulas, Bastarrika relies solely on the sensitivity of his hands to mold the bodies. Once he achieves the desired expression, he adds intricate details using bird feathers and a pointed stick.
Andoni Bastarrika is an artist who specializes in crafting stunning animal sculptures out of sand. His main focus is to imbue his sculptures with life and soul, channeling the wisdom, strength, and beauty of nature itself. Bastarrika’s works are so realistic that viewers often mistake them for real animals. To achieve this level of realism, he tightly packs the sand to create a blank canvas, onto which he adds various textures, such as fur and wrinkles. He also uses stone powders and other materials to add color and further enhance their lifelike qualities. Follow him on Instagram to keep up with his latest creations.
The animals that are produced seem to be in a horizontal position, as if they’re resting on the ground while gazing out at a beautiful ocean expanse in the distance.
According to Bastarrika, the sculptures he creates possess a lively soul that is akin to the soul of Mother Earth. This statement was shared with My Modern Met.
