The Australian Sand Sculpting Championships made a triumphant return to Frankston foreshore this year with a playful theme titled “The Villains of Storytime”. Artists from all over Australia showcased their talent by creating giant sand sculptures of iconic villains from fairy tales and Disney movies.
Tasmanian artist Meg Murray took home the top prize in the singles category with her sculpture “Screech of the Sea”, which was praised for its undeniable villainy. Judges evaluated the sand creations based on originality, adherence to the theme, and technical skill. The championships give artists a unique opportunity to demonstrate their abilities under tight time constraints, with creations typically taking just over two days to complete.
Spectators were captivated by the transformation of builder’s block sand into intricate sculptures, with veteran competitors like Yves Geradts impressing the crowd with creations like “Mirror Mirror” depicting the witch from Snow White. The competition also saw the participation of first-time competitor Josiah “Jazza” Brooks, who sculpted the Marvel Universe villain Thanos.
Although the physical demands of the competition can be taxing, competitors like 72-year-old Jino R van Bruinessen continue to push themselves to create stunning works of art. With the average age of competitors on the rise, there is a hope to see new artists try their hand at sand sculpting in the future.
The Australian Sand Sculpting Championships offer a fun and cartoon-like approach compared to international competitions, making it accessible to a wider audience. As the event continues to grow in popularity, it serves as a platform for artists to showcase their creativity and craftsmanship while inspiring others to explore the art form.
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