|
Since discovering magic in the sand in 1985, I have pursued two distinct but related goals: to improve my skills using sand as a medium for self-expression, and to promote sand sculpture to the masses of grown-ups who labor under the mistaken impression that sandplay is strictly for children.
Competition
Since 1987, I have competed at the masters level in well over 100 invitational contests - both domestic (Hampton Beach, Port Angeles, Virginia Beach, South Padre Island, Ft. Myers, Federal Way, etc.) and international (Vallodolid, Jesolo, Quebec, Parksville, Harrison Hot Springs, etc.) - as both a solo competitor and as a team member. I have placed in the money in roughly 25% of these events. See contest photos
In 1987, Amazin' Walter and I organized and ran the first annual (and most succeeding) South Padre Island (TX) "SandCastle Days" competition. It is one of the longest-running sand sculpture contests in the world.
Exhibition
I have worked on many large projects -- with Amazin' Walter (as one half of the Sons of the Beach SandCastle Wizards) -- as well as with other large sand sculpture companies, including Inaxi, Sandscapes, Ted Seibert and Mark Mason.
On my home beach of South Padre Island, TX I have produced a steady stream of wedding sculptures and proposal sculptures, as well as a series of logo sculptures I call "Beach Billboards."
Instruction
I was a pioneer in the growing field of sandsculpture instruction and have taught literally tens of thousands of people how to have more fun on the beach forever. I have conducted numerous workshops and corporate teambuilding exercises and have written three "how-to" books (see below).
In 2007 I established a unique beachside vacation resort - the SandBox Inn - where future sand sculptrs can enjoy my sculpture garden and a total immersion sand sculpture experience while enjoying the beaches of beautiful South Padre Island.
Sand Castle Trail
In 2011 I commenced work on the SPI Sand Castle Trail -- an ongoing effort to create and maintain "semi-permanent" sand sculpture that can be viewed and enjoyed all year round.
Related Skills
I have an APP!
Writing: I have written three books on sand sculpture, the latest of which is the top-selling Sand Castles Made Simple. I am currently working on an interactive ibook that will be a comprehensive guide to everything sand sculpture related.
Websites: As one of the first serious sand sculptors to jump on the internet - I created my first website in 1995 - I have a well-established presence on the world wide web. Sand-sculpture-related sites that I have created and maintain include all the sites referenced above as well as the following:
Education/Previous Experience
1980-1986: High School English Teacher in Texas' Rio Grande Valley
1979: earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree at Michigan State University
|
