A true artist does not need much to create something that is new and awe-inspiring and in the case of Andres Amador all it takes is a rake and a beach. The San Francisco based landscape and movement artist has made it his specialty to draw unique and original designs into beach sand when the tide is low, always at risk of his work being swept away before it’s even finished.

On his website he explains the process. Most of his works begin as sketches in his notebook. Later he spends hours at the computer perfecting the form he wants to draw, making a step-by-step plan on how to replicate the design at the beach later. When it’s finished he picks a day that is appropriate for both tides and daylight and then gets to work. A not unimportant detail is a nearby mountain or viewpoint of sorts from where he can take a photo of his finished design, because without a photo all it takes is the next wave to make it seem like these beautiful works have never even existed.

A lot of work for something that only last a few hours but Amador doesn’t mind. About the character of impermanence of his work he states “Perceived ‘permanence’ has the funny quality of allowing us to hold off experiencing something until another time, which could be never (since nothing is truly permanent). But when we stumble upon something that we recognize instantly will not exist later, we stop and take it in, whether it is a beautiful sunset or an animal in nature.”

One design takes about 1 to 2 hours and requires the help of often several assistants. The 37-year-old works mainly around the beaches of his hometown of San Francisco but says himself that he is always open to exploring new beaches and that he welcomes suggestions.

It’s possible to hire Amador for different occasions, my favorite being when he’s asked to draw marriage proposals into the sand. I’m sorry ladies, but how romantic would it be to find this in front of you during a stroll with your guy? (provided it says your name of course and it actually was YOUR guy who’s assigned the piece).

Check out this CNN report featuring an interview with Amador (who is actually quite cute!) as well as showing him working on a new design.

For even more images and info about Andres Amador and his impermanent sand drawings, check out his website.

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Tags art, artists, beaches, unusual ideas