If you are an admirer of art and also happen to regularly visit beaches in San Francisco, you might have come across the work of Andres Amador across various beaches. Is he a painter or a sculptor of some sort, you might ask. Well, he is neither one. He is just one of those fellows who cherish creativity and the chance to share theirs with those who care to view it. The 40-year old headed out to yet another beach with a rack and spent hours etching mammoth sand drawings. The results are there for everyone to see.
Amador would meticulously prepare the designs and patterns in his sketchbook before setting out on a beach for the grand performance using nothing but a garden rake and a few helpers. He is also selective about his beaches and looks up only the most suitable ones on Google Earth.
Then, it is just a matter of waiting for full moon to show so that he can finish the drawing when tides are low. A rope comes in handy in assisting Amador create geometric patterns. The sizes of these carvings can be as large as 300 by 500 feet. He is able to accomplish varying-coloured sand patterns as he rakes up wet sand.
Amador is aware that the medium he chooses gives his art its transient characteristic that is soon swept away by a tide; yet, he invests countless hours in the exercise. It is something that satisfies him and gives him a chance to be at the beach, after all. For him, his work is more focused on the process rather than the end result.
His work of art is not simply a skill that he wishes to keep to himself; Amador often teaches others and holds various events, festivals and workshops. It is also no surprise that people often use these services at marriage proposals. Should you wish to view more of his work, you might even want to check out the prints and postcards he offers.
