How this record-breaking artist uses sand as his canvas
ornate artistry
Nathaniel A. Alapide has shot to prominence over the past few years for his huge sand drawings, including one that landed him a world record.
The world-renowned artist has created more than 2000 works and has been employed by luxury hotels and global brands such as Adidas and Burberry to create sand art.
Using rakes and other implements, the artist crafts stunningly ornate images.
The Filipino national’s love for creating these drawings began after his grandmother died several years ago.
“I started drawing on sand when I made a big drawing of a tree dedicated to my grandmother back in 2014,” Alapide told 7NEWS.com.au.
“I love the process creating these huge pieces of art. It really puts me in the moment, and you feel connected to everything.”
Alapide set the record for the world’s largest sand image back in 2022 with a 23,000 sq m creation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The astonishing feat took him 30 days and required 12,000 tons of sand.
“Creating a sand image this size a really challenging work, physically and mentally. Doing it in an open area means that the work is exposed to the changing environment of the desert,” he said.
“We have experienced rain and sandstorms during the process and at one time a huge area of the artwork was erased due to rain and wind.
“But you know these things are what makes doing it more interesting, you learn a lot from the experience.”
The artist, based in Dubai, says he is thankful that he is able to do what he loves, and he hopes to inspire others.
“Doing these sand drawings is a dream come true. When I was just starting I never thought I would be doing it full time. I feel lucky and grateful that I am doing this,” the Filipino artist said.