San Francisco native Andres Amador uses a simple rake to create artworks that can span over 100,000 sq. ft (9,290 sq m). His medium of choice? A sandy beach at low tide. This means Andres not only faces a time constraint to complete his work but an understanding that once the tide comes in, his work will wash away forever. To preserve his amazing accomplishments, Andres captures aerial photos of his work from an elevated vantage point or using a quadrocopter.

Regarding the impermanence of his artwork, Andres opines:

“For me it is more about the process and less about the result. I can be a stickler for getting something the way I think I want it—which is more goal-focused. But ultimately, when it is finished, I let it go. For me the energy and draw is around the act of creation. I know this because even on days when everything goes wrong and there’s no way a ‘finished’ piece can result (rogue waves wash away a huge section prematurely, the sand has washed away leaving only pebbles, a parade of dog walkers shows up (yes all these have happened!)) I still appreciate the act of being at the beach doing the art. [source]

 

Below you will find a small selection of Andres fantastic work. You can find many more at the destinations below, along with links to prints and postcards available for purchase.