Sandtastic archaeo-creations!

I'm more than happy to guest another post written and richly illustrated by Naya Dalakoura. 

Admittedly, Naya has an eye for original subjects and writes about them so well. 

Today's post is simply sandtastic, so enjoy! 

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By Dr Naya Dalakoura

Sand, sand and more sand…if you believe that sand castles are the only thing you can create by the beach you need much more to learn! Sun, sand and Greek antiquity are now united developing some mind-blowing sand sculptures all over the world!

Greek antiquity is revealed out of thousands of tons of sand in the form of breathtaking masterpieces. A unique range of sand art that involves large, complex sculpture constructions to stand in front of and appreciate and make you think there is a certain amount of magic involved, are carried out by companies that construct sculptures for special events in various places around the world and are able to make every myth come true!   

Ephemeral in its nature, sand art is for everyone, young and old alike, and provides the community with such beautiful forms of art, so thoroughly enjoyed by the audiences that all appreciation received is very much deserved - and it’s environmentally friendly too! Sand creations can have almost any size, shape, form and one may see virtually any kinds of sculptures you would expect to see in stone, bronze or wood. 

Audiences are fascinated by how antiquity appears out of sand, revealing a whole new fragile world. It's quite a stunning sight watching sand sculptors digging, moving, piling, patting, tamping and spraying the sand as the sculpture takes its shape, sometimes appearing to almost come to life… really, how do they make the sand stand like that?

Carving any nominated theme on the sands of time, sand artists that have been nowadays elevated to professionals, create mainly themes in memory of Great Civilizations and subjects inspired by Greek antiquity as the Olympics, the Trojan War, dramatic depictions of mythological heroes and creatures, like Hercules and his Labours, the Gorgon Medusa pursued by Perseus, the portrayal of Icarus, the twelve Gods of Olympus, Pan with his flute, King Midas and much more!

 Love the magic of the sand? Feeling any creative, patient and endured? Get out there, move some sand and make sure you have fun while you are on it!

Ancient Greek Warrior (detail)

Discobolus, sand statue on Zhujiajian island, China

A Wounded Niobid

The Twelve Gods

Apollo and Midas

Pan and Apollo

Medusa 

Perseus slaying Medusa

Hercules

Icarus

The Trojan Horse (and two lovely children)