I do not have a single artistic bone in my entire body, so I am always amazed by the talent and creativity of some artists, especially the likes of street artists and others whose art is … shall we say not quite traditional. So, I was impressed by the work of Anna Chan, a jeweler and designer. The New York-based artist, not having much work during the height of the pandemic, went to Robert Moses State Park, where she would spend her days by the beach. There she started sand sculpting as she had an idea to create 12 art pieces for a 2021 calendar. Soon this evolved into “an obsession”: creating beautiful, symmetrical mosaics and real-life animal portraits. I hope you enjoy Anna’s creative works and that it starts your weekend out with a smile!
The portraits are so detailed that one might only wonder how long it takes to make one mosaic. According to Anna, larger creations take a minimum of 3 days to a week or more.
“The mosaic work looks simple once completed but finding the right shell piece to fit into space can be challenging. When I first started at the beach, I was able to complete them in 5-6 hours from collecting shells to finished sculpture, but my work has since evolved and become more detailed and dimensional, which requires extra care and precision while putting it together.”
“Sand by nature doesn’t hold shape so the challenge is to compact the sand with water so it’s solid enough to endure the long mosaic process. The challenge is making sure the sand is moist just enough to be compact but not too wet or dry that it will fall apart. And like putting together a puzzle, finding the right shell piece for the right space takes time, and sometimes I have to collect more to find the right fit. Since nothing is holding the shells in place but the damp sand, some areas that are vertical sand wall may take several tries to get the shells to stay in place and it can fall apart with the slightest touch. So, a steady hand and lots of patience is key”.
Creating things from what nature gives you is as difficult as it is interesting. The question is where to start? What comes first? The idea or the material? What Anna does first is she collects seashells of different shapes and colors to match the idea she has. After this, she models the shape of the animal from the sand:
“I enjoy this part of the process the most as sand is such a fun medium to work with. It is very forgiving and shapes easily without tools. However, the sculpture is only half finished without the shell embellishments. I liken it to putting a puzzle together, every piece has its place and they all have to fit perfectly to create a mosaic effect. It is akin to inlay work in jewelry, which I’m very fond of. The final step is to make them permanent, which I’m fine tuning the process at this point.”
Where do these animal sculptures go after they are finished? Her first pieces were disassembled as they were ephemeral, but now, since her art is permanent, it all can be found in her home garage, where she spends her time working on these mosaics.
“I still have to refine my process to make the larger sculptures permanent, so hopefully in the near future, they will find a place in a gallery wall or a collector’s home.”
“As an artist, it is my mission to keep pushing the boundaries. I have only worked with sand for one year but I feel a true connection to this medium I have never felt with anything else before. There’s nothing more liberating than creating using just my bare hands and seeing my ideas come to life.”
“I have so many ideas and directions I want 03to try with sand. I want to bring my sand technique back to my roots as a jeweler and make some experimental pieces. Also, my goal is to lift the sand off the flat surface so it won’t be just a bas relief but a 3-dimensional sculpture. I envision my work in 6 months will be very different from what it is today, but equally delightful.”
One of the things she will present in the future is a sand kit that will be found on www.annachan-art.com.
Soo awesome! Love how you find things like this to share with us! Thanks, my friend!
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My pleasure! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
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Wow, these are amazing. Thanks for sharing them with us, Jill.
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Yes, I’m always amazed by the people who can turn almost anything, even old tin cans, into art! Glad you enjoyed them!
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Pingback: Saturday Surprise — Shell Art | Ramblings of an Occupy Liberal
These are incredible! Such talent, but I’m surprised there are any shells left on her beach 😉
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Indeed they are! Some people can turn almost anything into art! I did a post a couple of years ago about artists who made sand sculptures … in case you’re interested: https://jilldennison.com/2019/05/11/saturday-surprise-sandfest/
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I was once on a beach where a group of people built something like that, but not on a grand scale. They attracted a lot of attention, and little kids were bringing them buckets of sand to use 😊
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Reblogged this on Ned Hamson's Second Line View of the News.
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Thanks, Ned!
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AMAZING!!!
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She is, isn’t she? Some people can turn almost anything into art!
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That’s brilliant!
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I thought so too! Glad you enjoyed it!
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Amazing art, Jill. You have to wonder how she finds all these shells. Thanks.
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Yes, it is amazing! I am in awe! As to how she finds all those shells … my best guess is she goes down to the shore early every morning shortly after the tide goes out and starts collecting.
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Or to Wal-Mart. 😊
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Ha ha … that’s a possibility too!
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😁
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You have educated my daughter with this post – she wants to become a creative artist now! Never seen anything like this before.
I have now been roped into taking the family down the the beach tomorrow morning, early, to collect shells.
Thank you
Steve
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Awesome!!! That is wonderful, and I’m happy that you are willing to help and encourage her ventures! I hope your daughter has a great time and that her interest continues long into the future! I love it when artists inspire young people! Thank you, Steve … you are obviously a great dad!
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She may manipulate with only her hands, but she works with her sight, mind, and her imagination. Totally incredible artwork.
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You are so right … art is not only the product of our hands, but comes from within. I found her work amazing.
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Considering her self-limiting tools–sand, and natural shells the way she fins them–she is more than amazing. How about astounding!
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Jill, thanks for highlighting Anna’s beautiful work. What talent! Keith
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She is definitely talented. Some people can make beautiful art from almost anything!!!
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Those are amazing, she’s so talented!
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I agree! I did a piece a couple of years ago on sand sculptures, which are equally amazing! In case you’re interested: https://jilldennison.com/2019/05/11/saturday-surprise-sandfest/ Some people can turn almost anything into art! I’m not one of them, though.
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Thanks for that link. Great article! I particularly love the winner of the solo competition (Liberty Crumbling by Damon Langlois), that’s absolutely superb!

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So glad she has found a way to take them home and make them permanent, as they are far too good to let the sea take them away!
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Amazing artist, isn’t she! How have you and Anita been doing? I hope all is well! Hugs!
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We are currently ‘doing as well as expected’ which is a lot better than the alternative. Thank you for asking, Jill…
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Thats fantastic, Jill! I could help you, becoming an artist. Armies of such snails have recently been romping around in our garden. Lol I suspect that they have the houses with them because the real estate prices are so expensive. 😉 Have a nice day! xx Michael
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OH NO!!! You are not sending your snails to me! 🤣 We are just now getting over an invasion of 17-year cicadas that, while harmless, are annoying as heck because they fly right into your face. You keep the snails in your garden, Michael … or better yet … put them in that neighbor’s garden … the lady who you don’t get along with! Have a wonderful Sunday, my friend! xx
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Yes, thats a good idea, i had remembered too. Our neighbour for sure will have fun. Enjoy also a great Sunday, Jill! xx Michael
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So, did you deliver the snails? I’m sure she will love them! Ha ha ha. Thanks, Michael! xx
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Lol – I will spend some our catholic priest. They for sure love the flowers of his garden. xx Michael
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What a great idea!!! 😄 I’m sure he will be eternally grateful!!! xx
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I am sure Noah also has had snails on his ark. 😉 xx
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No doubt! Probably bees and cicadas, too! xx
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SIC! So, a catholic priest has also to love them. 😉 xx
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Exactly!!! Aren’t the snails “God’s creatures” as well? 😉 xx
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😉😉 In their behaviour snails sometimes somehow remember me on some clerics. Cant help myself. 😉 xx
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🤣🤣🤣
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🤣🤣🤣
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Reblogged this on NEW OPENED BLOG > https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thank you, Michael!!!
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