When it comes to creativity, few mediums offer the same thrill as sculpting with sand. For Jim and Anna McCauley, a father-daughter team of high-level competitive sand sculptors, this art form is not just a hobby, but a labor of love that brings them joy and relaxation. As professional sand sculptor Jim McCauley puts it, “It helps you be present with what you’re doing, rather than your head running at 100 miles an hour.”
McCauley and his daughter Anna have spent countless days crafting an image of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde for the Australian Sand Sculpting Championships’ doubles section, showcasing their skill and creativity. The entries following the theme of “The Villains of Storytime” will go on public display at Frankston foreshore for three weeks, starting from this Saturday. **A Family Affair**
In the sand sculpting world, it’s a family affair. Anna, an artist, has a natural talent for designing and carving images of people in sand, while her father, Jim, brings his experience and expertise to the table. As Anna puts it, “My dad is the muscle of the operation. He’s the one who makes the sculpture come to life.”
Their collaboration is not new. In 2023, Jim and Anna were paid to compete in the Canadian reality TV show “Race Against the Tide,” where they faced off against teams from around the world. This experience not only honed their skills but also gave them a taste of what it takes to be among the best. **A Brief History**
The sand sculpting movement in the area started over 10 years ago, when Jim was part of the Rye Beach Action group that brought American sculptor Kevin Crawford to Rye to create a piece to attract tourists. The result was a huge success, and it inspired a sand sculpting movement in the area. Jim began competing and creating sand sculpture window displays, including images of Yoda and dragons, for his Just Magic gift shops in Rye and Launceston. Children often ask him, “When are you doing the next one?” Jim’s response is, “It’s easier to sculpt if you use wet quarry sand and pack it as if you’re making a rammed earth wall.”
**Breaking Down the Barriers**
Sand sculpting may seem like a daunting task, but Jim encourages others to give it a try. “First of all, don’t start with ‘I could never do that’. The biggest hurdle you’ve got to get over is the belief that you can’t do things. You can do whatever you want to.” He emphasizes that you don’t have to be good or fantastic to enjoy sand sculpting. The key is to have fun and enjoy the process. Jim’s philosophy is that sand sculpting is all about “rearranging the grains.” He says, “You just have to be able to enjoy it. I think that’s the key to everything.”
**Upcoming Events**
The Australian Sand Sculpting Championships will take place at Frankston Foreshore from April 5 to 27. The event will feature a range of activities, including workshops, speed carving demonstrations, a Sand Museum, and an Easter egg hunt. Entry fees range from $22 for adults to $12 for kids aged three to 12, with family passes available. **Table: Key Dates and Events**
| Date | Event |
| — | — |
| April 5 | Australian Sand Sculpting Championships begin |
| April 12 | Entries for the solo competition go on display |
| April 19 | Finishing of the 3-metre-high Jekyll and Hyde piece |
| April 26 | Starting of the 3-day solo competition |
| April 27 | Australian Sand Sculpting Championships end |
| Sunday, April 28 | Winners announced |
“It’s easier to sculpt if you use wet quarry sand and pack it as if you’re making a rammed earth wall.”
—Jim McCauley
The McCauleys will finish their three-metre-high Jekyll and Hyde piece on Thursday and start working on their separate entries in the solo competition on Friday. Rival entrants include artist Jazza, who has 6.6 million YouTube subscribers, making the competition fierce. The winners of both categories will be announced on Sunday afternoon. Frankston City Mayor Kris Bolam said the event will attract visitors from far and wide, making it a must-attend event for sand sculpting enthusiasts. In conclusion, sand sculpting is not just a hobby, but a way of life for Jim and Anna McCauley. It’s a way to express creativity, relax, and have fun. As Jim puts it, “You don’t have to be good, you don’t have to be fantastic.
