Meg Murray, a renowned Australian sand sculptor, has been perfecting her craft for over four decades, and her journey to the top is a testament to her dedication and passion.
As a painter and sculptor by trade, Murray began working with sand in the 2000s after encountering a display in the Victorian suburb of Rye. This interest led to championship wins in 2003, 2012, 2017, 2018, and at this year’s event which challenged artists with a new theme, ‘The Villains of Storytime.’
From Beach Sculptures to Championship Wins
•
- Encountered sand sculpting in 2003 and was inspired to start creating her own sculptures.
- Started with beach sculptures on Coles Beach in Devonport with a friend, and later expanded to more complex designs.
- Won her first championship in 2003 and has since become one of the most successful sand sculptors in Australia.
Murray’s most recent entry, Screech of the Sea, was her fifth win at the Australian Sand Sculpting Championships. The piece was inspired by the mythical siren, but not the traditional beautiful maiden, instead the monster she is after taking her prey to its death. “I decided to do a mythical siren – but not the version of the beautiful maiden, alluring the men with her golden song – more after she’s taken her prey to its death, revealing her true self as the monster she is,” Miss Murray said.
The Art of Sand Sculpting
•
| • | Instead of building up from scratch, sculptors tend to carve into an existing block of sand. |
| • | Utilize building sand to achieve the feat. |
| • | The event’s 13 works were created from more than 300 tonnes of sand. |
Sculptors faced three intensive days of work as the 2025 Championships got under way on Frankston’s foreshore. The first two days ran from 7.30am to 6pm with a one-hour break, while the final day started at 7am and concluded by 3pm. “I didn’t take any extra breaks, I just really ploughed through. Time is of the essence!” Miss Murray said.
The Ephemeral Nature of Sand Sculptures
•
- Event organizers will pull down the sculptures and take the sand away.
- The sand sculptures are destined for the same fate as the children’s sand castles.
- The artworks are ephemeral and can only be experienced in the present moment.
“So you have this moment of time with the sand that you’re connecting with and I think that’s really beautiful because you don’t own it afterwards, it’s not something that’s put in a gallery for sale.” Miss Murray said.
Awards and Recognition
•
- Won her first championship in 2003.
- Claimed a solo win in 2017 and the People’s Choice together.
- Has since become one of the most successful sand sculptors in Australia.
“One year (2017), I got the solo win and the People’s Choice together, and that was very special for me.” Miss Murray said.
As Meg Murray continues to push the boundaries of sand sculpting, her dedication and passion for the craft are evident in every detail of her work.
