Building sandcastles is something many of us tried our hands at as children, but our creations probably amounted to little more than a few stacked buckets of sand. For sculptor Janel Hawkins of Sand Castle University, however, sandcastle building has become a career. She creates elaborate sculptures in all shapes and sizes, and even hosts sand-building classes and events on beaches across Alabama and Florida.
Hawkins began making sand sculptures while in college, after responding to a job listing on Craigslist. Over time, she honed her skills and gained enough experience to launch her own company, Sand Castle University, in 2017. Today, the business employs a team of five expert instructors and creates custom sand sculptures for events, from architectural forms to company logos.
Hawkin’s architecture-inspired works are especially impressive. Each sculpture is packed with intricate details, from tiny windows and brickwork to elaborate staircases and rooftops. One recent piece is inspired by the painting Haskell’s House by Edward Hopper, brilliantly capturing the ornate Victorian-style home in sand.
Despite the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into each piece, every sculpture is eventually reclaimed by the tides, reminding us of the fleeting nature of the artform and material. Hawkins believes sand sculpting teaches valuable lessons that can be applied far beyond the beach.
“There are practical life lessons to sand sculpting,” she previously told My Modern Met. “You have to learn the basics, then practice, practice, practice. Don’t be afraid of failure. If you make mistakes, it means you’re trying hard!”
Learn more about Hawkins and the classes she and her team offer on the Sand Castle University website.
Sculptor Janel Hawkins creates detailed sand sculptures inspired by architecture.
@sand_castle_university Downtown #sand #sandcastle #sandsculpture #process #sandart #satisfying #sculpture #beach #sandasmr #asmr ♬ Crimson And Clover – The Shacks
She founded Sand Castle University, a company that offers sand building classes and events across beaches in Alabama and Florida.
@sand_castle_university Coraline's House 💙 #asmr #coraline #sand #sandart #sandcastle #sandsculpture #sandasmr ##satisfying #oddlysatisfying #satisfyingsand ♬ Exploration – Bruno Coulais & Mathilde Pellegrini & Laurent Petitgirard & Hungrarian Symphony Orchestra Budapest & Helene Breschand
Each sculpture is packed with intricate details, from tiny windows and brickwork to elaborate staircases and rooftops.
@sand_castle_university Inspired by the painting Haskell's House by Edward Hopper I created this at the beginning of the year as a collab. Unfortunately, that did not get posted but I still want this to be seen! #asmr #satisfying #sand #sandcastle #sandsculpture ♬ original sound – Sand Castle University
@sand_castle_university 7 hours in 30 seconds! After I build the base of sand and remove forms, I start carving! I block out the structures and start adding details top to bottom, inside to outside. This was a pretty detailed piece. What do you think? #sand #sandcastle ##satisfying #beach #process ♬ original sound – ProdbyKTB
@sand_castle_university I didn't like it anyway… This castle was testing my patience from the start. Honestly, when it fell I was relieved. While some projects hit a flow state, the seashells and skinny ledges on this design made it impossible. I headed to get some BBQ and a shower after this one! #asmr #satisfying #sand #sandasmr #sandcastle ♬ original sound – Sand Castle University
@sand_castle_university READ THIS CAPTION We always smash our sculptures during sea turtles season, So I invited these two precious little girls to have the honours. This was a church in new york city that I was inspired by during my last visit. Can you guess which one it is? #asmr #sand #sandasmr #asmrvideo #satisfying ♬ original sound – Sand Castle University
@sand_castle_university Calypso the Leafy Seadragon Masters of camouflage, the leafy sea dragon is a relative to the seahorse. They blend in with their surroundings with their fanciful appendages. I hope to see one someday but this do for now! #asmr #satisfying #sand #sandcastle ##oddlysatisfying ♬ original sound – Sand Castle University
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