Building "sandcastles" is a bit of a test. Nature will always be against you and time is always running out. Having to think fast and to bring it all together in the end is what I like about it. I rarely start with a plan, just a vague notion of trying to do something different each time. Once I begin building and forms take shape I can start to see where things are going and either follow that road or attempt to contradict it with something unexpected. In my mind they are always mash-ups of influences and ideas. I see a castle, a fishing village, a modernist sculpture, a stage set for the oscars all at once. When they are successful they don't feel contained or finished. They become organic machines that might grow and expand. I am always adding just one more bit and if time allowed I wouldn't stop.

I always thought I was pretty good at sand castle building and will often spend a great amount of time at the beach with my kids building the "perfect" sand castle (usually long after they've lost interest). Having looked at Calvin's masterpieces, I realise I have a long way to go!

Via swissmiss.