Drawing lines in the sand is interesting when you think about how the English idiom of to ‘draw a line in the sand’ is to essentially create some artificial boundary of which should not be crossed without consequence. This can be a serious matter but what if these lines were to cross, curve or basically dance across the shimmering grains at the edge of the sea…it becomes playful and fun, anything but serious.

San Fransisco-based artist Andres Amador paints, or rather rakes, beautiful lines into the sandy canvas of beaches in his California home city. In over the last 5 years he has managed to create over 100 pieces of tidal art. From a doodle he creates larger computer drawings to work out the details before launching into action with his rake. Since he must work according to the tides, his window of opportunity is limited so each design has to be carefully planned ahead of time.

Working with the constraints of the tides does make it challenging for crafting the pieces as well as allowing only for a short viewing time, but it is this temporary nature that makes them so exciting when a viewer is lucky enough to happen upon them. It’s a surprise, a discovery and a unique opportunity. It shows that beauty is everywhere, even if only for a small glimpse before disappearing.

images via Andres Amador