Coolangatta Artist Finds Calm in Ephemeral Sand Art
Every morning on the beaches of Coolangatta, Gold Coast, 74-year-old artist Mal Leckie creates intricate, temporary sand artworks. Using a rake, Leckie produces detailed designs which he refers to as "scratchings" on the sand.
The Impermanence of "Scratchings"
Each of Leckie's artworks takes approximately one hour to complete. These designs are, however, destined to be erased by the incoming tide shortly after their creation. Leckie views this inherent impermanence not as a loss, but as a calming exercise.
Leckie views this impermanence as a calming exercise in "letting things go."
From Surfer to Sand Artist
Leckie's daily practice began after he contracted COVID-19. The illness affected his balance, preventing him from continuing his lifelong hobby of surfing. His foray into sand art evolved from a serendipitous attempt to enhance a photograph for Carmel Glenane, a woman who also frequents the beach to play crystal singing bowls.
A Harmonious Collaboration
Carmel Glenane herself has maintained her unique sound bowl practice on the foreshore for 25 years. She has since become both a collaborator and a friend to Leckie. Their combined activities — Leckie's visual art and Glenane's auditory practice — draw significant attention and positive reactions from early morning beachgoers. This unique pairing fosters a notable sense of community on the beach.
The ritual, Leckie states, provides him with a profound daily reason to visit the beach.