Behind the Scenes of My Sand Art Journey

My work begins at the beach. I personally source, wash, and grade the sand to ensure it meets the texture and colour standards required for long-term stability. Whether it is a commissioned portrait or a live performance piece, this meticulous selection process is what allows me to fix the grains permanently on canvas without using artificial dyes, maintaining the organic feel of the medium.

Every piece of art you see here is a result of a specific process. I don't just use any sand. After collection, the material undergoes a thorough cleaning and grading phase. This is essential for my signature bas-relief technique, where I fix the grains onto rigid boards or canvas using industrial fixatives that prevent shedding over time. This approach ensures that your framed sand painting remains durable, whether it features a spiritual icon, a custom portrait, or an abstract landscape.

My practice is not just about the final image but about the philosophy of 'eco-art'. My recognition as the Indian Iconic Artist of the Year and my participation in events like the Kochi-Muziris Biennale confirmed for me that this sustainable approach to art resonates with a wider audience. If you are interested in acquiring a piece or commissioning a portrait, you should know that I use museum-grade UV protective glass for framing, ensuring the natural tones of the sand do not fade.

For those interested in the live aspect, my performances—like those I've done for G-20 summits—follow a similarly disciplined preparation. I plan the narrative flow before I touch a single grain. If you have a specific vision in mind, my studio in Yeswanthpur, Bengaluru, is where I translate these ideas from rough sketches into the final, textured sand paintings you see here.