Man goes viral for sand sculptures that amazed passersby, but one creation put him on the map

In 2010, Mark Lewis and his son began their first serious sand sculpture project during a family beach trip in Weymouth, England.

According to The Washington Post, they built a large mound of sand using simple plastic toy shovels and buckets. They carefully carved it into Minas Tirith, the fortified city from The Lord of the Rings.

This early step into sand sculpture sparked a lifelong passion for beach art, which has blossomed into more than 200 sculptures.

How a sand sculpture sparked a love for beach art

Lewis’s interest in sand sculpture began in the mid-2000s with simple sandcastles made during family trips with his sons Ethan and Simeon.

By 2010, the family took on more ambitious projects, with Minas Tirith marking the start of their journey into detailed ephemeral sand art.

Over the years, they created various sculptures — from famous characters like SpongeBob SquarePants and Darth Vader to everyday objects such as an engagement ring and a can of Fanta.

Each creation captures the magic of beach art — art made to be enjoyed in the moment before nature takes it away.

Viral creativity blooms with a giant Crocs sand sculpture

One of Lewis’s most well-known pieces is his giant Crocs sand sculpture in May.

Though Lewis did not consider it his best work, the oversized Crocs—each about 3 feet long—caught the attention of beachgoers who eagerly shared photos on social media.

The viral creativity sparked by the sculpture quickly spread in local Facebook groups, earning Lewis hundreds of new followers and even a feature on the BBC.

This moment of viral creativity helped Lewis gain fresh energy to keep pushing his sand sculpture craft to new heights.

Tools and techniques behind the sand sculpture magic

Lewis’s skills in sand sculpture grew steadily thanks to his background in art classes during high school in Bristol, England.

He begins each project by sketching designs in a notebook and building a strong base by packing wet sand into bamboo-framed boxes.

The right mix of sand and water is key. Lewis uses ocean or hose water and compacts the sand by jumping on it or shaking the frame.

The right mix of sand and water is key. Lewis uses ocean or hose water and compacts the sand by jumping on it or shaking the frame.

He carves the forms with tools he often makes himself—metal strips from windscreen wipers shape large areas. At the same time, trowels and palette knives add finer details.

Brushes and straws help remove loose grains to keep the sculpture sharp.

These careful techniques allow Lewis to create detailed ephemeral sand art that delights beach visitors for hours.

The challenges of ephemeral sand art on the beach

Creating a sand sculpture on the beach comes with challenges. The sun, wind, and waves can quickly undo hours of work.

In July 2021, Lewis’s sculpture of Orthanc, a Lord of the Rings tower, was destroyed by strong winds before he could finish it.

Another time in 2022, waves washed away a sandcastle because he misjudged the high-tide line.

Despite the fleeting nature of ephemeral sand art, Lewis finds joy in capturing his sculptures through photos and videos before the tide or weather takes them away.

Often, he even finishes his work by jumping on it himself, embracing the temporary life of beach art.

A passion that inspires smiles on the shore

Lewis’s biggest sculptures, like a Saturn V rocket built in 2019 with his son Ethan, celebrate moments in history with impressive scale.

That rocket stood taller than both men, reaching over 6 feet. In May 2024, Lewis and Ethan were thrilled when their lion sand sculpture in Weymouth remained standing the next day — a rare gift for artists working with such delicate materials.

He continues to create new works in his York backyard sandpit, including recent sculptures like strawberries and cream, inspired by Wimbledon.

After sharing photos with fans, Lewis joyfully destroys his pieces to prepare for the next one—often wearing the same blue Crocs he modeled for his viral giant Crocs sand sculpture.

As a part-time church minister, Lewis says his beach art is a way to brighten people’s days.

“When they stumble across something unexpected on the beach,” he told The Washington Post, “it’s just nice to put a smile on somebody’s face and put a bit of joy into the world.”

Here’s some news on BBC Breakfast about Mark’s sand sculptures, which he shared via his Facebook: