The Art of Jim Denevan

Jim Denevan makes freehand drawings in sand. At low tide on wide beaches, he searches the shore for a wave tossed stick. After finding a good one and composing himself in the near and far environment Jim draws, laboring up to 7 hours and walking as many as 30 miles. The resulting sand drawings are made entirely freehand with no measuring aids whatsoever. From the ground, these drawn environments are experienced as places. Places to explore and be, and to see relation and distance. For a time these tangible specific places exist in the indeterminate environment of ocean shore. From high above the marks are seen as isolated phenomenons, much like clouds, rivers or buildings. Soon after Jim's motions and marks are completed water moves over and through, leaving nothing.

Not only do I find his work simply breathtaking, the size, the structure, but what really stuns me is the idea.

His work is completely ephemeral, which is, to me, the definition of beauty, it does not last.