"Jim Denevan (of Santa Cruz, CA) makes freehand drawings in sand. At low tide on wide beaches Jim searches the shore for a wave tossed stick. After finding a good stick 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 drawing is made entirely freehand w/ 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 phenomena, much like clouds, rivers or buildings. Soon after Jim's motions and marks are completed water moves over and through, leaving nothing.
Jim's work has been featured in the New York Times Magazine, National Geographic, Elle, GQ, The Surfers Journal, and Outside, as well as in many other national and international publications."
Below is one of his recent projects in the Nevada dessert that is thought to be the largest human drawing ever created. It is said that Jim walked over 100 miles to create it!
