Sand artist 'tattoos' beach with ta moko

The design was photographed from above by drone. Photo / Jonathan Clark

A US-based sand artist has transformed a Northland beach with the help of a local Maori artist.

As part of his Capturing Impermanence project, San Francisco artist Andreas Amador travels the world to decorate beaches with massive sand drawings, collaborating with film-maker Jonathan Clark.

Lloyd Morgan and Andreas Amador working on the project. Photo / Jonathan Clark

For his latest work, at Piapia Beach in Northland, Mr Amador sought out a local artist to help with his design.

22-year-old Lloyd Morgan told One News that he was approached by a friend of the artist, who saw him tattooing someone.

Andreas Amador hopes to work with other Maori artists on future sand art designs. Photo / Jonathan Clark

The result was a ta moko-inspired design, which Mr Morgan said took two hours to create with a rake.

"My design is a gift to Tangaroa, God of the sea, and so I wanted to give a treasure back to him for providing food for us," he said.

In a Facebook post, Mr Amador said he was seeking more Maori artists to work on future projects with.

"I would love to continue collaborating with local Maori ta moko artists to create offerings for the Maori community and to Aotearoa," he wrote.

He said he hoped to work with schools and community groups to make educational material that can be shared with schools around the world.

- nzherald.co.nz