25 realistic animal sculptures made from sand (26 photos)

Self-taught Spanish sculptor Andoni Bastarrica became interested in creating sand figures in 2010, and since then has seriously honed his skills. His works look so realistic that it seems as if a formidable alligator is about to open its mouth wide, and the horse will rise to its feet and rush away!

“There are many reasons why I like making animal sculptures, but one of them is that animals are free spirits,” says Andoni Bastarrica. “People can watch and learn from them.” In addition, the nakedness that they bring into this world with them at birth and which they keep until death, to me symbolizes freedom, an integral part of the opportunity to truly live. People “dress up” in different ways to survive.”

These sculptures are certainly impressive. It's anyone's guess how much skill and patience it might take to create them, given that they don't last very long and are easily destroyed. Although temporary, the passionate sculptor's work attracts a lot of attention from people of all ages at beaches, festivals and art events.

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