“Sand Art: Wild Animals in Africa” showcases the work of pioneering SandStory artist Joe Castillo. Moving through sand on a light table as his work is filmed by an overhead camera and projected on a movie screen, the artist’s fingers deftly sketch out trees, animal silhouettes, and people around a campfire. Though the process is as simple as children fingerpainting or drawing lines in the sand on a beach, the art is complex.
The scene gradually changes from small but clear figures into detailed drawings of individual animals that cover the whole screen, one animal morphing almost seamlessly into the next. Mickey Hart’s “Temple Caves,” an uplifting piece filled with drumming and singing reminiscent of Africa, is the background music for this video.
Having spent 20 years in advertising before becoming a pastor and now a SandStory artist, Castillo is well acquainted with the art of storytelling and inspiration through visual imagery. He performs his art before live audiences, ranging from small private gatherings to events hosting tens of thousands of people, worldwide.
“Wild Animals in Africa” was originally performed at an event at Walt Disney World Resort Hotel for Transition Lenses and the Disney Event group. According to Castillo, this piece was inspired by a trip to Zimbabwe and Botswana, where he and his wife spent the night in a safari camp.
A process called Sand Animation is used in this video. SandStory is the art of telling stories with sand. Sand scattered on a light box is formed and reformed into ever changing shapes and images that tell visually powerful stories. He has inspired millions of people through his Sand Animation and introduced many to this new art form, including Kseniya Simonova. She went on to win “Ukraine’s Got Talent in 2009″ and has become an internet phenomenon as millions of people watched her Amazing Sand Drawing on Youtube and Google. For additional information on booking Joe Castillo contact The Grable Group at 615 283 0039
