S'porean wins World Championship of Sand Sculpting in US

SINGAPORE - Meet Sandman. No, he's not the comic book character, but an award-winning Singaporean professional sand sculptor.

Mr Tan Joo Heng, 40, is so passionate about his craft that when he cannot get access to sand on the beach, he orders sand to be delivered to his three-storey terrace house in Lorong Chuan.

His passion has paid off big time.

Last month, he came in first at the World Championship of Sand Sculpting held in Atlantic City, New Jersey. His triumph among 20 sculptors from around the world added to his three other world championship wins.

He has also been asked to work on sand sculpture festivals as project director, taking him to places like the Maldives and Taiwan.

Mr Tan, whose trips abroad are paid for by the contest organisers, will next take part in the International Sandsculpting Championships in Virginia.

He started joining competitions in 1997, as he was drawn by the possibilities sand afforded him as material.

Mr Tan, who was juggling badminton coaching and graphics designing before making sand sculptures professionally, said sand was flexible and could be moulded to the limits of his imagination.

Even after his multiple wins, his form of art remains relatively unknown in Singapore.

As using big shovels and spades on beaches here is not encouraged, it is difficult for him to practise his art, he said. Hence, the sand in the house.

He also said the cultural differences meant it could take a while before local interest in sand sculpting rises.

But this "hobby" has allowed Mr Tan to earn a decent living. He claims to have pocketed five-figure sums from his competition wins and projects undertaken by his company, Sandworkz.

He has made sacrifices to get where he is today.

He said: "I have not been able to have a family as I cannot guarantee sand sculpting can still pay in 10 years' time."

He said people have approached him to build sand sculptures as part of their wedding proposals. Mr Tan spends about five hours to complete such sculptures, but can take up to four days during international competitions.

While he has not received much local recognition, images of his works have been published in international newspapers.

He is particularly pleased at being dubbed "Vincent Sand Gogh" by The Daily Mail in England, and said these comparisons with the Dutch post-Impressionist is "recognition that means more than my awards".

His works have appeared in local Channel 8 drama serial Rescue 995 and Japanese variety shows.

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