I have been humming and hawing about this for quite a while now, wondering would NFTs be something I would try to be involved in. My work is ephemeral by nature and to create an NFT from it seems to not really fit the concept. But, then I thought maybe this could be just what Sand sculpture needs, a way to live on and become a more accepted part of the art world.
So many amazing sculptures in sand are created each year all over the world, in different styles and by some of the best artists I have ever met. Our work is temporary and all that will remain after it turns back to sand is a collection of digital imagery sitting on a hard drive, out of the public eye.
My blog is an attempt at preserving my work and in some ways and I hope to tell the story of this developing art form. By me trying my hand at NFTs I hope it will also inspire others in my field to do the same and hopefully help this genre of NFTs grow.
What does a sand sculpture NFT represent? (to me anyway)
I am not an authority on sand sculpture by any stretch of the imagination but with over 25 years of practising it, I have given it some thought. I am here formulating my Own entry into this space. Setting ground rules that I will follow.
For me, the NFT represents the sculpture itself and not just the image. Someone who has the NFT actually holds a piece of the sand sculpture and its mythology.
Letting go (A parable)
I have only ever sold one permanent sculpture in my life. I have been commissioned to do several but the only one of my own was sold at my end of college exhibition. I put a price on it trying to dissuade any buyers but When I saw the red sticker at the exhibition I was both happy monetarily but also sad that I would have to give up my precious work. After the exhibition, I had to deliver the sculpture to the new owner. It was a heavy piece made from metal and stone and as I carried it in my arms like a heavy child to the top floor of an iconic Dublin building it felt like I was about to give my baby up for adoption. The buyer was the architect of the building and this was his penthouse suite. He appeared very happy to meet me and led me through the apartment to his and his wife's bedroom. There, At the end of the bed was a purpose-built plinth which he told me he had just had made especially for my sculpture. All my apprehension evaporated. Although I knew I would miss my 'Precious' I knew it was going to a good home and to someone who seems to really appreciate it.
Why am I telling you all this? To be honest I have had the same set of emotions play out as I was putting this piece on 
I am happy that we have NFTshowroom on the Hive blockchain. This is where I started my blockchain journey and so it only seems fitting that my work will be exclusive to it. I know that we may not have the largest market place but I do believe that if you build it they will come and I hope to do my part.
Special Edition of 1
After much consideration, I have decided to make this a single addition. On the one hand, I could have minted several, hoping to attract more sales and give the piece more visibility. But, as far as I am aware this is the first sand sculpture NFT and I wanted it to be the one and only.
Maybe I will be hanging onto it for a long time and it sits gathering digital dust in my gallery but for me, it will always be my first NFT child.