PREVIEW

The sands of Watergate Bay in Cornwall were transformed into a canvas for a unique art installation courtesy of the Eden Project.

The sand drawing, depicting a gigantic octopus emerging from the water, was expertly crafted during the morning through a meticulous outlining and raking process.


According to bosses at the Cornish attraction, the artwork represents the "ephemeral and rarely-seen aspects of our natural world", a theme running through their Enchanted Earth summer programme of events.


The final artwork was visible in all its glory for a brief window in the early afternoon, with the tide soon approaching to wash it away again.

The unique installation was created by art collective Sand In Your Eye and commissioned by the Eden Project to kick off a summer programme jam-packed with theatre, exploration, hands-on discovery and awe-inspiring beauty.


Jamie Wardley, Artistic Director of Sand In Your Eye, said: “The Eden Project is inspirational in its positive and immersive outlook on nature and the challenges we face. So much so that it has influenced our own work and we have visited with our family a number of times. We are delighted to be making some beach art together!”




Emphasising themes of beauty, fragility and intrigue, the sand drawing gives a flavour of the magic and mystery on display as part of Enchanted Earth this summer, with the programme running from 24 July to 7 September.


With sustainability and climate consciousness at the heart of their work, Sand In Your Eye is a unique group of creatives, producing innovative art ranging from sand drawings and sculptures to field paintings across green spaces and ice installations.

The waters surrounding Cornwall have played host to bumper marine sightings this year, with clifftops around Watergate Bay and surrounding beaches teeming with wildlife enthusiasts hoping to catch a glimpse of magnificent humpbacks. More recently, an Iberian orca made a UK-first appearance off the Isles of Scilly and booming octopus populations are being observed.

Scientists believe these unusual sightings can be attributed to warmer waters, driven by rapid climate change, which can disrupt the delicate food chain. In response to this shifting natural world, the Eden Project’s Enchanted Earth invites visitors to immerse themselves in the magic of our planet, fall in love with its beauty and discover ways to care for and protect it.