Sculpting on sand is his act of faith
Tremaine van Aardt
THE only time he doesn't use his hands is when he is holding them together to give thanks to the Lord, says sand artist Arashaad Davids who makes the best of a situation regardless of the environment.
The 36-year-old Bethelsdorp resident said he started sculpting five years ago after the Lord spoke to him and told him to pursue his art.
"I was dealing with a lot of issues in my life and I turned to God who answered my calls. I gave him my life and he gave me this gift. I started by making small crocodiles. I later developed my skills and now I can make basically anything.
"It has drawn so much attention that sometimes people even give requests and pay accordingly. In December, I have even done a few sculptures for two weddings on the beach," Davids said.
But David's life was not always a "beach".
When he was eight, he was kicked out of his house by his new stepfather and lived on the street.
Soon after he moved in with family but was forced to make money to support himself in the new household.
This resulted in the eight-year-old having to work on taxis before and after school. Studying while working to ensure that he passed at the end of the year did not deter the motived youngster who to this day is still ensuring that there is always some sort of a meal on the table daily.
"Even if I make R50 the whole day I don't mind because I know the Lord will provide for me and my family. On average I make about R100 a day from my art and the rest I leave up to the Lord.
"Luckily for me this is not an expensive way of life. I simply need a bucket, a stick and the Lord guiding my hands. I'm usually on the beach from Thursday to Sunday but a lot of the times it depends on the weather," Davids said.
The artist has travelled up and down the coast from Mossel Bay to Port Alfred creating sand art and spreading the word of the Lord. He says he will continue to do both for as long as the Lord will allow him.