A View Royal artist has gained recognition from both judges and fellow sculptors at a major sandcastle competition in Parksville. Damon Langlois impressed with his solo creation, T.G.I.F., featuring a sandy, bikini-clad elephant lounging on a beach towel. The piece stood out for its life-like expression and playful humour.
Langlois earned third place from the judges and the coveted Sculptor’s Choice award in the solo category. His peers praised the work for its energy, gesture, and sculptural quality.
“It always feels good to get positive feedback from your peers,” Langlois said.
Langlois, an industrial product designer, began his journey in sand sculpture in Victoria decades ago. His first experience came while working alongside a sand artist who was part of the team Freddy and the Sandblasters. This early exposure led him to compete at Harrison Hot Springs, a Fraser Valley beach that hosted world championships for ten years until 2009. His team placed second, and Langlois says he was instantly hooked.
He spent the next seven years competing with teams at Harrison, witnessing the evolution of sand sculpture from casual, amateur fun to a high-level art form.
“When I started in the ’90s, it was easier with large teams and a lower bar. Now the level is much higher and more intimidating,” he explained.
For Langlois, the appeal of sand sculpture lies in the medium’s impermanence. Unlike industrial design, where work is permanent, sand is temporary and vulnerable to the elements. This offers spontaneity and a less rigid creative process.
“You also have to challenge gravity and the environment. With sand, you can’t do just anything. You learn to become one with it,” he said.
The sand sculpture community adds to the appeal. Over decades, artists have shared techniques, stories, and legends. Langlois remembers icons like Ted Siebert and the late Joe Maize, who shaped the culture.
In the past, sculptors traveled extensively, competing and exhibiting full time. Teams included both diggers and artists, and public engagement was key. Maize and others would sculpt in front of crowds, a practice known as busking.
“They used to joke about joining the circus because of constant travel,” Langlois said. “It creates bonds and adventures outside the normal world. You end up sharing stories and legends.”
Today, sand sculpting is more selective, with most events requiring invitations. Only a few amateur events in the U.S. allow open participation. Parksville remains a prized destination, widely recognized internationally and considered one of the top competitions in Canada.
Langlois’s former colleague, Fred Dobbs, also earned top recognition at the Parksville event. Teamed with Jakub Zimacek from the Czech Republic, their sculpture The Acrobats featured a daring 14-foot-tall design with a central hole. They won first place and Sculptor’s Choice in the doubles division.
Parksville Beachfest continues with all sculptures on display until August 17. Visitors can view the works daily from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and vote for the People’s Choice Award.
The event highlights both the artistry and community of sand sculpting, drawing top talents and fans from around the world. Langlois, three decades into his sand sculpting journey, says the combination of craft, challenge, and camaraderie keeps him coming back.
