Campbell Artist Leaves His Mark, Momentarily, on Local Beaches

Photos: The first four photos show Brandon Anderton’s elaborate sand designs. (Credit: Brandon Anderton) The final photo shows petroglyphs at Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado. (Credit: National Park Service)

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Ancient peoples of the Americas carved petroglyphs on sandstone, their designs still evident in Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and elsewhere after centuries of weathering.

Brandon Anderton of Campbell uses a rake to create elaborate designs and swirling labyrinths. But unlike the artwork of the ancients, Anderton’s creations are gone with the next tide. Only a handful of people will see each work before it dissolves into the ocean.

Anderton etches his designs in the sand between Ocean Beach in San Francisco and Santa Cruz at the tip of Monterey Bay, chronicling his efforts using a drone. He posts the photos and videos online.

A former electrician who was injured on the job, Anderton took up art therapy to distract him from chronic pain and bring new meaning to his life.

“I’m thankful to have a much more fulfilling life now,” Anderton told the Mercury-News. “This whole process has fundamentally changed me as a person. I feel like the beach is part of me now, and when I’m there, I’m home.”

In addition to his sand art, Anderton paints large canvases that are sold at San Jose galleries.

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