# African Beach Calligraphy Andrew Van Der Merwe's Temporal Collection of Carvings By Venessa Fisher | Published 2010-01-16 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beach-calligraphy References: [behance.net](http://www.behance.net/Gallery/African-beach-calligraphy-2009/387615) & [artfire](http://www.artfire.com/users/beachscriber) South Africa-based calligrapher and letter artist Andrew Van Der Merwe is the man behind this incredible temporal beach calligraphy in the African sand. Van Der Merwe [carves the letters into the sand](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arena-collection) using various instruments and then photographs them, leaving no footprints as the tide leaves him with a clean slate. His inspiration comes from [African writing systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peace-love-joy), and in some instances he plays with variations of a particular movement. Check out this beautiful beach calligraphy above and keep clicking for more from Trend Hunters archives. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.6/10 - Popularity: 28% | Activity: 12% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Temporal Art:** Exploring innovative ways to create art that is fleeting, temporary and uses natural materials. - **Environmental Art:** Using the natural environment as both the inspiration and medium for art. - **Passive Lettering:** Creating art that is not only non-invasive, but also non-permanent through the use of passive lettering techniques. ### Who This Affects Most - **Art:** Opportunities exist for artists to integrate natural materials and techniques into their work. - **Tourism:** Beach calligraphy may become a new form of attraction for tourism boards seeking fresh experiences to offer travelers. - **Event Planning:** Beach calligraphy services could be offered to businesses and individuals for special events such as weddings or corporate retreats. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Vintage Calligraphy Pens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meisterstck-great-masters-calligraphy.md) - [Artful Graphic Beach Towels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artist-terry-beach-towel.md) - [Island-Inspired Summer Wear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sel-de-mer.md) - [Kinetic Artful Sand Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arrakis-30.md) - [Protest Sand Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bland-castles.md) - [Self-Operating Sand Artwork Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/origin-coffee-table.md) - [Stone-Finished Coastal Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/matopos.md) - [Sand Dune-Inspired Wall Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sahara-wall-panel.md) - [Textile-Inspired Hardwood Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lesire-collection.md)