Sudarsan Pattnaik, an award-winning professional sand artist, hails from the coastal city of Puri in Odisha, India. With no money for art supplies, he turned to the beach, using sand as his canvas. Pattnaik’s journey into sand art began simply but evolved rapidly. Starting with basic designs, he gradually honed his skills, creating more complex sculptures of figures like Buddha and Shiva. His talent did not go unnoticed; while he received little recognition at his day job, the beach became a place where people praised his work, motivating him to further develop his craft. His dedication and unique approach have led to the creation of incredible works, such as a 14-meter-high sandcastle, earning him numerous accolades and world records. His art is not only visually stunning but also carries powerful messages about current events and social issues. His talent has taken him around the world for competitions and exhibitions.

From a humble beginning as a helper in someone’s house, he has risen to international acclaim, often reflecting on the profound changes in his life. Despite his success, Pattnaik remains humble and grateful for the opportunities given to him by God and the sea. He is determined to continue creating sand sculptures as long as he is able. He has also made significant contributions to the art community by teaching sand art at his school, aiming to popularize this unique form. He does not charge fees, believing that there should be no barriers to learning art. His dedication to sand art remains unwavering, even as he can now afford traditional art supplies, because it is this medium that transformed his life.