Burnie-born Meg Murray wins Australian Sand Sculpting Championships in Frankston

Burnie-born Meg Murray used every ounce of her 25 years of sand sculpting experience at a national championship to stun judges. Find out what drives her.

Meg Murray working on her winning creation at the Australian Sand Sculpting Championships. Picture: Supplied.

Tasmanian-born Meg Murray has taken out the solo division of the Australian Sand Sculpting Championships.

Ms Murray won the event at Frankston beach, Victoria, on Sunday with her piece, Screech of the Sea.

“I am so incredibly proud to take out the title of Australian champion,” she said.

“The level of talent here has been absolutely phenomenal.

“To take home the solo title is such an honour, especially with such a playful and creative theme.

“I’ve always loved mythical water creatures, so I had a lot of fun bringing this piece to life with just sand, energy and pressure.”

The annual sand sculpture exhibition has moved to the Boneo Maze where artists such as Meg Murray are busy sculpting. Meg was working on Tinkerbell in 2018. PICTURE: PENNY STEPHENS.

Ms Murray said she first developed an interest in sand sculpting after stumbling upon an event in the Victorian seaside suburb of Rye.

“I thought it looked really cool, and I asked if I could volunteer,” she said.

“I was keen as mustard to learn.”

Murray described her sculpting schedule as intensive.

“We have long days that start at 7.30 in the morning and go until 6 at night,” she said.

“It’s mentally and physically exhausting.

“You need to be organised, have reference material and the design worked out to make sure everything’s spot on, and your muscles get worked and you sweat a lot.”

Sand Sculpture Festival winner Meg Murray with her entry that also won the peoples choice award. Picture: Richard Gosling

Ms Murray said she had a love affair with sand sculpting.

“It’s ephemeral,” she said. “You don’t own the work.

“You own the moment, and that’s the beautiful thing.”

So too was the challenge.

“It requires a lot of strength and resilience,” she said.

“There’s a lot to think about.

“But if you want to do something offer yourself to volunteer.

“Get it and do it, and don’t hold back.”

Ms Murray grew up in Burnie before receiving classical art training at what was then the Claremont School of Art in Perth.