The fleeting art of David Hilliam.
If you've walked Piha Beach and stumbled across a giant geometric pattern, there's a good chance you've encountered the work of a local artist.
Art Washed Away by the Tide.
A Titirangi resident for more than 30 years, David has spent a lifetime visiting Piha and learning to respect the power of the West Coast.
"My parents showed me the power of the coast when I was growing up," he says. "The size of the place, the power and the energy you feel is what makes it so special. You realise you are only a small part of the picture out there."
Recently retired after a career as a landscaper and gardener, David now enjoys the freedom to work with the rhythms of the beach rather than the demands of a schedule. His art is dictated entirely by the tides, the weather and the ever-changing canvas of the sand.
What makes his creations particularly remarkable is their temporary nature. Armed with little more than a walking pole and a leaf rake, David sketches out his designs directly onto the beach, pacing distances by eye before carefully raking patterns into the sand.
"I enjoy the creativity and physical nature involved with the beach art," he says. "It's meditation, exercise and creativity all rolled into one."
The artworks often attract curious walkers, who stop to admire the scale of the designs and chat with their creator.
"The surprise people get walking the beach is great. Lots of people stop and talk, and it's always a positive response."
And then, just as naturally as they arrive, the artworks disappear.
"What I really like is there is no paint, paper or brushes needed. I could go back the next day and get a completely new clean canvas to work with."
Perhaps that's part of their magic. For a few hours, the beach becomes both gallery and artwork, before the tide quietly returns everything to nature.
As Picasso famously said, "Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life." At Piha, sometimes the sea washes the art away as well.
Photo credit: David Hilliam
