Sand provides the entire structure, but water holds the sand grains together. How I Do It section of this document. I frequently have a basic idea, which is embellished as I work and the sand speaks to me. Sometimes I have a specific idea I want to make, and I adhere to that. Occasionally, I have no idea what to do, and simply start carving.
Sand sculpture is real.
Today depends upon tomorrow. It is not a model, or a prototype, or a test. It is what it is, right there solid on the beach, and it'll be gone tomorrow. I do it, active, sweating real salt, making real cuts that can't be put back. I like using my hands.