If you’ve visited Ocean City, chances are you’ve seen his work.
Randy Hofman has sculpted a ministry in the sand.
“Today it’s probably more message than it is art, but the ‘Last Supper,’ they go — Oh, that’s a lot of art!” exclaimed Hofman.
Hofman tries to produce at least one new, religious, sand sculpture every week between Good Friday and early October.
You’ll always find the pieces in front of the Plim Plaza between 1st and 2nd Streets right off the boardwalk.
Hofman said most of his sculptures take a few hours to produce, but some can take an entire day or two.
Hofman said he ‘took over the sand’ back in 1982. Since then, he thinks he’s completed at least 1,000 sand sculptures.
Most people seem to love his work. The ordained minister thinks he knows why.
“The charmingness of the sand sculptures put Jesus in a good light,” said Hofman. “Or people like Jesus so they put up with my sand sculptures.”
Hofman pays attention to every line and every particle of sand.
“Ocean City sand is the best quality sand for sunbathing,” said Hofman. “For sand sculpting it’s a little more difficult because it’s so pure!”
Hofman said that means a bit more work to make the sand stick. And as in life, switching up perspective is key. The trained oil painter pairs his artistic eye with an educational background in advertising and communication.
“I never thought I’d be communicating a bible story” said Hofman.
Hofman’s even created a religious, coloring book that features some of his greatest sculptures.
For more information, log onto his website: https://www.randyhofman.com
