The following is a performance by Kseniya Simonova, a Ukrainian artist who recently won the "Ukraine's Got Talent" competition. She uses a giant light box, dramatic music, imagination and "sand painting" skills to interpret the invasion and occupation of her country from 1941-1945.

The video reminded me of several classmates from art school who would boast about buying expensive supplies,or complain about an assignment being impossible to complete with the low-grade or well-worn equipment we had on hand. I would secretly say to myself, "you know, if the will is strong and you're born with even the slightest ability, art can be made in the mud with a stick. "

I'm especially interested in how Simonova manages to "reuse" and incorporate previous marks she's made in the sand into something new. It's a great example of how simple tools (hands/fingers) and an abundantly available medium (sand) have the ability to move people to tears.

For further reading: Click the images to find out more about the use of sand in art and, well, sand in general!

Sacred Rituals: Connecting with spirit through labyrinths, sand paintings & other traditional arts By Eileen London 203.8 LON

Sand: The Never-Ending Story By Michael Welland 533.622 WEL

The art of Jim Denevan: www.jimdenevan.com