His work, some of which is displayed on his Instagram account, is eye-catching, and includes various geometric designs as well as heart and flower patterns.
The 36-year-old Malaysian-born, who has lived in Singapore since he was five, arrived in Kuala Lumpur in September 2020 to expand his media production company.
That November, he made his way to Langkawi. “I discovered such a beautiful place, with really amazing beaches and nice people,” he recalled.
A month later, he created his first artwork on the beach. “It was really spontaneous. My friends and I had been going to the beach every single day to relax.
“Since I didn’t have any art supplies with me, I just decided to pick up a stick and draw in the sand.”
The first pattern he drew consisted of simple circles, but it wasn’t long before he moved on to more sophisticated designs.
Pang, who typically makes one artwork a week, told FMT there are certain conditions that make it conducive for him to draw: wet sand, good weather, and low tide.
The best times to draw are during dawn and dusk because of the quality of light. “I personally like drawing during sunsets because the light casts a soft glow on the sand that is really beautiful,” he said.
“I normally spend two to three hours doing one piece of art; if I take a bit longer, the tide will come in.”
How does he feel as the waters eventually sweep his beautiful creations away? “I put my best effort into creating each piece but, for me, every single time I do this, it’s a process of letting go.”
He also aims to spread a message with each design. “These are powerful images that I want to show, instead of negative images such as trash on the shore or animals that have been killed by plastic bags.
“I hope my art can raise awareness and spark conversations on how we can better care for our beaches and marine life,” he explained.
“I want to remind people that our beaches are beautiful, and that’s why we must protect them.”
Each of Pang’s artworks typically measures 20m in length and 10m in width, although the largest piece he has done is 100m x 10m.
“Normally, I would have an idea of the design I want to create beforehand,” he shared, adding that his sources of inspiration include nature and social media.
“I have been drawn to repeating patterns, which inspire me to create geometric designs. These are timeless and show up well on the sand.”
Pang uses non-polluting tools such as an iron rake mounted on a wooden stick, and a string to make simple measurements.
Describing the process as “a mix of precision and intuition”, he said: “Because I cannot see when I am on the ground, I am unable to have a complete picture until I use a drone to view it from the air.
“I really have to trust my intuition to complete the piece, but the payoff is when I fly the drone and see I’ve accomplished what I set out to do.”
He does sometimes fail and might require three or four do-overs to perfect the design. Once he is done, he posts his work on Instagram.
Pang credits his background in media production, specifically in drone photography and videography, for helping him take such striking images.
Unsurprisingly, his work has even captured the attention of those abroad. “I have had several orders, mostly from overseas clients, for birthday and anniversary artwork,” he said.
He has also had requests from commercial entities seeking to display their brands on the beach.
‘Social experiment’
Pang further shared his observations on people’s reactions to his art, which he described as “varied”.
“Some will stop and strike up a conversation about what I’m doing, while others walk by without even noticing the beauty around them,” he said.
Notably, some passersby are too preoccupied with their phones, he said.
“There are also motorcyclists who ride across the artwork without any consideration. So, it’s an interesting social experiment as I look at these people who are really oblivious to the good and beautiful things around them.”
He concluded: “If I am able to get their attention and get them to slow down, it’s a victory.”
Discover more of Pang’s stunning artwork via his website and Instagram profile.