Its a real treat to share Sculptures by the Sea with Nick. We came up to Sydney and spent the day admiring the lovely sculptures and hearing some artists talk about their works.

There are 105 artworks created by 112 artists, from 21 countries including Australia, Austria, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, France, Greece, Iceland, India, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Lithuania, New Zealand, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Taiwan, Ukraine, and the USA, on the iconic 2km Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk.

The day was forecast for rain but we had dramatic skies instead which actually showed up the sculptures to maximum effect.

I have chosen five ( I lie, 10 ) of my absolute favourites from many beautiful works and this was a hard choice. The art work displayed came through a rigorous assessment and Oceane Jacob, the youngest artist to show her work here told us what a joy it was to be accepted. She grew up in the south of France, close to the sea and fishermen and was given catalogues of Sculptures by the Sea for Xmas by her parents – she went on to become an environmental artist so her work is resonant with messages about the oceans and marine life – after which she is named. She spent three month close to fishermen in Melbourne, taking their discarded nets, undoing the knots and then creating her shark fin, which was so beautifully displayed on the beach.

India Collins called her piece Yatra journey – recycled marine rope, netting crab pots and reclaimed materials – a tribute to the mysterious jellyfish.

Eiji Hayakawa’s “Giant in the Forest” was especially dear to me, having seen these gentle giants up close less than a month ago. He is judging our record in nature perhaps?

Nazar Bilyk from Ukraine created “Human Vessel” telling the story of how an original idea is exposed, how meaning gradually takes shape in a physical space as it seeks to approach the root cause of its birth.

I met Keizo Ushio in the last Sculptures by the Sea and he has the patience and craftsmanship to weave granite blocks into something fluid and sensuous. Look at this beautiful creation from a lump of granite.

Anton Forde from New Zealand has positioned these sentinels which stand proudly on the headland offering the perfect perch for magpies trilling.

Zero Higashida from Japan sculpted “Cherub”. Set against the ocean the sculpting of the stainless steel is sublime.

Juan Pablo Pinto and Christian Rojas created “The Hermitage” – pun intended! A giant tin which becomes a squat home for a homeless creature, crab or human, in an exclusive beach front pad marketed by real estate sharks.

Mela Cooke from Queensland has entitled her piece “Halcyon Days” – like the days I spend with my sister swimming in the sea.

Finally something flighty and fanciful which made us smile.

Lucy Barker who was the Helen Lempriere Scholarship created On Line Clothes Swap. Can art be the agent of Social Change ?

Just a lively reminder of what it is to be human – the creative spirit is always alive no matter what is happening around us. For more sculptures go to my instagram marina.marangos