Leon’s journey as an artist began in childhood, nurtured by his mother’s quiet yet powerful creativity. He first picked up a pencil as a young boy, later expanding his skills across painting, lino printing, ceramics, digital media, and even music. In 2003, he formalised his training with a Certificate IV in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Visual Arts, but his learning never stopped. For Leon, creativity is a lifelong exploration, always guided by a desire to tell stories through art.
The inspiration for his sand art came unexpectedly while traveling along Australia’s East Coast. He had seen Indigenous artists using sand as a storytelling medium on Instagram, but it wasn’t until he encountered large-scale beach artworks in person that something clicked.
"I thought, ‘I’ve got drones, I can create art—I’m going to give this a go,’" he recalls.
What sets Leon’s sand art apart isn’t just its striking scale, but the way he works with the land to create it. He doesn’t simply draw in the sand—he carves with his feet, using the natural textures of the shore as part of the composition. It’s a full-body experience, a ritual that connects him to Country.
"I see it in my mind, then I carve it out in the sand with my feet. It cleanses me, releases toxins—it’s exercise, but it’s also a way to speak my mind on nature’s canvas," he explains.
His designs, shaped by the ebb and flow of the tides, often feature Indigenous symbols representing connection, resilience, and unity. Each piece is temporary, existing only for a few hours before the sea reclaims it—an artistic reminder of the cyclical nature of life and storytelling in First Nations cultures.
Leon’s creative process doesn’t begin and end with visual art—music plays a vital role in shaping his work. Whether it’s a melody in his head or a song playing through his headphones, sound fuels his artistic vision.
"Music is everything to me. It keeps me happy and takes me on a journey. Sometimes, I’ll listen to a certain song to get inspired for a particular artwork," he shares.
One song that deeply resonates with him is Spirit Bird by Xavier Rudd, a track that speaks to his connection with land and spirit. This interplay between music and movement results in artwork that isn’t just seen—it’s felt.
Image courtesy of the artist. Proudly supported by the MRC RADF Program.
For those lucky enough to witness Leon’s creations in person, the experience is fleeting but unforgettable. As the tide rises, his work disappears—but that impermanence is what makes it so powerful.
"What you’ll see at Between the Tides is intricate designs on a large scale—art that brings people together and celebrates creativity," he says.
This year, Leon will bring his live sand art to Between the Tides at Cape Hillsborough on Yuwi Country, giving audiences a rare opportunity to see his process unfold in real time.
His journey as an artist is ever-evolving, but the heart of his work remains the same—storytelling, connection, and creation in all its forms. Whether he’s carving the sand, painting on canvas, or composing music, Leon Namai’s art is an invitation: to pause, to reflect, and to embrace the beauty of the moment before it’s carried away with the tide.
The Reef Trail
June 13 - 14
Cape Hillsborough / Yuwi Country