These are impromptu constructions, ephemeral experiments in balance and composition. They are built as a part of beach visits that include walking, throwing a ball for the dogs, watching pelicans fish the turn of the tide, talking with folks who stop by (usually about dogs, sometimes about sculpture...or pelicans) and, generally, just enjoying being close to this small fringe of the unimaginably vast Pacific.
Vertical elements frequently have one end buried in the sand or, on occasion, propped up with stones. All the rest is mostly a matter of balance and gravity. Sometimes a rock or two holds something in place if the wind is picking up (on particularly gusty days there are a LOT more rocks featured). Once in a while a piece of kelp helps out.
These pieces vary in size, some being quite large while others are more modest in scale. Available material tends to be the deciding factor in a number of ways. The tide usually takes care of the recycling and redistribution unless the construction is a potential hazard for dogs or small children (Neahkahnie is a great beach for both), in which case they are disassembled (sometimes aided by dogs or small children).