Justin Bateman Creates Ephemeral Portraits from Beach Pebbles

Artist Justin Bateman, based in Chiang Mai, Thailand, creates portraits and landscapes using only natural pebbles collected from beaches, forests, and mountains. He forgoes brushes and palettes, relying on the innate colors and textures of stones to depict subjects like a serene Buddha or a playful cat. His work also includes reinterpretations of famous paintings such as the Mona Lisa. Bateman's practice is inspired by Tibetan sand mandalas, emphasizing impermanence: his artworks are left outdoors to be reclaimed by nature. He began his artistic journey on a pebbled beach in a British seaside town, honing his skills over time. His Instagram account, @pebblepicassos, showcases his process and finished pieces.