Joe Maize

First Impressions

I was just a spectator my first time visiting South Padre Island’s Sand Castle Days when I met Joe. Other sculptors spent their valuable allotted time focused and busy at work. But Joe’s pile of sand was a “show?. He mugged and chattered to the crowd while he turned a pile of sand into comedy. But what really impressed me was, at that last hour when everybody was scrambling to finish on time…… Joe was already done, bottle in hand, strolling from exhibit to exhibit, heckling the other artists, pointing out mistakes, and generally trying his best to be a major annoyance. To top it off he put his money where his mouth was and took first place in the contest. At that time I found myself hoping that someday I too would be carver worthy of Joe’s abuse.

Good Bye Joe

Jerry Boehm (Novice Sculptor and Fan) August 30, 2006

Joe

Can't believe I'll never hear Joe calling me a "loser" again. I'll miss his generosity, his quick wit, his sparkling eyes along with a smile that gave away some sort of prank about to unfold. Too bad for all those future sandsculptors......theyve missed a special era. Sandsculpture is not the same anymore.

Kirk Rademaker (sand) August 30, 2006

from the heart

Goodbye Joe, I lived down there many years ago, but I did know you, soon, we will all be together on the sandy beaches, wherever that may be. God bless and God speed. Your funny, lil Lauralee smiles upon you with love and kindness, anyone who remembers me, will remember. You will be missed, but never forgotten.
From my heart, yours sincerely,
LauraLee

Lauralee (Friend) August 30, 2006

Δ

In Almere we shered a house and changed jello- shooters for space-pudding.
Never go without my Joe-TOOL Δ.

Nienke Eshuis (sand) August 30, 2006

Goodbye Joe
I'm sure you're enjoying the greatest welcome party right now.
We, on the other hand will miss you. A guy we will never forget.

Bruno (fellow sculptor) August 30, 2006

He peppy,

Thanx for all the laughs and grunts of irritation. Thanx for being you, keeping me on my toes and then surprising me with your sweet and caring side.
You will be missed.

kiss from one of your many pumpkins.

Anique (fellow sculptor) August 30, 2006

Joe, you were an amazing guy and so very much fun. The world has lost a talented sand sculptor and major funny dude! Miss You!

Robert Amp Dee Mcelroy August 30, 2006

Wow..... Such sad news....
I will miss him... such a unique character...
and very talented.
I will miss him....
I will never forget the Sandacus act he did here in Atlantic City.
He dressed up as Caesar and ended up on stage at a Caesar's Casino stage on the boardwalk with 4 or 5 beautiful women surrounding him. The outfit was made from a bed sheet and his crown was english ivy.
I almost passed out from laughing that day....This was Joe making something from nothing and making people laugh...

I will miss him. He kept our art form real somehow.
There will always be Joe.

John Gowdy August 30, 2006

The reluctant king...gone?

It is stunning to the vast number of people, sculptors and others alike, that Joe has brought together. I am honored to have known the little devil, and am all the better for having been honored with his criticism, his shots, and his friendship. It is doubtful we will ever see one like him again. We mourn in good company.
Or, as Joe said - "Yeah, yeah, yeah, yadda, yadda, yadda, best ever.. we're walking, we're walking..."

Dan Belcher Quotdanny-Boyquot To Joe August 30, 2006

Heeeee Skippy,
Thanks for all your jokes, drinks and surprises.
I really looked forward too hear you say: goega gagga gagga to my little isa, and you steling her out off my arms to build a castle....
No goodbye, think of you with a big smile & hope we meet again.

Linda De Haan (sand) August 30, 2006