Sand Sculptor Steven Machell of Ballina must have one of the best jobs around – building sandcastles. Steven decided to take a year off from studying computers at university and decided to travel around Australia with a mate. During his travels visiting the countries beautiful beaches Steven said that he would make sandcastles for fun. “One day someone told me to put a hat out (to get some money),” he said. “That was 20 years ago and it has slowly turned from busking, into a business” (where he creates beach art for weddings and special events). His tools of the trade consist of a paint brush, a knife and a bucket and spade. Steven enjoys passing his sculpting skills on during his mini workshops. “There will always be a few children who pick up some of the skills I’ve taught them and you look at their sculptures and go ‘oh wow’, he said. Steven is married and has a six-year-old son Odynn, who loves helping his dad create sand castles. “He’s pretty good with the brush,” said Steven. “At least I’ve slowed him down from jumping on them.”