Sand sculptor Steven Machell with his sand castle which took four hours to create, at Yamba’s Main Beach, on Sunday. Pic: Lynne Mowbray
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.”