Steve Machell
Sand Sculpture (Byron Bay, NSW)

Steve Machell first began sculpting sand in 1998. He grew up in Brisbane but at the age of 19 the magnetic pull of the ocean became too strong to resist. He left Brisbane and his studies in Information Technology and decided to travel around Australia. It was a few years later that he discovered sand sculpting.

"It all started on St Kilda beach, Melbourne. One of my traveling buddies Rick had seen some sand sculptures on the Canary Islands. So Rick, myself and another friend Ben decided to give it a go.

At the time I was looking for direction in my life, I'd just made a new year's resolution to find a career or way of life that involved making people happy, was fun and wouldn't tie me to one place forever.

I think I found it, I was hooked. My traveling buddies soon moved on, but immediately I felt I had found my calling. I stuck at it and through trial and error evolved my own unique style."

After a couple of years traveling to different beaches, Byron Bay became Steve's home base. He's become a tourist attraction in the area receiving local, national and international media attention. On a sunny day you'll be likely to find Steve down on main beach in Byron, molding the sand into magic. At sunset he lights the sculpture with candles which brings his creations to life.

Steve's sand sculptures have taken him to many beautiful beaches around Australia, and he has also created his magic in competitions, festivals, resorts, beach weddings, schools and gardens (permanent). In June 2005 Steve will compete in international sand sculpting competitions in Dubai and Italy.

Steve is available for commercial sand sculpting work for film, television, advertising and corporate events & festivals, and is available to travel. Contact Steve below for information and costs.

Contact Steve Machell
Visit Steve Machell's 'Sandology' website