Craig Mutch

charlie

I’m an artist who wears many hats—sand sculptor, ice and snow carver, woodworker, painter, and professional photographer with over 30 years of experience.

My creative journey began as an illustrator and graphic designer at the Edmonton Journal in Alberta. Eventually, I set out for the West Coast, seeking broader horizons, and found myself working in the cruise ship industry for 15 years as a lab manager, photographer, and onboard artist. Today, I call Kitsilano, Vancouver, BC home.

About ten years ago, I felt the itch to reconnect with my hands-on art practice. Through mutual friends, I dove into local sand sculpting events around Vancouver—what began as a hobby quickly evolved into a global career. I’ve since participated in international sand sculpting competitions and created large-scale installations for shopping centers and special events around the world.

Sand isn’t my only medium. Snow and ice carving have been equally fulfilling. In 2008, I took part in a three-city, six-week ice festival in Europe. By 2010, I was contributing to the Winter Olympics in Whistler. Two years later, I served as Artistic Director for Whistler’s largest private snow and ice project, a five-week build culminating in an exclusive three-hour event.

Over the past 20 years, my work has taken me across Europe, the Middle East, and the U.S., blending art, photography, and creative design in a variety of cultural and commercial contexts. My most recent assignments have included projects in the Middle East and the Mediterranean.

It’s this intersection of travel, diverse mediums, and collaboration with international artists that fuels my passion and growth. Currently, I work in the film industry as a set artist, painter, and sculptor, bringing visual stories to life on screen.

 

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2024 Solo First place - “Neanderthal + Narwhal” by Dean Arscott

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2024 Doubles First place - “Be the Change” by Craig Mutch & Joaquin Cortez

Recently named America's #1 Beach, the Siesta Key Crystal Classic has become a favorite of the professional sand sculptors who have competed here.