Fairbanks AK

How did you get started in Ice Sculpting?

I have a background in wood carving and Bronze casting from college. A friend of mine suggested I call her cousin to try high sculpting, he let me carve the Madonna hands on a piece he was working on for a Catholic school, and I was hooked when I heard that there was competition in Ice I was all in our first event that he invited me to compete in the world Ice our championships for an event we won. the rest of history.

How many years have you been sculpting ice
25 years

What is your most memorable sculpture? And any short story why it was your most memorable.
My favorite is our piece titled' a little help'. It's a depiction of a lion getting help from a couple of mice who are pulling a thorn out of Lien's foot.

I love it when I'm able to completely concentrate on my new details and trick them out completely. This piece is from one of my favorite childhood tales.

Have you received any notable awards or recognition in your carving career?
I have 11 world championship titles in Ice clipping from the world Ice our championships in Fairbanks Alaska. I've carved in Torino Italy for the 2006 Olympics and placed sixth. We have a collective 3 1st Pl. titles from Lake Louise Alberta at the ice magic competition and I have two sports model professional physique titles from the international physique league representing ice sculpting.

Most memorable location you've carved at?
Lubeck, Germany

Is there a particular type of subject or theme that you like to carve?
I love carving animals doing human activities and I always try to work in a pun. I like subject matters that remind me of childhood and fun and can help to view over. Relate to my work.

What do you enjoy most about participating in ice sculpting competitions?
I love the personal challenges of creating what I visualize in Ice to the best of my abilities. I love hearing the audience connect with the work.

What advice would you give to someone new to ice sculpting?
Purchase a set of good quality tools. Stevebricetools.com is your best resource. Good tools make carving ice a lot more fun and a lot easier on your arms and neck.

When designing keep in mind the transparency of Ice, and have a clear cookie cutter type outline so that your design is identifiable at first glance.