Fire meets ice.

For my first Texas interview, I headed down to McAllen, Texas a few miles north of the Mexican border. Rudy Sanchez of Texas Ice Carving is the only full-time ice sculpting business down there. He talked to me a little bit about how being the only ice guy in town can have it's advantages and disadvantages. Last night he showed off his ice carving talents with a performance(live demo) at one of his favorite local nightclubs.

Thanks to my 'brutha from anotha mutha' for taking the great photos!!
Eastwood Photography

Bad timing...

Due to a mishap at a client's event in Palm Springs, Ice Bulb once again had to post-pone the interview. I really want to get this interview on tape because they offer a very distinct side to the ice distributing business. Hopefully we can make it happen on the next trip to Cali. Aside from that, this has been a very productive trip. Can't wait for the big N.I.C.A. event in September.

Cali trip #2 coming to an end...

You'd think that all ice sculpting businesses are run the same... not the case so far. Every shop that I have visited has it's own unique way of doing everything from freezing to sculpting and even delivering. Symphony on Ice in North Hollywood has a totally different way of getting sculptures done.... you'll see how when the doc is done. I would like to thank Joanne, Sam, Rita, Kurt, Jimmy for making me feel at home and feeding me so much great food.... much appreciated :)

Finally a female perspective.

I drove up to Camarillo, California to tape an interview with Dominique Colell of Images in Ice. She obviously provides a different point of view. Her interview was short, simple but very entertaining.

My first delivery.

I finally got to go out on a delivery with Gavin of Carving Ice. But, since I didn't get clearance from the hotel... I couldn't tape the setup. Guess I need to think about that next time. Thanks Gavin for the great talk. 

The interview I was told I would NOT get...

I have heard a lot of things about Mark Daukas... some good, some bad. I was told by several sculptors that I would not get this interview and if I did, he would not be very open or kind. Well, I got the interview and guess what? He was totally kind & very open. Mark's interview was by far the most interesting as far as ice history. We spent a few hours shooting while his wife & son went to DisneyLand. I got some pretty interesting perspectives on certain people in the ice community... but you will have to wait for the documentary release to know who/what he said.



Thank you Daukas family for your valuable time!