I was fortunate for the opportunity to carve in the Ice Carving Classic at the NRA show in Chicago in 1998. One of several pieces that we carved was a scene of fish playing pool called “Pool Shark.” The fish was one of the carvings in the scene. Because real props were encouraged for this particular competition, the fish was also holding a cigarette in a cigarette holder in her left fin. I’ve cleaned up the original design a little bit and added some more water swirls for structural support.

    When you carve this piece, if you decide to engrave the scales, try to follow the pattern on the template. I’ve always found scales to be deceptively difficult. Badly done scales can really hurt the look of your sculpture. Also, note the aspects of the design that make the fish “sexy;” the curves, the parted lips, and the sleepy eyes with long eyelashes (snowfill engraved.) If the sculpture is to be viewed from only one side, don’t put an eye or much other detail on the back. Cartoon style sculptures like this one benefit from less detail rather than more (thus the full scales are optional) and strong, clean lines that clearly illustrate the character. At a later date, I’ll likely add more characters from the “Pool Shark” design.

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