ice carving secrets: Jeff Stahl in competition

ice carving secrets: Jeff Stahl in competition http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus.html Jeff Stahl of Sculptured Elements in central Illinois is a three time National Champion ice sculptor (most recently in 2007) and also captained a team that took second place in 2007 in the Realistic Multi-block portion of the World Ice Art Championships in Fairbanks, Alaska. (The next year, in 2008, he won a World Championship!) Prior to his other successful finishes during the ’07 season, in January, Jeff competed at the Hunter Ice Festival. Few knew at the time that his Pegasus sculpture was a sort of dress rehearsal for the National and World Championships, as his pieces at both of these demanding events included a flying horse as a main element. Fortunately for us, Jeff graciously allowed photographer Janet Crouch to record the process of carving and assembling his sculpture at the Hunter Ice Festival. Ms. Crouch has continued that spirit of goodwill and has allowed 17 of her photographs to be posted here. The full sequence is much longer and includes 90 photos that can be viewed at her website: www.itsphotos.com. (continued at the bottom) Starting the sculpture: Jeff cuts the blocks into the basic sections that will make up his Pegasus http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus.html#0 20c33001-2b4c-42ba-8159-042a8ac62d8f http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0342.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0342.jpg?derivative=micro

http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0342.jpg?derivative=mip

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_154_78"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_2"><span class="style_3">Starting the sculpture:</span> Jeff cuts the blocks into the basic sections that will make up his Pegasus</p></div></div> Stacking the ice: Jeff uses a nailboard to flatten a welding surface before adding another section of ice http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus.html#1 b5f2882b-f76a-4403-8c79-762806c87a59 http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0349.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0349.jpg?derivative=micro

http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0349.jpg?derivative=mip

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_154_78"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_2"><span class="style_3">Stacking the ice:</span> Jeff uses a nailboard to flatten a welding surface before adding another section of ice</p></div></div> Applying templates: Jeff adjusts the position of the template that will guide his rough cutting of the sculpture http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus.html#2 81ffaa06-e74a-4f2d-9ef4-63e0d04c1dc5 http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0354.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0354.jpg?derivative=micro

http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0354.jpg?derivative=mip

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_154_78"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_2"><span class="style_3">Applying templates:</span> Jeff adjusts the position of the template that will guide his rough cutting of the sculpture</p></div></div> Cookie-cutting: Jeff works on the overall outline of the piece (upper sections of the piece have not been added yet) http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus.html#3 a73e0cb3-c466-479c-98d0-a33c553b2ae8 http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0423.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0423.jpg?derivative=micro

http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0423.jpg?derivative=mip

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_154_78"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_2"><span class="style_3">Cookie-cutting:</span> Jeff works on the overall outline of the piece (upper sections of the piece have not been added yet)</p></div></div> Using a strut: To protect the vulnerable extended right hind leg of the horse, Jeff leaves a temporary strut in place while he works on the sculpture http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus.html#4 79d25168-3b91-46f8-9f94-b8f576721232 http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0447.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0447.jpg?derivative=micro

http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0447.jpg?derivative=mip

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_154_78"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_2"><span class="style_3">Using a strut:</span> To protect the vulnerable extended right hind leg of the horse, Jeff leaves a temporary strut in place while he works on the sculpture</p></div></div> Rounding off the edges: You can see that the sculpture has started to lose its blocky edges as Jeff smooths and shapes http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus.html#5 82599ebb-3bfb-484c-88b6-e791aaf01887 http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0510.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0510.jpg?derivative=micro

http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0510.jpg?derivative=mip

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_154_78"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_2"><span class="style_3">Rounding off the edges:</span> You can see that the sculpture has started to lose its blocky edges as Jeff smooths and shapes</p></div></div> Three dimensional: Now we can see that Jeff has finished the silhouette of the main section and is working on the third dimensional aspects http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus.html#6 5cd6848a-46bf-4d85-9704-d9963e09a8dd http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0526.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0526.jpg?derivative=micro

http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0526.jpg?derivative=mip

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_154_78"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_2"><span class="style_3">Three dimensional:</span> Now we can see that Jeff has finished the silhouette of the main section and is working on the third dimensional aspects</p></div></div> On to the head: As it gets dark, Jeff works on the outline of the horse’s head http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus.html#7 b6b61877-9f85-417e-a2ce-f9f1754193a4 http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0559.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0559.jpg?derivative=micro

http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0559.jpg?derivative=mip

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_154_78"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_2"><span class="style_3">On to the head:</span> As it gets dark, Jeff works on the outline of the horse’s head</p></div></div> Checking for fit: After roughing out the basic outline of the horse’s head, Jeff makes sure that it will match up with the rest of the piece http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus.html#8 b165aa89-94c9-4a88-8247-1dfdc3edc4ef http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0592.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0592.jpg?derivative=micro

http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0592.jpg?derivative=mip

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_154_78"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_2"><span class="style_3">Checking for fit:</span> After roughing out the basic outline of the horse’s head, Jeff makes sure that it will match up with the rest of the piece</p></div></div> Shaping the head: Jeff works to essentially finish the head before it’s attached to the sculpture http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus.html#9 c8020b58-cfe0-448e-b9ff-8ba4603ef763 http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0626.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0626.jpg?derivative=micro

http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0626.jpg?derivative=mip

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_154_78"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_2"><span class="style_3">Shaping the head:</span> Jeff works to essentially finish the head before it’s attached to the sculpture</p></div></div> Adding the head and leg: The head and right front leg have been added http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus.html#10 f5f9c3c0-6245-40e6-94db-43e619810863 http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0661.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0661.jpg?derivative=micro

http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0661.jpg?derivative=mip

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_154_78"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_2"><span class="style_3">Adding the head and leg: </span>The head and right front leg have been added</p></div></div> Building the wings: Another section of ice has been added to the right wing http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus.html#11 46f5c6e4-c1ff-448b-bb16-48a073ab11f4 http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0696.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0696.jpg?derivative=micro

http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0696.jpg?derivative=mip

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_154_78"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_2"><span class="style_3">Building the wings:</span> Another section of ice has been added to the right wing</p></div></div> Right wing: The overall shape and structure of the right wing is complete, with some detailing and template removal still to be done http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus.html#12 4804f768-066d-4732-a318-846d30025f61 http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0712.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0712.jpg?derivative=micro

http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0712.jpg?derivative=mip

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_154_78"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_2"><span class="style_3">Right wing:</span> The overall shape and structure of the right wing is complete, with some detailing and template removal still to be done</p></div></div> Left wing: The left wing, as well as the left front leg, have been added and detailed. Matt Williams holds a piece of aluminum for welding http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus.html#13 2aa916f0-870b-4258-8874-3094908a066e http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0759.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0759.jpg?derivative=micro

http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0759.jpg?derivative=mip

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_154_78"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_2"><span class="style_3">Left wing:</span> The left wing, as well as the left front leg, have been added and detailed. Matt Williams holds a piece of aluminum for welding</p></div></div> Finishing touches: The sculpture is nearly complete and the base of the sculpture has been detailed. Jeff holds a blower for removing snow http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus.html#14 6d203aac-5dd4-4a66-8a14-4381cfe6c018 http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0792.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0792.jpg?derivative=micro

http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0792.jpg?derivative=mip

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_154_78"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_2"><span class="style_3">Finishing touches:</span> The sculpture is nearly complete and the base of the sculpture has been detailed. Jeff holds a blower for removing snow</p></div></div> Strut removal: That safety strut has been removed and the sculpture has been “glassed,” or melted some to give it a crystalline shine http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus.html#15 dae7270d-acc9-410d-ab48-2de47cf097ea http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0816.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0816.jpg?derivative=micro

http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0816.jpg?derivative=mip

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_154_78"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_2"><span class="style_3">Strut removal:</span> That safety strut has been removed and the sculpture has been “glassed,” or melted some to give it a crystalline shine</p></div></div> Daylight: The completed piece, still standing the next day, complete with tiny icicles on the hooves http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus.html#16 fa322e07-bcb3-4d31-bec1-6574eba46d99 http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0852.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0852.jpg?derivative=micro

http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/DSC_0852.jpg?derivative=mip

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_154_78"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_2"><span class="style_3">Daylight:</span> The completed piece, still standing the next day, complete with tiny icicles on the hooves</p></div></div> “Elijah”; 2nd place Realistic Multi-block; 2007 IceArt Championships in Fairbanks. J. Stahl, D. Rebholz, L. Manzoni, & J. Bleier. http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus.html#17 05f15bd7-61c2-4c01-91d8-2336e578a92d http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/elijah.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/elijah.jpg?derivative=micro

http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/elijah.jpg?derivative=mip

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_154_78"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_2">“Elijah”; 2nd place Realistic Multi-block; 2007 IceArt Championships in Fairbanks. J. Stahl, D. Rebholz, L. Manzoni, & J. Bleier.</p></div></div> Shaping the head (Nationals piece): Notice the similarity in the process with the sculpture from the Hunter Ice Festival http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus.html#18 e8db1324-4831-4616-b3e1-c25be012ebf7 http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/droppedImage.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/droppedImage.jpg?derivative=micro

http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/droppedImage.jpg?derivative=mip

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_154_78"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_2"><span class="style_3">Shaping the head</span> (Nationals piece)<span class="style_3">:</span> Notice the similarity in the process with the sculpture from the Hunter Ice Festival</p></div></div> Working on the body (Nationals piece): Jeff is preparing to add wings and legs as he did at the Hunter Ice Festival http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus.html#19 9b80d5e8-9a4b-4864-bd6c-fb91832af371 http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/droppedImage_1.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/droppedImage_1.jpg?derivative=micro

http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/droppedImage_1.jpg?derivative=mip

<div style="padding: 0px; " class="image_cluster_layout_style_default_External_154_78"><div class="image_cluster_layout_style_default"><p style="padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt; " class="paragraph_style_2"><span class="style_3">Working on the body</span> (Nationals piece)<span class="style_3">:</span> Jeff is preparing to add wings and legs as he did at the Hunter Ice Festival</p></div></div> Finished sculpture (Nationals piece): Although there are some big differences, there are some real similarities too http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus.html#20 f0d4b114-14dd-4bc5-b171-f6f5403d232f http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/droppedImage_2.jpg?derivative=thumb http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/droppedImage_2.jpg?derivative=micro

http://www.icecarvingsecrets.com/ics/sequences/Pages/Jeff_Stahls_Pegasus_files/Media/droppedImage_2.jpg?derivative=mip