Transforming snow and ice into artwork with master sculptor Sean Fitzpatrick of Fitzy Snowman Sculpting in Gloucester.
Except for ski trips and visits to the skating rink, snow and ice are often nothing less than a nuisance for many of us, requiring constant shoveling and scraping. But for Sean Fitzpatrick, master sculptor and proprietor of Fitzy Snowman Sculpting, the winter elements are pure and simple supplies from which he fashions stunning snow and ice sculptures. Fitzpatrick talks to Northshore about his unique craft and how he keeps frostbite at bay.
How did you get into sculpting? [I] fell in love with impermanent art after making my first snow sculpture…over 20 years ago. My passion took over, and I developed a very successful business plan as a result.
What was that first sculpture? Santa Claus, at the request of my then three-year-old daughter, Shannon.
Where do you work now? My work takes me all over the Unites States and around the world. Locally, a majority of my ice sculptures are created at my ice studio at Cape Pond Ice in Gloucester.
What tools do you use? Chain saws, blow torches, hand saws, and chisels.
How do you keep warm at work? With ice and snow, there’s a lot of Kevlar protection gear. I dress in layers but heat up quickly. It’s always 28 degrees in my ice studio in Gloucester, but with no wind, it’s fairly comfortable.
Ever have any mishaps or, because of the weather, meltdowns? Occasionally, weather can be a problem, which is why I always suggest tenting outdoor events.
What’s been your most challenging sculpture so far? Last winter, I created a 200-ton snow/ice village at the Derby Street Shoppes in Hingham.
Do you ever get any outrageous requests? I was asked to carve a 10-ton snow bust of Rachael Ray for her daytime show. I had less than six hours to create it. A typical project like that would take over 20 hours to create.
What’s the best part of your job? Performing in front of large crowds. It’s the best ego boost any artist can ever get.
What will you be working on next? I have several projects involving ice, pumpkins, sand, and team building, but not necessarily in that order. fitzysnowman.com. -Rebecca Kensil