Food Network has taken to the cold to showcase a new reality TV show called Ice Brigade. The stars are Randy Finch and Derek Maxfield, partners of Ice Sculptures Ltd in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Filmed on location by a California production company, the show highlights a team of ice carvers dedicated to producing very large scale ice sculptures for such events as concerts, sports events, celebrity bashes, and movie premiers.
Large Scale Ice Sculpture
Ice Sculptures Ltd isn't afraid to tackle life size works. Ever played putt putt on a course carved from ice, or ridden an ice carousel? Throw in a bowling lane and grand piano, and begin to get a hint of what the new reality show has to offer. These are not small sculptures commissioned for weddings and meetings. The skill and necessary speed of the sculptors are on view in the creation of the pieces, making the finished sculptures that much more interesting.
How They Became Ice Sculptors
Randy Finch's dream as a ten year old was to become a chef and an architect. Working his way up from a busboy and prep cook, Finch carved his first ice sculpture while working in a hotel kitchen. He worked for a while as a personal chef, and met Derek Maxfield while working at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Michigan. His dream of becoming a chef was fulfilled, and now he is the architect of monumental ice carvings.
Derek Maxfield also also dreamed of becoming a chef. He met Finch while working under accomplished ice sculptor and master chef, Dan Hugelier and chef Mike Green at the Amway Grand Plaza. He is an active participant in ice carving seminars, and constantly seeking new ways to manipulate ice.
Other members of the team include Jovonnah Nicholson, Derek Foltz, Susan Walters, and Shawn "Chops" Winnell. They bring varied backgrounds, a lot of energy, and enthusiasm to help in the production of the temporary masterpieces.
Reality TV Meets the Hard, Cold Reality of Ice Sculptures
Whatever your opinion of reality TV, if you're curious about the creative and other processes of ice sculpting, Ice Brigade premiers on Thursday, March 3, at 10pm. Meet the ice sculptors in this behind the scenes Food Network show. Small ice sculptures for banquets and weddings are only the tip of the ice sculptor's repertoire.
Watch the process from the warmth of an easy chair. Even if you aren't inclined to wield a chainsaw, sledgehammer, or chisels, the Food Network is making it easier to catch a first rate view of the sculptors and their work.
Corinne Shibley - Corinne Shibley studied sculpture in art history and created her own sculpture on the way to a B.A. in Studio Art. "There's something ...
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