ALASKA | Block #13
Team Name: AK Department of Snow
Sculpture Title: Focus: Our Nature
Artist Statement: Our very essence as human beings is now at risk of being deconstructed, scattered, dissipated. We find ourselves catapulting into a new Age of tremendous and transformative advances, both in our capabilities as a species and our understanding of the Universe. This techno-tsunami roars around us, pulling away pieces of ourselves in exchange for the promise of new worlds and possibilities. In the wake of this colossal wave we must always center our awareness around a core tenet of our existence: we are tactile, organic beings, born of and sustained by this Earth. There is already unfathomable wonder right in front of us. We must always look and remember.
Team Members:
- Paul Hanis (Captain): Paul has been making ice and snow art in Alaska for 20 years. He and his teammates hold 8 Alaska State Snow Sculpting championship titles and 3 second place awards at the US National Snow Sculpting Championships. Paul has won numerous other awards for his ice art and is currently working as a wood and steel sculptor out of his home studio. He found his home there through extensive adventures in the surrounding mountains and still looks to them for inspiration. I'll never forget our rookie year in Lake Geneva in 2008! I was so worried about competition but the family-like connection amongst everyone made me quickly realize that we were all here to celebrate each other's contributions to our art form, and to have a really great time doing it....!
- Patrick Boonstra: Patrick Boonstra lives outside of Eagle River, Alaska. Walking through life trying to apply art and creative solutions to everyday challenges. I have been snow carving for close to 20 years. One of his fondest memories of his Lake Geneva experience was from 2008, their team's first time at the event. Meeting new carvers and artists at the Riviera and the great team events.
- Tom Lewando: My name is Tom Lewando. I live in Alaska. The long winter months promote my artistic direction of snow and ice carving, which I have been doing for over 20 years. My other medium is creating fused glass art with my wife, Carol. In the long run, living in a cold climate makes me appreciate the frozen arts! My fondest memories of Lake Geneva experience is having the opportunity to meet other carvers from outside Alaska by carving, dining, and drinking!
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