9/2/25
I have such a hard time remembering how many years I've been doing Butter Sculpture for the fair. So, as you can see by clicking the image above, This was my 6th year.
This is the second year I've been doing daily videos at the fair so be sure to click the "Selected Media Coverage" link on that page to see me talking about random stuff.
It's still the best job I've ever had. Why? Because of all the wonderful people who appreciate what I do. The countless happy faces and compliments (even if I feel I don't deserve them) are taken to heart and cherished.
Like the family who stood nearby while I sat on a bench watching people. Dad came back after getting a deep-fried apple pie and told the family that "this little cup is cinnamon syrup. Should I pour it on or keep it on the side?" They all kinda didn't say much so I told him the pie was perfect as is without the syrup. He said, "Well at least someone knows what to do." I asked if they've been to the fair before and the kids said their dad comes to see the butter sculptures. "It's his thing". Then the wife asked if I was waiting for someone or if I worked here. I told her that I do the butter sculptures. At hearing that, Dad was so excited. He asked if he could take a picture with me. We talked for a while and they told me about some really yummy donuts that they were going to get. I said I had never had them but would put'em on my list. Well, after lunch as I was going back into the butter booth, Dad popped in and offered me a one of those donuts.
How cool is that. For someone to walk halfway across the fair and back to bring me a donut, out of the kindness of their heart. I absolutely love it!
8/10/25
I started making random "Great People" portraits back in 2012 and have been adding to the collection periodically.
Marsha and Bryan are retired teachers who do so much for our church. They selflessly give of their time teaching, organizing events, and getting volunteers. They truly are great people.
As always click the image above to see more.
7/19/25
I'm so honored that I could be a small part of Zanny and Alex's wedding event by sculpting a butter portrait of them. Zanny's sister commissioned this 100-pound dual portrait surprise for her sister and fiancé earlier this year.
One of the most difficult parts about butter sculpting is the anticipation. Since butter is perishable, I didn't want to sculpt it and have to freeze it for months before the event. Butter sculpture is a very "immediate" exercise.
So a a couple weeks ago a large order of butter was delivered. Working on a commission like this is a little less intense than the fair where every day a new 90 lb. block of butter is sculpted. Work on this dual-likeness was done over the course of a few days, maybe 4 hours or so at a time. I love these random commissions because it's nice to be able to step away and come back with a fresh eye when sculpting.
And... To contribute to the start of a couple's life together is a wonderful feeling.
As always click the image above to see the process... With video too!
6/26/25
This one has been languishing in my studio for a while. We've been trying to get some landscaping done and just as I had it all figured out, it started raining. And it doesn't quit! But that allowed me to work on this. It is for Karen's office.
Click the image to see more info and shots of the process.
6/16/25
Well, posts here are few and far between this year.
Here's something I worked on during school. A small bust of Rachel N., one of Eden Valley-Watkins' Math Teachers. Click the image above for progress pictures as well as an explanation as to the origins of the idea.
5/18/25
Sometimes I wonder about this blog. You keep seeing the same things year after year.
I don't know, maybe if you click the image above you'll see some variation between last year and this year's Graduation Pottery.
Try it and let me know what you think.
3/28/25
As I mentioned below, the Eden Valley Community Art Show took place earlier this month. As part of that I do a live sculpture demonstration every year. This year Judy Thielen sat for me. She is one of the organizers who makes sure the art show runs smoothly.
It was fun to see everyone that came and show them how portrait busts are made. Click the image here to see for your self.
3/15/25
Another successful Community Art Show and Scholarship Fundraiser happened today. We raised over $1500 in funds to continue the Carolyn Becher Memorial Art Scholarship.
Click the image here to see the pottery we sold and be sure to scroll to the bottom of that page to see a vid of my favorite part of making bowls.
3/9/25
I mentioned a sculpture demo in the previous entry here. I was invited to do a sculpting performance for Temple Aaron's (State Fair themed) Purim celebration. They had considered carving butter but the cooler rental alone would have broke the bank so a clay sculpture that could be finished and kept forever was agreed upon.
Click the image here to see the process.
2/26/25
I have a Clay Portrait demonstration coming up in March and wanted to do a quick practice piece. Deb's husband had asked me how much it would cost to have his wife sculpted. I thought it would be fun to do that for them in school since Deb is a colleague of mine at EVW. What a great experience it was for my students to see the process and be able to ask questions as they saw it evolve. It was especially fun because they all know Deb.
Click the image here to see the process that my students were able to see.