World-renowned ice sculptor in region
AN artist of international renown will visit Wellington as part of the town’s upcoming Arts and Sculpture Festival in September.
Glenn Smith is well-known as an ice sculptor and started his career via the hospitality industry.
“As a chef working in London in the early 1980s, I was introduced to ice sculpting,” he explained.
“As a fast-paced sculpting medium, it really appealed to me.”
After his return to Australia, Glenn discovered that the art form had not really taken off in his homeland.
“So I went to Japan and was fortunate enough to study under the guidance of master ice sculptor Hideo Hasegawa.”
Eventually he decided to start his own business, Down Under Ice Designs, continuing to hone his craft on the world stage.
“Ice sculpting since then has taken me all over the world as an exhibitor, competitor, and judge of ice festivals in China, Japan, New Zealand, North America and Europe.”
His largest project was the Australian Centenary of Federation display in Ottawa, Canada where Glenn led a team of 12 sculptors carving 250 tonnes of ice over a four-week period, creating “Gateway to Australia.”
Some of the biggest events for which Glenn has created ice sculptures include the opening of the new Parliament House in Canberra, the America’s Cup Ball, Perth, the Australian Open in Melbourne, Brownlow awards, Melbourne Cup and Formula One along with other corporate events and functions including birthdays and weddings.
“Creating a sculpture for a wedding or other celebration is very rewarding and I love to see the guests’ reaction when they realise that it is made of ice and how the sculpture changes throughout the event, but always remains as an art piece.”
Glenn also enjoys the process of doing a live sculpture, and having audiences witness the beautiful ‘crystal creation.’
Event coordinator Kim Kiss is looking forward to Glenn’s visit which will form part of a broader weekend of art-making and demonstrations.
“We have acquired the amazing Glenn Smith to be our visiting performer and propose to hold a very special performance with him sculpting from blocks of ice using chisels and power tools to create a crystal masterpiece.”
A variety of creative people will be showing and demonstrating their talents - including vocalists, musicians, artists, a cartoonist, wood turner, a paper cutter and many others.
“The aim is to showcase the many facets of art continuously.”
*The Wellington Arts and Sculpture Festival will be held from 10am to 4pm on September 2 and 3, at the Hermitage Hill Resort, including the ice sculpting demonstration from 5.30pm to 7.30pm on September 2. There will also be a sculpture and people’s choice competition with primary, secondary and open divisions and prize money of $1000.