Castle Hayne ice sculptor keeps cool while creating patriotic works ahead of Fourth of July

CASTLE HAYNE, NC (WWAY) — As extreme temperatures settle over southeastern North Carolina ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, many residents are looking for ways to beat the heat. For Castle Hayne artist Michael Kowalski, staying cool is part of the job.

For more than 20 years, Kowalski, owner of Sculptures by Ice Man Ski, has transformed massive blocks of ice into detailed works of art from the confines of his freezer workshop, one of the coldest workplaces in the Cape Fear region.

Using tools ranging from a blowtorch to a computer-controlled spindle machine, Kowalski carves intricate designs into ice for weddings, celebrations, and special events. This year, one of his latest creations honors both America’s and Canada’s Independence Days.

Kowalski, who holds a degree in 3-D design, said he discovered ice sculpting while working for the U.S. Postal Service in Charlotte, launching a career he never expected to pursue.

Since then, he has continued creating custom sculptures and recently designed patriotic pieces celebrating the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.

“It was fun being able to research and look up images of how to make this Fourth of July different and better for everybody,” Kowalski said. “Finding images like this and being able to use them, finding other images that celebrate more with ‘The Star-Spangled Banner.'”

The process begins long before carving starts. Specialized equipment in Kowalski’s shop produces up to eight 300-pound blocks of ice each week. The water used to make the blocks is kept between 0 and -10 degrees, creating a frigid environment inside the workshop.

Once frozen, the blocks are moved into a freezer where a computer-controlled spindle machine carves detailed patterns before Kowalski finishes the work by hand.

Although much of his work is displayed throughout the Cape Fear region, Kowalski also travels each year to compete and volunteer alongside some of the world’s top ice sculptors.

“In January, I go to Alaska, and I set up at the World Ice Art Championships,” Kowalski said. “That’s 50 below, but it’s a vacation. It’s work, it’s volunteer work. I get paid nothing, but I get to be around great people. It’s fun. I love what I do.”

Kowalski said the finest details of an ice sculpture typically last about six hours, depending on the environment. However, when displayed indoors, many sculptures remain intact through the following day, allowing guests to enjoy the artwork long after it is completed.