Each year competitors from around the world travel to Fairbanks to compete in the World Ice Art Championships. Our spotlight is on a competitor who hails from Mexico.
Julio Martinez, a.k.a By_Frost is a multi-talented artist. Each year he travels from Mexico to Fairbanks and competes in this event. He is originally from Mexico City, and currently resides a short distance from his birthplace, where he is a full time, professional Ice Sculptor, instructor, artist and chef. Julio travels all around the world, sculpting with all sorts of material. He speaks fondly of listening to heavy metal music for inspiration and about his collection of cd’s, vinyls, and tapes that inspire a good portion of his creativity.
When Julio is not sculpting, he is spending quality time with his students whom he credits for many of the ice sculptures at this year’s event. He also uses this opportunity to share his passion and knowledge with others. Julio began ice sculpting in 2003 when he was attending culinary school. “After that, I started to do it by myself, every Sunday without a mentor. I was training to make myself better. I pushed myself to practice more and more. I now have 18 years of carving experience. I have taught others how to carve for the past 13 years,” he explained. Upon seeing his creations for the first time, one might ask—how does someone begin in Ice Sculpting? Julio’s advice is to first, listen to the people that can train you. They have a wealth of information and want to make you better. You need discipline. If you have discipline and you like this beautiful game, you can do whatever you want in life. Passion and heart, if you don’t have these 2 beautiful things, you are never going to find out what you really love and enjoy in life.”
