CityView Magazine

ing ice for more than a decade. He's the vice president of the National Ice Carv- er's Association, which certifies carvers worldwide. That training came from Gary Ross. Kowalski, an Air Force veteran, was un- happy in his career as a postal worker. On the side he worked creating sculptures out of concrete, steel and clay. He brought some of his work to Ross, who inspected it and recommended that Kowalski try sculpting ice. "When he asked me to try something ship with Ross and has also worked with some of the best carvers throughout the nation. He has nearly leſt his rebellious differences he had to break while being mentored by Ross. "The biggest early on was how I didn't different I wasn't quite sure what to say," Kowalski said. "But I was willing to try and basically called in sick for the next three months. When I leſt the post office, I worked more, made less money and had no benefits, but was happier. Somewhere deep inside I knew it was my calling." Kowalski had a two-year apprentice- Bradley J. Broussard, M.D. Dedicated to Improving Your Lifestyle Don't let bone and joint injuries slow you down. If pain or an injury is interfering with your favorite activities or daily tasks, we can help. Louis P. Clark, Jr., M.D. Cape Fear Orthopedics is the Fayetteville area's trusted source for compassionate, expert care. Since 1973, people of all ages and walks of life have relied on our physicians for the highest level of care – a level of care they deserve. James P. Flanagan, M.D. We understand your injuries and your desire to resume an active, healthy lifestyle. Our specialists provide comprehensive care from injury diagnosis and treatment to rehabilitation services in the following areas: Stanley K. Gilbert, Jr., M.D. • Shoulder & Elbow • Hand & Wrist • Hip • Knee • Foot & Ankle • Sports Medicine • Pediatric Orthopedics • Osteoporosis • Physical/Occupational Therapy Walter B. Greene, M.D. Wherever you hurt, we help. To make an appointment, call 910.484.2171 research my projects well enough," he said. "I've grown a lot and continue to take artistic chances, I guess you'd have to say." Kowalski said he sometimes regrets leaving the Air Force, especially when he sees "how a military family treats one another and takes care of their communities." "Fayetteville's a great example of that," Douglas S. McFarlane, M.D. Jason B. Lowe, M.D. Stephen H. Kouba, M.D. Karen V. Jones, M.D. Edwin C. Newman, III, M.D. 4140 Ferncreek Drive #801 • 6000 Ramsey Street #108 www.capefearortho.com • 910.484.2171 he said. "I so enjoy coming back to work here and reconnecting. It's truly amazing how that place wants more for its people and to make the towns and communities around it better." Kowalski, who is 43 years old, said ice sculpting creations cost between $225 and $1,800, depending on size and de- tail. Sculptures generally last about eight hours, though it can vary depending on the size of the sculpture and the tempera- ture of the atmosphere. But fear not, said the Detroit, Mich., native, the works don't dissolve like the Wicked Witch from the West. "Ice sculptures begin to look better as they melt," Kowalski said. "No, they really do last and accent everything a chef, his staff and the wait staff do." CV HIGHLAND FUNERAL SERVICE & CREMATORY "Serving the Greater Fayetteville Area for Over 40 Years" Locally Owned & Operated 910.484.8108 | 610 Ramsey Street | Fayetteville CityViewNC.com | 29

• Cover