So, you are the sculptor who brought Rip Van Winkle to life in the 21st century on Hunter Mountain, not far from his original haunt of Pine Orchard. How did the project come about and how did you come to be involved in it? I understand that you did this project with photographer/artist David Slutzky. What was David’s involvement in the process?
The idea to carve Rip was David’s—I would run into him, and he would mention this idea … of course I would say “ that’s GREAT—sign me up!” So after he mentioned it a few times I called his bluff—turned out he was serious.

In addition to it having been his idea, David has worked with me since the beginning—fine weather, or poor, and has become an excellent sculptor himself.

You’ve been working for fourteen years now. How has that felt for you as an artist? Was it fun to work on a project for so long? Was it draining?
It’s wonderful to take the time with a project to make the highest quality possible the only priority—something that is so absent from our culture in general. You always want to spend more time with a project, but the original intent was to carve during the festivals so people could watch the process. Often (I had to) get re-acquainted with what I was doing, and where I was going with a given aspect; however nothing that a good look wouldn’t cure. Draining? On the contrary, I always find stone carving invigorating.

How many pounds of bluestone did it take to create a life-size sculpture of Rip?
The block of bluestone was 8 tons and it was donated by Falkey’s Quarry.

How did you and David get Rip from the bottom to the summit of Hunter Mountain?
The trip from the base lodge to the summit was a very interesting day, yet not nearly as difficult as I had feared it would be. The mountain was doing maintaince work on one of the lifts, and there was a situation where they had machines at both top and bottom that could lift him—so we went for it. We both have amazing photographs: perhaps some day there will be a book.

Why did you choose the reclining figure of Rip to sculpt?
The reclining figure was chosen as there is a very real possibility that the sculpture will outlast the story by thousands of years. So the sculpture must work on its own. To that end I’ve brought two moments from the story into one sculpture. The awakening, and the realization of his predicament.

Are there any sculptors who influenced your depiction of Rip?
Gianlorenzo Bernini.

I understand that you and David are planning to celebrate the completion of Rip at Hunter Mountain on October 12. Can you tell us what that celebration will be like?
Hunter Mountain has been keeping the plans for the October 12 bash under tight wraps thus far, but I can assure you it’ll be a great party.

I’ve also heard that you’re celebrating another milestone, this one the completion of the Jill McCrudden memorial. Can you tell us about that project, how it came to be, where the design came from, and if you’re planning a celebration for that career milestone as well?
The Jill McCrudden Memorial is a 7’ bluestone sculpture of Jill wearing her wedding dress on her rearing horse Star as they take off into the cosmos. The sculpture is about to be installed, and we’re going to have one last party to send her on her way on October 25 at 4 pm at my studio in Westkill, NY, or by appointment until then for any interested parties. For information, people can call me at 518 989 6356.