In Memory Of

Ivan C. Essman 

1962 - 2025

Purveyor of Parilla Grill and Our Friend . 

First, ICEMAN’s portrait is translated to the balsa wood using his photo as a reference (Great Expression Huh?!) .

The image is hand drawn and painted in a high contrasting monochrome base layer, done in a Yasutomo Sumi Ink.

The background behind ICEMAN is stained using the same ink.

Next the first layers of color are painted to give the rough form of the ICEMAN.

Subsequent layers of paint and resin develop the details, carefully avoiding contact with the background.

Top layers of resin finish the piece, which now resides at Parilla Grill in Hyde Park, Boise.

March 2025

-Ben Gin