Q&A with a Cheese Artist
A conversation with the Wisconsin cheese carver decorating (and catering) our UGM after party
Meet the artist at our UGM after party on Tuesday, 8/18!
A sculpture by artist Vicki Janisch
When did you make your first cheese sculpture? What was it? How did you get started?
My first cheese sculpture was in 2022, and it was a cheese wedding cake with a variety of Wisconsin cheeses with a variety of carvings on each tier. The opportunity came after years of working in Wisconsin's dairy industry and a conversation with renowned cheese carver Sarah Kaufmann, who encouraged me to give it a try.
I've always loved art, and growing up on a dairy farm gave me a deep appreciation for the people and products behind Wisconsin cheese. When my family's farm transitioned away from milking cows, cheese carving became a way for me to stay connected to the industry I love while sharing the story of dairy in a completely different way.
I like to say I traded my paintbrush for a block of cheddar and made cheese my canvas
How long does a typical piece take you?
It depends on the size and complexity. A smaller piece might take an hour or two, while a large, detailed sculpture can take anywhere from 6 to 12 hours.
The planning and sketching beforehand are just as important as the carving itself.
Best cheese to sculpt with? Worst?
My favorite is a younger Wisconsin cheddar. It's firm enough to hold detail but soft enough to carve smoothly.
The hardest cheeses to work with are very aged cheddars because they tend to be brittle and chip.
Softer cheeses don't hold their shape well, so they're not ideal either, however I have not found a cheese I didnt love to work with yet.
What project was the most fun?
That's like asking me to pick a favorite child!
But if I had to choose, carving a life-sized Lombardi Trophy out of Wisconsin cheese for the NFL Draft was definitely a career highlight.
I've also loved carving live at Madison Mallards games and creating custom pieces that tell a client's story.
Every project is different, and that's what keeps it exciting.
What was a crazy request?
One of the more memorable requests was carving a giant 300-pound wheel of mammoth cheddar for a grocery store grand re-opening. Just figuring out how to move, position, and carve something that size was an adventure.
I've also had people ask if I could carve portraits.
What's something people might find surprising about cheese sculpture?
People are usually surprised that it's not just art—it's food. Everything I carve is still meant to be enjoyed afterward.
The sculpture becomes the centerpiece, but once everyone has admired it and taken their photos, it's served as part of the event.
I love that it transforms from a piece of art into something people can gather around, share, and eat. It's temporary art, which makes every sculpture unique.