Livin Good or Good Livin’?
March 31st, 2008Filed in Interviews
Name: Thor Livingood
Title: Pro Hold Shaper
Height: 5.3
Weight: Portly
Location: Desoto, IL
Years Shaping: 5
Years Climbing: ?
Who do you shape for? So iLL Holds primarily.
What is the secret to your shaping success?
Just trying to make things fun, with organic flowing shapes that sometimes look like little alien pods or something.
Was there a moment you realized you had potential to make it big time as a pro shaper?
I always thought I had it in me to be a “Baller” and I knew it was just a matter of time.
What is the shaping process?
Start with a block of foam, do some rough cutting to get your basic shape, then you get in there with some more precise tool and really tighten up the lines, lastly you spend a lot of time finishing the hold by making sure there is no roughness or uneven contours.
What are some shaping tips you can share with the general public?
Visualize the shape; take the tools, cut into the foam removing the excess until you have your shape. Simple.
Do you shape foam with special tools?
Just some basic ceramic tools, I do a lot of finishing work with just my hands and sometimes my feet. My feet are especially nimble and I have this one toenail that is kinda funky and I can use that toenail to get really unique details.
Do you try to create something that you know the consumer will like or more something you like?
You have to think of it both ways, but I think a good hold can be consumer friendly and badass for climbing. It’s all about using it right.
How do you set yourself up for pay: on a pay scale, per shape or royalties?
I can’t mention any money issues until I speak with the Hold Shapers Union (HSU).
Your shapes have been commented that they are some of the best in the climbing industry…any thoughts on this?
I just do what I like and what I think would be fun, I’m a simple man with simple pleasures.
Oh, a simple man you say, what then do you do after a long day of shaping, how do you reward yourself?
Walk across the street to JB’s (the local strip club) and get me a nice stiff Tom Collins.
Why do you conceal your identity?
I cannot confirm or deny that I conceal my identity. But honestly, between you and me, it’s just safer that way for me. There have been things in my past and in my future that I have not been proud of.
Can you comment on the video?
That was not supposed to happen.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:10 am
“Thor” is responsible for some of my favorite shapes. Good to see him getting a nod from the site.
March 31st, 2008 at 11:39 am
leaving us with a cliff hanger in true “Thor” fashion!!!
but seriously Louie… the entire Shellshocked series has to be hands down the best SERIES ever made!