Pete Incardona, Marble Sculptor: A Chip off the Old Block

By Tyson Qualls

Marble sculptor Pete Incardona represents the third consecutive generation of quarry owners, and has a wealth of knowledge that can only be gained from several lifetimes of experience. It is no wonder that he has an immense amount of respect for the raw product.

“I just try not to overpower what God has already done,” he says.

The Incardona family is an embodiment of the now venerable concept of the American Dream. The family began the trek to America in 1916. Incardona’s grandfather emigrated from Italy, and after becoming financially stable in the United States, he returned to Italy to retrieve his family and settle down in America. Quarry work was in the blood of his ancestors, and Incardona has successfully continued the tradition.

The world of marble sculpting has evolved significantly over the years. Incardona’s father did not have the luxuries of today’s tools. It is hard to believe that in his day, he sometimes had to spend over nine years working on a single project. Incardona has been able to craft new and exciting creations without sacrificing the traditions of generations of rock sculptors. While he may not take nine years to finish a piece, he still puts his heart and soul into each work of art.

Specializing in custom work, Incardona’s Sunrise Mine Marble Gallery houses a multitude of treasures. Seeing them in photos represents only a fraction of their beauty, and luckily for potential clients, Incardona is far from a reclusive artist. Warm and friendly, he readily opens up about his life’s work. As a well-respected businessman, Incardona serves the entire Valley with pride.

Incardona’s workshop at the Sunrise Mine is a haven for limitless projects. Anything can be found there, from sculptures and fountains to benches and tables. Incardona is known for his ability to take on even the toughest custom requests from clients. While his specialty is fountains, Incardona is capable of creating a masterpiece out of any client’s assignment. Two of the most popular types of marble handled by Incardona are Arizona onyx and Aguila stone. He has used these frequently throughout his career and enjoys working with such beautiful types of rock. The easiest way to get your hands on these prized possessions is to head up to Wickenburg, Arizona and meet with Incardona at the Sunrise Mine. With a little bit of time and imagination, he can satisfy the needs of any customer, no matter how difficult the project may be.

As a frequent contributor to ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover, Incardona also understands the need for a society that helps support those less fortunate. All work done for Extreme Home Makeover is without compensation. A man of principle, Incardona once put ABC executives on hold so he could finish an important cut so as not to sacrifice the quality of his work. His charitable work factors in his future goals. In the present sagging economy, he has made it his mission to “try and make custom marble work affordable for the public and more in the realm of people’s pocketbooks.”

Incardona is deeply zealous about his line of work. The creative opportunities and unique work environment goes beyond a traditional nine-to-five. It is rare to encounter an individual who is so enthralled with his profession. A man of many talents, Incardona is a kindhearted artist with a passion for helping others. Ironically, the reason behind his love for marble sculpting is as simple as it is ingenious.

“Every time I cut a rock, I see something I’ve never seen before,” he says.