I suppose it can be said that I was born and raised a Southern Illinois climber. My father, Alan Carrier, started climbing at Giant City around 1972, at the age of twelve. Throughout the following decades he was heavily involved in the development of many Southern Illinois climbing areas. As a second-generation climber, I can’t necessarily take full credit for, or really remember, any of my first climbing experiences. But what I do know is that somewhere around the age of ten I developed an intense desire and love for this sport that fuels my climbing to this day.
For the past few years, one focus of mine has been on developing new routes. The process is enjoyable, methodical, and rewarding. With these experiences I have developed a technical knowledge of climbing hardware that can be utilized not only for my own routes, but also for the maintenance of others. There are countless fixed anchors throughout Southern Illinois that are in serious need of replacement. The Illinois Climbers Association has allowed for the organization of resources for this massive ongoing project and I am excited to do everything I can to help complete it.
I consider myself an artist as well as a climber. Currently I am working towards a BFA in Sculpture at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. My work is based in light, sound, and video as well as traditional object making. Finding a balance between school, art, and climbing always seems to be a personal crux. From time to time I make sure to mix them all together.
Throughout the years, our climbing community has always been an extremely open, positive and supportive group of which I am proud to be included. It is exciting to see the Illinois Climbers association back in action with full support of our great community!
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