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Art the Experience

The Ice Sculpting Process

"Infinity Candle Display"

First, we start with line art drawings. We have over 800 standard line art designs. If it is a custom piece we will draw the design by hand. We then clean all of our drawings in the computer and create Jpeg files to keep on hand. Once the artwork is ready we take the drawings and create a block layout (diagram) which tells us how the design fits into the ice. Below you can see that this is a two block design.

Once the diagram is ready we can make a paper template. We use an opaque projector and blow the design up onto a sheet of paper that is the exact dimensions of the ice. We then freeze the paper onto the block of ice so we can trace the design on before we begin to carve. This helps us maintain a consistent product.

Next, we can begin carving. We start with a chainsaw to cut out the first dimension (removing all ice not seen in the design). We block the sculpture in (create layers and depth), then, we round the corners and add detail using die-grinders, chisels, and angle grinders. Now we use warm water to clean the sculpture.

Once the carving is completed we store the sculpture in a freezer. Now we can prepare the carving for delivery. We wrap each piece in blankets to prepare them for travel. A carving can stay wrapped in a blanket for up to 3 hours before melting begins. Once at the location we unwrap the carving and set it into a lighted drip pan. We put ice around the base of the sculpture to add stability and provide a drain tote to hold excess water. Now its your turn, simply sit back and enjoy our masterpiece!