An ice sculpture is formed strictly from… you guessed it, ice. I remember the first ice sculpture I ever saw, we were at a buffet and there was a giant clam with raw shrimp and cocktail sauce inside. It was pretty neat but the first time I saw an ice sculpture being sculpted I was blown away! Our carver Gary whipped out his handy dandy chainsaw and I watched the ice chunks fly. Sculpting ice is truly an art, ice as the canvas and a chainsaw, die grinder, and razor sharp chisels as the tools to create a masterpiece.
Basic sculptures are cut from a 300-pound block of crystal clear ice. Great care must be taken in the preparation of the ice, as any air bubbles or imperfections in the ice can cause the sculptures to crack or break while being carved. The process is a bit more complex than just freezing clean water as some may think. Clean water is part of the process yet how it is frozen is key to the blocks clarity. The water is continuously circulated to slow the freezing process, allowing air bubbles and other impurities to escape before the water is completely frozen. This process takes about five days. As the block is removed it is done so very carefully. A sudden change in temperature can cause cracks and then it’s back to the ole’ drawing board.
Before the carver begins his masterpiece the canvas is left to cure or sit out. This allows the block to “soften up” so it’s not brittle as the chainsaw cuts through. The chainsaw does the majority of the work and then unique details are added using specially made bits and a die grinder.
Ice sculptures can be carved to accommodate any occasion. Hearts, doves or a swan for a wedding, numbers on a pedestal to celebrate a birthday or anniversary or a giant clam to house shell fish on a buffet table. The carver can create anything your mind can imagine because after all he (or she) is an artist.
Old Town Newhall Ice offers a variety of professional hand carved ice sculpting products for any occasion. Provide a picture, logo or theme and we’ll do the rest.
For more information or to schedule your own personal consultation give Sara a call 661-259-0893 or visit www.newhallicecompany.com.