The ice sculpting process
How much ice-cold cash can you earn?
Like most pursuits, there’s a process to sculpting a piece of ice. The first step is determining a concept and a design. Once this stage is complete, the next step is to find a good block of ice.
Ice sculptors are commissioned to design pieces for happenings such as galas, events, parties, weddings, conventions, hotels, movies and winter festivals.
The common size for one of these blocks of ice is 40" tall x 20" wide x 10" deep. They weigh 300-lbs. and are produced by an ice-block-making machine called a Clinebell. Sculptors prefer ice made in these machines because the device’s filters push oxygen out of the water as it freezes. This prevents air bubbles from concentrating in the centre of the block and making the ice look cloudy. With no air bubbles trapped in the centre, the ice block will be crystal clear.
In addition to commercial revenue, many ice sculptors will enter competitions to pad their bank accounts. Unfortunately, considering their incredible artistic abilities, even the top ice sculptors don’t earn a big pay day from these competitions. For example, the top prize in Toronto’s Bloor Yorkville IceFest ice sculpture competition is only $1,000. Even at the World Ice Art Championships, held annually in Fairbanks, Alaska, the reward for being a top sculptor is only $2,000-$8,000, depending on which of the three categories you win.
Once you have selected your block of ice, the next step is to carve out the basic shape of your design using a handsaw or electric chainsaw. When the rough shape is completed, it’s time to the work on the dazzling details. This is done using tools such as a chisel, angle grinder, files, hammer and even a blow torch.
Considering how priceless ice sculptures are, it seems only fitting that the organizers of these competitions should start offering prize money that is equal to the looks of amazement these incredible works of art inspire.
Transforming a block of ice to a finished sculpture usually takes an experienced artisan roughly one or two hours; the more intricate the design, the longer the duration.
For more information on a private ice carving lesson, please visit www.iceculture.com. They will be happy to create a fun experience for anyone who is interested in pursuing their dream.
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