What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of a sculpture? Like most people, you probably think of somebody chiseling away at a rock or perhaps forming some clay and coming up with something beautiful. Although that is one definition of a sculpture, it can actually be made from any medium, including ice!
Ice sculpting is a rather unique form of art, and it is one that may take years or perhaps even a lifetime to master. It not only has to do with the ice itself, it is also the tools that are used, the temperature of the ice and even its composition!
Although there may be challenges involved, you will see that it is possible to do some amazing work that will take your breath away.
Most ice sculptures are larger than standard sculptures, and they may be created from more than one block of ice. If you look closely at the horse sculpture, you can see where the blocks were stacked together.
Even if you are talking about a very delicate sculpture, it starts out as a single or multiple blocks of ice. With these galloping horses and riders, you can also see where the blocks of ice were stacked together. In essence, it started as a wall of ice!
Decorations that really dazzle and catch the eye are often chosen for ice sculptures. They can be used in many public events, including weddings, parties and festivals.
If you live in a country where ice is a common feature in winter, you may find that there are ice-sculpting competitions. Many artists may show up for one of these competitions to display their skills.
The sculptures provided by those artists can range in size from a life-sized figure to a gigantic slide or building!
Artists may use a variety of tools to carve the ice, including chisels and chainsaws. Depending upon the texture of the surface of the ice, it can either look clear as glass or snowy white.
It is not only the artistry; it is the imagination of the artists that make these works fantastic.
Ice sculpting is not always about the size of the sculpture. At times, the artist may challenge themselves to do something unusual and to provide balance to their artwork.
Delicacy may also play a large part in the artwork as well.
Then again, the artist may decide to go for more detail and texture when it comes to the sculpture.
When you add some colored light to an ice sculpture, you produce an amazing effect!
In many cases, these artists will only come together in the colder months as part of ice or snow festivals. People from around the world may come together to these events to compete and to enjoy the unique pieces of art that are created.
The next time you find yourself out building a snowman or a snow fort, think about creating something unique. Why not try your hand at ice sculpting? You may be able to make something fantastic out of frozen water!
(Images: tuchodi, Janderson.L, Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
, La Priz, Rob Glover, Gordon Bell, Joanna Poe, Suzanne Gielis and New Brunswick Tourism)
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