 |
|
After shaving away large blocks of ice with a chainsaw, ice sculptor Mary McLean uses a chisel or icepick to carve fine detail.
|
Mary McLean loves making ice carvings for friends' dinner parties, weddings and banquets. McLean says it took almost a year to make straight "carves," but she now creates sculptures that rival those of professionals. McLean says once the ice begins to melt and soften, it's actually more challenging to sculpt. The softened ice can chip and break, making precise sculpting more difficult. In addition, the design can actually influence the life of the piece -- different carving techniques can help preserve the integrity of the shape as the piece melts away. Ice sculpting can be done anywhere. An icehouse can deliver a large block of ice two to three hours before an event so that no additional refrigeration is needed.The beginner needs only a saw and two or three chisels. McLean advises beginning sculptors to take instruction in using a chainsaw or get the help of a professional. Although McLean doesn't wear goggles -- the ice shavings and mist could hinder her vision -- her instructor, professional ice sculptor Gus Stempke, takes all necessary safety precautions. Stempke wears rubber boots to protect against electrical shock when working with the chainsaw. The ice is placed on a wooden table, and a GFCI (ground-fault circuit interruptor) is added insurance against electrical mishaps.
RESOURCES :
Ice Carving Made Easy
Model: 0471285706
Author: Joseph Amendola
| 
)
