Ice Carving
Ice carving is the processes of carving ice to make ice sculptures. Ice is the raw material for ice sculpturing. These sculptures are, mainly used for decorative purpose and they are provided purely realistic effect to one event. The life time of ice sculpture is very little and last for few minutes or 6-8 hours or maximum of two days so they are commonly used in special events associated with extravagant celebrations. These are very sensitive to atmospheric temperature as well as the instrumental heat which possibly used in events including light settings.
i) Uses of Ice carving
☆Thebeautiful ice sculptures like any food forms like fish or fruits ice swan or horse are used in large hotels and are used in restaurants to enhance some special events and celebrations.
☆Favorite subjects for ice sculptures at weddings are board which named the couples, hearts, doves, and swans.
☆There are many bars and parlors which are made up of ices and are decorated with LED bulbs.
☆Ice sculptures with the high surface area are used to cool people during heat flourish events instead of air conditioner.
ii) How to Create Ice-Sculpture
Raw materials
■ Cutting
Crystal clear, uncontaminated ice made from distilled water or double boiled water is needed. Consign a rubber mat under the ice. The specially prepared picture model is used to mount that design on the ice. Place the model on the ice block and sketch the design on it by using permanent marker or needle.
The carver must wear gloves to protect the skin from chilling. Thermal gloves with rubber top are mostly advised because it provides easiness of hand moving too to the work.
■ Refining
Start the refine process by using bigger chisel first and then come to the small one according to the sharpness of the sculpture. To sharpen the hard ice, initially light pressure is applied and gradually increases the pressure to sculpture the ice.
■ Smoothing
Smoothing is the process of finishing process of the ice sculpture. Smoothing is used in order to make clear and fastidious lines. Prepare hot water and keep it in a vessel. Dip a metal ruler in this hot water and gently pertain it to the ice by using this ruler to smooth it.
iii) How to Maintain Ice Sculpture
A temperature-controlled room will be the safest place for the ice sculpture. T he temperature should not exceed more than 70 degrees Fahrenheit for a 136 Kg sculpture. Do not place the sculpture outdoors under the direct sunlight especially during warm and temperate climate.
An average lifespan of 136 Kg sculpture is six hours in a temperature controlled room. Make the sculpture bigger and thicker by using more ice to increase the total weight. An increase in the weight extends the life of the object.
iv) Equipment required for ice
☆carving Bit Sharpening
☆Chisel
☆Ice Chipper
☆Ice Carver Pick
☆Miter Saw
☆Four-Wheel Steer Cart
☆Two-Wheel Dolly
☆Lifts
Butter Carving
Butter carving is an art which represents nature at its best. It reflects the lifestyle of people and animals. They are popular in United States and are used as culinary decorations at buffet tables. It was originated in ancient time Tibet, Babylon, Roman and Britain. The first masterpiece was from Europe in the year 1536. The first display was created by Caroline Shawk Brooks, a farmer from Helena, Arkansas.
i) How to create Butter Carving?
Ingredients used:
☆Butter
☆A cold room
☆Ice water
☆Materials used for the framework
☆Sculpting equipment
☆Food colour
Method:
A suitable work place
To create a magnificent carving the temperature of the room should be kept at 32°F otherwise the butter will melt.
Selection of a subject
The subject for carving should be wisely chosen to depict the beauty of nature.
Dip the butter
To obtain a smooth and a finish texture, the butter should be dipped in cold water so that the impurities are removed and can obtain a perfect creation.
Construct the frame
Before carving the frame has to be created so that the base is set for carving, initially bamboo were used, now frames are made out of wood and metal.
Hands to be dipped in ice water
The hands should be numb, in order to do so it should be dipped in chilled water to prevent the butter from melting during working due to the body temperature.
Knead the butter dough
Knead soft and smooth butter dough it should not contain air bubbles, as the final product will not have a finished appearance. Colouring matter or pigments can be added to enhance the appearance of carving.
Apply butter at the base
Apply butter at the base, before starting the carving as it would act as a strong foundation. The hands also should be numb and dipped in chilled water to make the work easier.
Intricate design
Intricate the design with tallow tools. Use a sculpting knife for even texture, outlining circumferences and intricate finish.
Preserve the carvings in a low temperature room
Once the work is completed, store the masterpiece, in a cold room temperature.
ii) Advantages of Butter Carving
☆New sculptures can be designed depicting the life of a normal man.
☆Innovative ideas can help to explore the imagination
iii) Disadvantages of Butter Carving
☆Skilled personnel are required to carve the butter.
☆Temperatures need to be maintained otherwise the butter will melt.
☆Carving equipment are required to design the butter.
☆It is a costly affair.
iv) Equipment / Utensils required for butter carving
☆Wooden moulds or Stamps to shape the bricks.
☆Refrigerated rooms.
☆Wooden-and-wire armature
Ice carving and butter carving are the most attractive art work even though the life of these carvings is very short. These sculptures enhance the overall atmosphere of the event by providing ice cooling effect