As you must have guessed, this hobby post I am blogging about has little relevance in India, thanks to it being a Tropical country! Only the people at the tip of the Northern India have any semblance of continuing this hobby! But there is no harm in learning more about Ice Sculpting.
So, let’s check out, I for Ice Sculpting.
Ice sculpting is all about sculpting naturally formed or artificially made ice. It is also one of the most temporary kind of art form (Ice melts away, isn’t it?)
Ice sculptures made of clear ice look like crystal, more like Swarovski crystal!
Cupid ice sculpture
The ice sculptures made of clouded ice look something like this, resembling snow.
Ice sculpture-China
Ice sculpting requires tools like chisels, hand saws and hair dryers and is mostly taught at culinary institutes and schools. Clear water ice, which is free from impurities is used for sculpting. Frozen rivers are generally cut into blocks of ice and used in the sculpting.
The sculptor must work at top speed if the sculpting is not being done under cold climate.
International Ice festivals and sculpting competitions take place around the world. Basics of Ice sculpting are sometimes taught at the Ice Festivals.
Ice Sculpting is also a part of Winter Olympics, not as a sport, but for showcasing the talent.
Wait! Did I mention Ice Hotel, in Sweden? Yup. If you ever visit Sweden, go ahead and check out the Ice Hotel where you can even stay for a night or two! (There are around 20 such hotels around the world. I just mentioned one of the oldest.)
What a beauty!
India also boasts of an Igloo Stay at Manali. Why not plan a night stay?
P.S:
- Ice Sculptures are also used as decorations at wedding receptions. If you are not happy with just ice decorations, why not go the Phoebe Buffay way and marry during a snowfall! (A silly FRIENDS fan here!)
- The other hobbies which start with an I are also related to Ice, they are, Ice Skating and Ice Fishing.
Till the next post, ta-ta!