Ice Carvings FAQs

Answered by professional commercial sculptor Bill Bywater

• What do you do, exactly?
• Do you use ice molds?
• How much do ice carvings cost?
• How long do ice carvings last?
• Can ice carvings be displayed outside in the sun?
• Do you have any tips for using ice carvings as party decorations?
• Do you really use blow torches and chain saws?
• How did you become an ice sculptor?
• Does it bother you to put so much work into an ice carving that you know is going to melt away?
• Where are you located?
• How far in advance of my event do I need to contact you?

I create unique, original ice carvings for special events. After being contacted by the host or coordinator for an event, I consult with them to get a feel for the type of party or event they are planning and to find out if they already have an idea of the type of ice sculpture design they want. Then I come up with a design and discuss it with them to make sure it is what they want.

When it comes time to carve the ice sculpture, I usually carve it off site. Then either I deliver the ice carving to the event and set it up or the client picks it up. Of course, if the event is an ice carving demonstration, I carve the sculpture on site during the event.

Many ice carving companies use molds, but I do not, unless some design requirement of the client demands it. The ice carvings I create are unique and personalized, and each one is hand sculpted.

Because every ice sculpture I create is designed and carved exclusively for each event, costs vary. Often, the cost is not determined by the design, unless the sculpture requires more than one block of ice. Usually the cost is determined by other factors specific to the event, such as its location, whether the ice carving will be set up by me or your caterer, whether the client needs equipment to light the sculpture, and the amount of lead time I have before the event to design the sculpture. Other factors can also come into play. Because the amount of lead time is a factor in the cost, I encourage clients to get in touch with me in as far advance of their event as possible. (Contact Bill by using his online contact form.)

The answer depends on the conditions of the event, but generally, under the conditions of most parties and receptions, an ice sculpture will look good for up to four hours.

Ice carvings can be displayed outside, even during the summer. I once carved a Sea Serpent on the Atlantic City Boardwalk in the heat of summer. If the sun is bright the ice carving should be shaded so that it will last and look good for as long as possible. It's not only the heat of the sun but also the ultraviolet rays which cause cracks in the ice that can look unsightly and cause the sculpture to break apart.

Read my party style tips.

Do you really use blow torches and chain saws?

Yes, often.

I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Studio Arts in 1988 and since then I have worked as a commercial sculptor, producing sets, props and other theatrical sculptures for Broadway shows, television shows, theme parks, and other clients. Because of my background in sculpture I approach ice carving from a different perspective and different type of training than most ice carvers, who are chefs or who specialize in food service. Read Bill's professional bio.

No. Actually, from a design standpoint, I find the transient nature of ice liberating. I've worked in lots of different types of media, but knowing that an ice sculpture will eventually melt frees me to be more creative. In fact, sometimes the melting process and the glistening effect it produces are integral to a sculpture's design.

I am based in New York, so most of my clients are in Manhattan, Long Island, New York State, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. But I do travel to other states for ice carving competitions and clients, so people should feel free to contact me if their event is outside that area.

Adequate lead time is important for best serving clients' needs. I can occasionally take on work with not a lot of lead time, but I encourage people to contact me in as far advance of their event as possible, even if they have only a vague idea of what they will be needing. Bill's online contact form.

© Copyright 1998-2001 Bill Bywater. All rights reserved.