Mirror backgrounds present an interesting opportunity for ice sculpture display and photos. This yellowfin tuna piece decorated a wedding reception. Photo courtesy of Robert Faust Photography.

*updated 6/27/11
Check out the full design page for this piece

This ice sculpture design was produced for a wedding, sort of along the lines of a groom’s cake. To sculpt this piece, you can either use a single full block of ice, or you can use a thinner slab and attach a wider base (not shown). For the carving in the photo above, I used a thinner ice slab with the attached base for stability. The tuna’s pectoral fins were cut as separate pieces of ice (see the template) and attached onsite, using the aluminum welding technique. A small piece of aluminum, about 6”x6”, was used to perfect the weld surfaces. There was also a transport strut that was removed during set up. It protected the more delicate rear dorsal fin that gives the tuna a distinctive look.



Ironically, sculpting water from ice is challenging. Oftentimes, ice sculptors will go for a stylized, more abstract look when depicting water. This ice carving features some potentially intricate water patterns in an attempt to go for a more realistic look. While carving the water, don’t worry too much about following the template exactly. Give the water a “splashy” look with a strong silhouette and make sure there are no straight lines; everything should “flow.” The added tail fin piece includes a little water that helps control the meltwater coming off the sculpture; it helps it flow back towards the base, although a little will drip off the tip of the tail.



A couple of steps in the sculpting process are included below.





If you have any questions about this piece, email me or comment below. If you would like to use this ice sculpture design or any other design on this site, please check the design usage guidelines. The design collection page lists designs on the site.

You might also find photos and info from this entry on the ice carving secrets facebook page and you can comment there as well as below. Thanks!

Tags: animals, sealife, aluminum welding method