FAQs about Sand FAQs about ICE
Frequently asked questions on sand sculpture
Do sculptures consist only of sand and water?
Yes, and nothing else.
What type of sand is used?
Large and detailed sand sculptures require a special type of sand. If the location itself does not provide the right sand, we find the nearest location offering the suitable variety. The shape of the sand grain determines whether the sand lends itself for sand sculptures.
Is any shape possible?
Provided we have the right type of sand and good artists, we can produce almost anything. Designing a sand sculpture we bear in mind clients’ wishes as well as gravity. A sculpture must always be built in such a way that the entire sculpture is safely supported.
What happens when it rains?
If it rains, nothing serious happens to a sand sculpture. The rainwater is absorbed by the sand and evaporates again when it has stopped raining. Only during heavy rain, horizontal surfaces can take on a sort of "granola structure” due to the impact of the raindrops.
What happens when there is wind or a storm?
Wind is no problem for a sand sculpture. Since the sand has been compressed so hard, the wind cannot get hold of it. A sand sculpture can easily withstand a Force 7 wind. To preserve the details of open air sculptures an artificial protein solution is sprayed over the surface.
How long can a sand sculpture withstand the elements?
When a sand sculpture is built outdoors, it can stay there for months. So far, the Dutch record is 1 year and 9 months: a sand sculpture in Madurodam, which even survived the winter. The outdoor record in California is 2 years. If a sculpture is built indoors, then it can remain intact for decades, if not touched.
Where can sand sculptures be built?
Basically sand sculptures can be built anywhere. However you may well need a license to build a sculpture on outdoor public areas. Indoors the ground loading is an important factor. Good access roads are important to allow easy access to sand transports, sufficient working space, electricity and water connection and high water pressure are naturally also essential.
Do you have to keep spraying a sand sculpture once it is complete to keep it moist?
No, the sand only needs to be moist while you are working on the sculpture. This is why the builders use plant sprayer bottles. When the sculpture is ready, it can dry out completely. Because the sand is compacted, it does not fall apart.
To protect sand sculptures from rain a thin layer of albuminous (biodegradable) liquid is sprayed to protect them from bad weather.
What about coloured sand?
Sand is a natural material and therein precisely lies its attractiveness. Sand artists use special effects of light and shadow to obtain colour. However we do use natural colour effects in the form of coloured sand such as gravel and white sand. At night torches, candlelight and special coloured lighting can add a special touch.
How long does it take to build a sand sculpture?
It depends on the design and the working environment. A logo can be ready in half a day. Sizeable sculptures can take up to one week.
What kind of equipment is used?
To transport sand to the working location, we use ships, trucks, excavators, cranes and mechanical shovels. The loose sculpture sand may be poured or put in wooden moulds - topless and bottomless wooden bins of many different sizes and shapes. The sand is tamped down using ‘wackers’ (mechanical vibrating plates) or hand rammers. To then cut and carve the sand such tools as painters’ palette knives, mason’s trowels and plasterer’s platens. Such tools as brushes and straws may be used to add finishing touches.
Do carvers not mind breaking down their sand sculptures?
No, as long as we break them off respectfully. A key difference between ordinary sculptures and sand sculptures is the magic of creation and disappearance. By their nature they are ephemeral objects.
Whoever builds a sand sculpture understands it is a temporary structure. To sculpture artists the building process and the images created often mean wonderful memories. Building a new sand sculpture is the next challenge.
Frequently asked questions on ice sculpture
Do you use a special kind of ice?
We use crystal-clear ice that has been produced specially for ice sculptures. Special techniques allow us to minimise the presence air bubbles and cracks in the ice blocks during ice production which reduce transparancy. In addition to crystal-clear ice we also use white ice which provides special visual contrasts.
Is any shape possible?
We always discuss the design of an ice sculpture with the client. We always bear in mind the fact that the sculpture must be strong enough to carry its own weight during melting. Delicate details can be engraved or represented in relief.
For how long will an ice sculpture survive outdoors?
Depending on the environment’s temperature and the sculpture dimensions an ice sculpture will remain in good condition for 6 to 7 hours, much longer if really cold. Of course one of the charming aspects of an ice sculpture is the melting process.
Is it possible to colour ice?
One can freeze coloured objects into the ice and thus add colour to the ice sculpture. However, adding colour agents to the ice tends to make it opaque and reduce the light and brilliance. We recommend using coloured lights.
How long does it take to build an ice sculpture?
Production time depends on the design. A logo can be engraved within a few hours, a more complicated composition can take three days.
Is the building process carried out in a freezer?
It depends on the purpose of the ice sculpture. If it is an exhibition then carving the sculpture can be done anywhere to allow as many people as possible to see the ice artist in action. Ice sculptures intended for our ice sculptures events are built inside insulated tents that can be held at approximately -6C°. And we use freezers or freeze wagons on site.
Can ice sculptures be built anywhere?
Basically an ice sculpture can be built anywhere. However you may need a license to build sculptures on outdoor public grounds. Indoors the ground load is an important factor. Good access roads for transport, sufficient working space and electricity connections are also important. A strong table or platform underneath the sculpture which allows convenient drainage is also essential.
What kind of equipment is used?
Depending on the phase of activities a number of tools are used. Shovel and ice tongs help get the blocks in the right position. A chain saw is often used to create the rough shape. Subsequently chisels are called in, usually hand-made in Japan. To finish off the ice sculptures certain elements are used including irons and gas burners to polish the sculpture and provide that diamond crystal-clear look.
Do ice artists not mind their sculptures melting in the end?
Producing ice sculptures means producing perishable art. Snow and ice are bound to melt, there is little we can do about it in the long term. The attractive thing about ice sculptures, however, is that people enjoy both the building and the melting.
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