How to Train as an Ice Carver

Ice carvers are more likely to have chef training than a background in art. Still, it is an art form and ice carvers love the creativity they can express. If you want to train to be an ice carver you can turn it into a hobby or a full-time career. Apart from traditional swans and wedding bells, you may be called on to produce an Elvis, a Star Wars character, an ice bar or even a custom design.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Rent or purchase some tools such as a chisel or a chainsaw. Freeze water in containers you have on hand, such as flowerpots or used plastic bottles. Beginning with these smaller blocks of ice and your tools, start experimenting as an ice carver.
2. Experiment with different media to determine whether sculpting ice is for you. Carve with wood, wax or resin, for example, to get an idea of the differences in working with different materials. Many people find ice easier to work with because it is both hard and malleable at the same time.
3. Work as a hotel "garde manger" in the cold food department to train. Many cold food chefs become ice carvers through necessity. Ice sculpture has a practical purpose too, in keeping the food cold so it won't spoil.
4. Apprentice with another ice carver such as one who works at an ice house. Get to know other ice sculptors in your community and ask whether they are hiring or would be willing to train you. You could pay them for training or offer to work for free while you learn.
5. Take a course. Many culinary arts schools now offer courses and even degrees in ice carving. The National Ice Carving Association (NICA) is a good resource for educational institutions (see Resources below).
6. Take a video course or read some books to get started. Chips Books sells both videos and a book about how to carve ice (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Ice carving can be a dangerous business to get into. While you can use just a chisel to carve with, most sculptors use a variety of power tools such as chainsaws and drills.

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