Thanks so very much Gillian.

This piece was built up with very thin layers of water that were frozen over a period of many days.

Each stage has its own magic. Generally, I photograph each stage, even if only for my own documentation purposes.

I would have shared the making of this piece, but unfortunately I was in transition between cameras and computers at the time and I can't find the photographs. Lucky to have this one.

To answer your question though. The ice starts to melt as soon as I take the piece out of the freezer. If I'm quick enough I can capture some of the exquisite ice frosting which seems to disolve in front of my eyes.

But the stages in-between being ice and water are the most fascinating. In this image the orchids below are still suspended in the ice ~ Otherwise they would have risen to the surface.

Generally it takes a few hours before the entire piece turns to water, loosing all the layering effects. 🦋