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An artist works on an ice sculpture in Zwolle, The Netherlands, on Nov. 22, 2011. The ice and snow sculptures created by about 40 professional artists from around the world can be viewed during an indoor ice sculpture festival in Zwolle from Dec. 3 until Jan. 29.

Working in a temporary medium must be frustrating. Pretend for a moment that you’re one of these artists, and you've just created the best sculpture you’ve ever done. How must it feel to know that your work will be water in a few weeks? Maybe the short lifespan of the art is part of what makes it special. See Jim Seida’s video below to hear how sand sculptors feel about their temporary art and the process of creation.

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