Ice Alaska 2011 – More Photos

Here are a few more photos from the 2011 World Ice Art Championships. There are dozens of remarkable sculptures. WC picked a few that he liked (and in some cases, could be decently photographed). Readers really should go there themselves to see these remarkable works of art.

It's Mine - Single Block, 1st Place Realistic

An African Hornbill, and a detailed perch, and epiphytes, all carved from ice. By Junichi Nakamura, Junichi and Benjamin Rand. Remember, this was carved from a single block of ice.

Shaman - Single Block, 3rd Place Realistic

Again, wonderful detail and quite a good effort at capturing exactly the human form, never easy in ice, with a very nice dynamism in the dancing movement. By Oleg Klavdeev and Eduard Ponomarenko.

Unexpected Grace - Single Block Competition

This piece was not well-lit, which is the only reason WC can think it didn’t get a prize. The title of the piece is reflected in the work; the massive walrus is delicately balanced and does impart a real sense of gracefulness. By Ben and Melanie Firth. “Unexpected Grace” gets the Wickersham’s Conscience Award for Best Sculpture Not to Win a Prize.

Slides

This last shot is just for fun. Ice Alaska always offers an amazing variety of play activities for children, this year including ice bowls to slide around in, small slides, mazes and the giant slides, photographed here. It says a lot about Ice Alaska and its volunteers that they go to the trouble to create such wonderfully crafted beauty for  children’s play.

So what are you waiting for? Visit Ice Alaska before it all melts.