Ice Alaska 2014 – Small Block Competition

Ice Alaska 2014 – formally, the BP World Ice Art Championships 2014 – are under way in Fairbanks. The single blocks are carved and, when WC was there on Saturday night, being judged. Here’s a sampler of the amazing pieces the artists have carved from a single block of ice this year.

Coelacanthe

The sculpture is very impressive, and almost certainly the first lobe-finned primitive fish to appear in an ice carving. Equally impressive, WC heard a passerby correctly identify the unlabeled sculpture, even pronouncing the name correctly.

Dolphin After a Prize

Staying with the underwater theme,here’s a dolphin diving on a turtle. WC liked the curved shape of the tail paralleled by the coral shapes.

Breaching Whale and Calf

Another, nicely dynamic sea mammal has a Humpbacked Whale teaching its calf to breach. WC isn’t clear why the calf doesn’t have a dorsal fin.

Totem Pole

Some of the ice sculptors are experimenting with lighting effects. Here, the sculptor created white powdered ice in a patter and shined a red light on the sculpture. The clear ice mostly transmits the red light; the white powder reflects it, creating the effect seen here.

Finally, there’s a stuff to do besides admire sculptures. Especially if you are a kid. Or can still channel your inner kid. The playground includes this spiffy slide.

The Slide at Ice Alaska

If you haven’t visited this year’s Ice Alaska, you’re missing a treat, especially in the current mild weather. Highly recommended.