Fairbanks, Alaska hosts the World Ice Art Championships every year and this year’s contestants did not disappoint. The 2013 edition featured over 70 teams of sculptors from all around the world. They took part in several contests in the month-long event, though some of the most impressive pieces seem to derive from the Single Block competition in which one or two-person teams are challenged to sculpt with only one large block of ice.
The block of ice that each team worked with for this category was approximately 8’x5’x3′ and later illuminated with a spectacular array of LED lights. With only 60 hours to work on their construction and presentation, the artistic groups managed to produce some truly remarkable works, both realistic and abstract. The even was such a success this year that they’ve almost immediately begun scheduling the competition for 2014.
Photo credit: Kim Iverson
Ice Alaska website
via [Twisted Sifter]