This winter, I’ve been invited to compete in the Ice Alaska World Ice Art Championships, one of the most demanding and respected ice sculpture competitions in the world. We’ll be entering the Double Block event, carving a large-scale sculpture from two massive blocks of ice under extreme conditions and tight time constraints.

This year is especially meaningful because I’ll be competing as a team with my brother, Devin. It’s a rare chance to bring family, collaboration, and shared craft together on an international stage. Devin is coming from Southern California, and will likely be facing a 100°F temperature change — a serious physical and mental adjustment while doing precision work in Arctic conditions.

Many people know me as Cool as Ice, but titles aside, ice sculpture at this level is about preparation, precision, and endurance. I’ll be bringing over $2,000 worth of specialized ice carving tools with me — equipment that’s essential for safety and execution, and not easily replaced or rented on site.

In addition to the team competition, I’ll also be competing solo in the Single Block event immediately afterward.

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The Sculptures

“Missing Piece” — Double Block Sculpture

At first glance, Missing Piece appears simple: a human hand gripping a solid geometric form — stable, clean, and deliberate. As the viewer looks closer, fractures become visible. A section of the form is missing, and cracks radiate outward from that absence. The hand tightens, compensating for what the object can no longer do.

As the fractures spread, they cross the boundary between object and body, creeping into the hand itself. The sculpture becomes a study of balance under strain — how humans replace structure with effort, and how the cost of holding things together is often absorbed by the body. The piece relies on contrast between smooth surfaces, sharp fractures, and intentional negative space.

“I See Horse” — Solo Single Block Sculpture

I See Horse is a single-block carving of a six-foot-tall seahorse moving through sea grass. The form rises vertically from the ice, with a clear, confident silhouette — curled tail, elongated snout, and upright posture — designed to read instantly from a distance.

The challenge is structural as much as visual. The entire seahorse is suspended by only four narrow strands of ice sea grass, which act as both subject and support. These delicate connections must carry the full weight of the piece while remaining visually light and fluid.

The sea grass is carved as thin planes and negative space, creating motion and tension while pushing the limits of what the ice can hold. The sculpture balances strength and fragility — a playful image held together by precision, restraint, and a bit of nerve. The title lets the wordplay sit quietly in the background, revealed only after the form has done its work.

What We’re Raising Funds For

Competing at Ice Alaska comes with real costs. Funds raised will go directly toward:

• Travel to and from Alaska (two competitors)

• Transporting and protecting specialized ice tools

• Cold-weather gear and safety equipment

• Competition entry fees

• General expenses in Alaska during the event

Why Your Support Matters

Ice sculpture competitions aren’t commercial ventures. They exist because of community support and shared belief in the value of temporary, physical art pushed to its limits. Every contribution helps make it possible for us to represent our craft — and our community — on a world stage.

Whether you’re able to contribute financially or simply share this campaign, your support genuinely matters. We’ll be posting updates from Alaska, including behind-the-scenes photos and progress shots from both competitions.

Thank you for helping us carve something meaningful out of ice.

FYI.

“GoFundMe suggests an optional tip at checkout—you can set it to $0 if you want. The only unavoidable fee is card processing.”

If you want to send money some other way send me an email. Aaron-grant at shaw.ca This is my e-transfer option.