Art
Artist Sets Sail in Spectacular Self-Made Ice Boat
Belarussian artist Ivan Karpitsky crafted a functional ice boat, showing his innovative approach to ice and snow sculpting. His creations, including a snow hut, a violin player, a lighthouse, and other pieces that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
By Beth Snider · January 30, 2024
Ivan Karpitsky
Based in Minsk, he initially gained fame with a sculpture a few years ago, and he has continued to captivate audiences each winter with increasingly ambitious projects. His latest venture, an ice boat that can accommodate at least one person and be sailed, has truly elevated his status as a master of art. ivan_karpitski/Instagram
Building the Boat
The remarkable engineering unfolded along the banks of Tsnyanskoe reservoir, located north of Minsk near the former village of Tsna-Yodkovo. Photos and videos shared on Karpitsky's Instagram page depict the artist meticulously sculpting the boat from rectangular blocks of ice, expertly using power tools to create delicate ice panels and a spinnable ice rudder for added aesthetic appeal. ivan_karpitski/Instagram
Ingenious Design
Although technical details about the ice boat remain sparse, the ingenuity of Karpitsky's design is evident. The artist employed water as a binding agent, securing the ice blocks together. ivan_karpitski/Instagram
Paddle Wheels
To give the illusion of propulsion, he crafted two detachable paddle wheels that can be connected to a power source on the shore. The ice boat's size is challenging to determine from the available media, clearly it is enough for at least one passenger. ivan_karpitski/Instagram
Viral Sensation
News of Karpitsky's ice boat has spread like wildfire on social media, garnering widespread admiration and a surge of requests for similar custom wonders. The artist has turned down all offers for reproductions, maintaining the exclusivity of his breathtaking ice masterpiece. ivan_karpitski/Instagram
"Masha and the Bear"
in 2022, Karpitsky brought the beloved characters from the cartoon "Masha and the Bear" to life with a snow creation in Molodechno. The sculptural masterpiece was a two-meter-high bear alongside a snow house adorned with a stove. ivan_karpitski/Instagram
Fireplace
Using a specially crafted wooden frame beneath the snow, Karpitsky has added a touch of magic by installing a backlight, cleverly simulating the warm glow of a fireplace. ivan_karpitski/Instagram
"And now it can melt."
Karpitskyi captures the essence of transient beauty and the impermanence inherent in his snow sculptures. When questioned about the transient nature of his creation, Ivan responded, "The main thing: I managed to take a photo. And now it can melt." ivan_karpitski/Instagram
"The Boy Who Plays the Violin"
A sculpture depicting a boy holding a violin graced the premises of a charitable organization in the village of Soltanovka near Mogilev in December 2022. Standing at an impressive height of 1.8m (5'10"), and crafted over two days, the detailed sculpture is in honor of World Violin Day, a celebration observed on December 13 (in remembrance of Italian violin maker Antonio Stradivari who passed away on December 13th 1737). ivan_karpitski/Instagram
Replica of French Lighthouse
Ivan Karpitsky dedicated 17 days to meticulously carving a stunning 9-meter replica of a French lighthouse, "Le Juman," from the snow. The creation graced the village of Saltanouka in January 2023, transforming the snowy landscape into a captivating homage to the iconic structure located near the island of Wesson, France. ivan_karpitski/Instagram
Shinning Tower
His craft shined through in this towering snow sculpture, showing his artistic prowess, patience, and skill required to bring the detailed replica to life. The sheer size and attention to detail in the replica was a work of awe-inspiring art. ivan_karpitski/Instagram
"Alina" Sailboat
In March 2023 he unveiled the "Alina" sailboat, not merely as a work of art but as a symbol of support for the courageous Alina Nikitina from Mogilev, who is battling a serious illness. Placed on the premises of the Rest and Rehabilitation Center run by the charitable organization "Blago," Ivan Karpitsky's sailboat was part of an initiative to raise funds for Alina's medical expenses. Blago/Facebook
Ice New Year Tree at Blago Center
A 2-meter-high ice New Year tree glistened on display on the grounds of the Blago Recreation and Rehabilitation Center in the village of Soltanovka in December 2023. Blago/Facebook