ice carving secrets: ice sculptures by Vivat & Art Hongpong

Vivat and Art Hongpong

Gold medal winning ice sculpture by Art and Vivat Hongpong from 2002

Vivat Hongpong has long been regarded a leading expert among ice sculptors. In the early 90's, when sanctioned national championship ice sculpting events were still in their early days, Vivat was regularly in contention to win a national title. Twice, the title was denied him by the smallest of margins. Even though the narrow defeats surely left a bitter taste, the future would hold a greater reward.

Vivat Hongpong carves ice at the 2002 Olympic event in Provo, UT

Vivat Hongpong at work on “The Sound of Paradise” at the Olympic Arts Festival in Provo, UT in 2002. The competition featured ice sculptors from all over the world representing their respective countries.

Vivat stands before his Mike Tyson boxing ice sculpture

Vivat stands in front of his Mike Tyson & boxing ring ice sculpture. Notice that even the corner posts and mat are made of ice.

an ice sculpture of the U.S. Capitol building

A detailed ice sculpture of the U.S. Capitol building is used as a centerpiece for a splendid seafood display.

a highly detailed mask ice sculpture with candle holders

This multi-block mask ice sculpture features delicate snowfall engraving around the mask and stylized ice candle holders.

a life-sized seafood ice chef

Art Hongpong crouches behind his phoenix ice sculpture

Art Hongpong crouches behind his multi-block phoenix ice sculpture.

Art Hongpong sculpts ice with a chainsaw

Art works with an electric chainsaw on a multi-block sculpture.

this ice sculpture of an old-fashioned pickup truck has a cargo of seafood

a nearly life-sized ice truck with a delicious seafood cargo

In 2002, Vivat teamed with his son Art at the 2002 Olympic Arts Festival in Provo, Utah. This competition featured the best that world of ice sculpture had to offer, all gathered to competed for a gold medal. Art had obviously inherited Vivat's considerable talents and they were able to win gold with their sculpture titled "The Sound of Paradise."

Vivat at work on “The Sound of Paradise.” Vivat and Art teamed up to work on this sculpture for the 2002 Olympic Arts Festival ice carving event.

Here's an elaborate logo ice sculpture for Hollywood Casino with snowfill engraved lettering. White snow is packed in to the engraved letters and then allowed to freeze.

a carriage ice sculpture with heart shaped windows

This intricately carved ice carriage features heart shaped windows, delicate detailing, and even has a diminutive ice coachman.

Vivat works late at night on “The Sound of Paradise.” The competition was 17 hours long and went overnight so that carvers could take advantage of colder overnight temperatures.

Vivat and Art share a distinctive and beautiful carving style that has won them many admirers.
Vivat runs Vivat Ice Classics in New Jersey and can be contacted at (609) 652-3270.

incomplete Vivat Hongpong carves ice at the 2002 Olympic event in Provo, UT ice sculpture by Mark Daukas

Late at night in Provo, Vivat uses a die grinder to shape a piece of ice that will become a part of “The Sound of Paradise.” Even though both Art and Vivat currently live in the U.S., the Hongpongs are Thai and represented Thailand in the competition.

Art Hongpong and a teammate carve a large sailfish ice sculpture at a competition

Art and a teammate work on a sailfish piece at an outdoor ice carving competition. Ice carving competitions are usually either two person team or solo events.

Vivat and Art Hongpong stand by their 2005 New Year

Vivat and Art stand next to their large multi-block New Year's ice presentation. The Hongpongs froze multiple blocks of ice together to create the extra-large sculpture.

Art Hongpong attaches an antenna to a large butterfly ice sculpture

Art carefully attaches an antenna to a large butterfly ice sculpture. To help him freeze it in place, he uses a can of chemical refrigerant.

Art has his own carving business in Washington, D.C., Cold Fusion Ice Designs, and can be reached at hongpong@gmail.com or (202) 957-3099. You can also become a fan of Cold Fusion Ice Designs on Facebook.

gold medal ice sculpture "Sound of Paradise" by Vivat and Art Hongpong

In the end Vivat's & Art's sculpture,“The Sound of Paradise,” earned the Gold medal at the Olympic Arts Festival ice carving competition.

backside view of gold medal ice sculpture "Sound of Paradise" by Vivat and Art Hongpong from 2002

Here's another view of “The Sound of Paradise,” which closely matches the view of the smaller clay maquette in the next photo. The maquette is miniature version of the sculpture.

Art and Vivat Hongpong stand with their ice carving gold medals

Father and son celebrate their Gold medal win at the awards ceremony following the ice carving competition in Provo.

maquette for the gold medal ice sculpture "Sound of Paradise" by Vivat and Art Hongpong

Here's the maquette for “The Sound of Paradise," the Hongpongs' Gold medal winning piece from the 2002 Olympic event. Ice sculptors sometimes will use maquettes for reference in major competitions.

Also check out the blog entry introducing this gallery, with more information about the Hongpongs. Like the gallery or have a comment about one of the photos? You can leave your comments below. (If you don't see a comment form, try reloading the page.) Thanks!