About Pencar Ice
Live Ice Sculpting Demo
Aaron Pencar at the Cooperstown Winter Carnival, Feb '25
The Man Behind the Frost - Aaron Pencar
Aaron Pencar, a classically trained chef born and raised in Miami (FL), discovered his passion for the culinary arts early on. After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu in Miami, he embarked on a diverse culinary journey that led him to Boulder, Colorado. It was here that Aaron's fascination with ice sculpting began to take shape, despite his sunny Miami upbringing.
Over the past decade, Aaron has had the incredible opportunity to apprentice under some of the world's most talented ice sculptors. His dedication and skill in the craft were recognized on an international stage, as part of a team of just four people, where they won 3rd Place for "Sun Voyager" in the 2017 BP Ice Art World Championship Multi-block Abstract Category in Fairbanks, Alaska. Inspired by the sculpture in Reykjavik, Iceland, "Sun Voyager" resonated with both peers and social media audiences, earning 1st place in Viewers' Choice.
Aaron's unique blend of culinary expertise and ice sculpting talent sets him apart in both fields. His journey from the warm streets of Miami to the frozen expanses of competitive ice sculpting showcases his adaptability and passion for his craft. Whether in the kitchen or sculpting ice, Aaron's creativity and dedication continue to leave a lasting impression.
Aaron Pencar now lives just outside of Cooperstown with his wife and two children, happy to run his own business. His combined love for culinary arts and ice sculpting continues to inspire his work and his community.
What makes Clear Ice So Special?
The Art & Science Of Perfectly Clear Ice
Clear ice for ice sculptures is a remarkable fusion of scientific precision and artistic craftsmanship, celebrated for its purity, clarity, and strength. Unlike ordinary ice, it is devoid of impurities and dissolved solids, resulting in a denser, harder, and naturally filtered composition. Its crystalline beauty is achieved through directional freezing—a meticulous process that mimics how lakes naturally freeze. As water freezes slowly in one direction (typically top to bottom), impurities are pushed toward the unfrozen portion and removed, leaving behind a pristine, transparent block of ice.
This complex method requires specialized equipment to control the freezing rate and replicate nature's precision. While common misconceptions suggest that boiling water creates clearer ice, it is actually the controlled, directional freezing process that ensures its unmatched clarity and strength. The resulting ice is ideal for intricate and luminous sculptures, enhancing every design with its ability to refract and reflect light.
However, the perfection of these sculptures is fragile. Environmental factors like UV rays, strong winds, and fluctuating temperatures can compromise their clarity and structure. At Pencar Ice, we anticipate and address these challenges to preserve the brilliance of each sculpture for as long as possible.
Directional freezing is more than a scientific technique; it’s a meticulous craft that transforms ordinary water into an extraordinary canvas. These flawless blocks of ice are the foundation for breathtaking works of art, turning every sculpture into an ephemeral masterpiece that blends thermodynamic principles with aesthetic beauty. Whether for a grand celebration or an intimate event, our clear ice sets the stage for artistry and elegance like no other.