Winterlude, Ottawa’s annual winter festival, started last weekend. It’s very cold and sunny right now in the nation capital and for once, no one complains about it. Cold weather means that the Rideau Canal Skateway is open and that Winterlude’s ice and snow sculptures won’t melt.
On Friday, I went to watch ice carvers at work in Confederation Park. Huge chunks of ice were being delivered and given to 35 carvers from 10 different countries. The teams quickly drew a sketch of their idea on a sheet of paper and started to work. The tools? Chainsaws, chisels and grinding tools—carving ice isn’t easy. The ballet of gloved hands cutting, carving, sculpting and polishing was fascinating as masterpieces were coming to life right in front of my eyes.
Curious to see the final results? In a couple of days!
I know it’s all about the transient nature of reality and the passing nature of all things and blah blah. But why don’t these talented idiots sculpt in something just a little PERMANENT.
Imagine if Michaelangelo had painted the Cystine Chapel in bargain buckdet felt tips? There would be nothing left for us to marvel at today.
I once found an electric ice-cube outside a tapas bar. You click the bottom, drop it in a glass, and depending on the setting, it flashes, twinkles, or just stays lit up… and it’s totally waterproof…
… how funky is that!!?!
.-= Gledwood´s last blog ..Sorting it out… =-.
Oh Zhu! This is totally amazing!
.-= Agnes´s last blog ..A pink carnation and a pickup truck =-.
I shouldn’t be allowed within miles of a chainsaw but I’m always amazed by the skill & creations of the ice carvers.
(I don’t like working in the cold, either.)
.-= Beth´s last blog ..Wise Words? =-.
It is amazing what the people can do with a block of ice. Great photos.
.-= Tulsa Gentleman´s last blog ..Sunday Jigsaw Puzzle =-.
Absolutely waiting for final results!
.-= khengsiong´s last blog ..Day Trip to Melaka =-.
wow, I always wanted to see people do this. I don’t know why ice sculpting is so fascinating but it is. really nice shots!
.-= Charles Dastodd´s last blog ..Windows and Doors =-.
I always wanted to see this… it is strange when you think about it… so much creativity and effort in something that will only last for a few days…
I can’t wait for the pictures of the actual ice sculptures, haha. I wonder if ice is more difficult to work with than plaster…
.-= Lizz´s last blog ..Valentine’s Day Treasures: Third Collection for Ukay Manila V-DAY PROMO! =-.
Waiting to see the final carving 🙂
.-= Nigel´s last blog ..Sucess! =-.
We had the same in Paris in December, but the carvings were to expensive to visit.. 🙁
That’s a tough job, but a really cool one too! Very interesting to look through your picture. You did well to capture the event. Looking forward for the actual sculpture!
Alexander
Alex’s World! – http://www.kakinan.com/alex
Que de souvenirs pour moi !!! Sur le canel, le long du canal, à Hull (ex Hull face au musée), dans le centre Rideau, que d’émotions, tu m’émotionnes , Sniff sniff…
Sacrebleu, je vais téléphoner à mes amis la bas pour me consoler 🙂
Et dire que les appareils numériques n’existaient pas !! 🙁
wow! these are great..Definitely want to see the result. What lense did you use when you took these photos? Great Photos! 🙂
.-= micki´s last blog ..San Diao Ling Station。Ping Si Branch =-.
We have Ice Sculpture Festival in London too!
This year was held in late January, I didn’t to go it though it was free.
I went to see another free festival.
Ha ha… So much to do and see in London!
Wish you were here? ;P
.-= London Caller´s last blog ..Happiness & Joy / 喜洋洋 / Kebahagian & Kegembiraan / 喜洋々 =-.
Wow ! I have seen ice carvings in Belgium but never seen them working on masterpieces.
.-= Nisha´s last blog ..Rotorua, a place to remember =-.
Cool, I’ve never seen any one do ice carving. I would love to see it in person. Looks like a hell of a lot of work.
.-= Seb´s last blog ..Prediction Cat =-.
Wow. Carving ice sculptures look dangerous!
.-= Linguist-in-Waiting´s last blog ..Library Phantom Shooter =-.