Today I have shots of the solo carvers at work, on the same day as yesterday's shots. Their sculptures are set up on the west side of Confederation Park, under the shelters, which keep these sculptures in good shape through the festival. Sculptures are relatively short lived- after the festival these are broken down; it becomes a liability sort of thing.
Some of the tools they work with can be found here. Among the more unusual items are clothes irons and welding torches; I have an example of the latter at work in a future blog.
Theses sculptures are very fantastis, and it's really nice to watch how they are making.
ReplyDeleteThis work is with art and skill at the same time.
ReplyDeleteTomás.
Fascinating sculptures, William !
ReplyDeleteOh, I can see the sculptures taking shape! These carvers are really good at what they are doing.
ReplyDeleteI admire these artists for their willingness to put so much work into temporary sculptures!
ReplyDeleteBold tools for bold art. Fantastic!
ReplyDeleteIt must be hard work with the ice.
ReplyDelete@Orvokki: it is, yes.
ReplyDelete@Tomas: that's true.
@Karl: the finished work is something to behold!
@Nancy: they are!
@Merisi: I do too.
@Lauren: indeed!
@Marianne: I imagine so.
They are real sculptors, great to see them at work.
ReplyDeleteblue, black, and white is the coldest color combination of all
ReplyDeleteBrrrrrrrr, let the carving begin!
Janis
GDP
The clothing is even more impressive!
ReplyDeleteAll that work for such a short life William, it would be much shorter if they were over here right now :)
ReplyDeleteNice to see the artists working on their sculptures.
ReplyDeleteI hope it is colder in Ottawa than overhere in the Netherlands, untill now the average temperature in February is 6,9 ºC, that's 4 degrees above the normal average. That would be bad news for ice scultures. ;-(
As I've said before, these people amaze me with their skills, and now the ability to work in such frigid conditions.
ReplyDeletevery cool!
ReplyDeleteThese are always so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI like seeing the artists at work.
ReplyDeleteI bet that clothes iron is used for smoothing out flat places.
ReplyDelete@Marleen: it is fun.
ReplyDelete@Janis: the carvers do dress for the cold!
@VP: they're well insulated.
@Grace: they wouldn't last long in that heat.
@Jan: the temperatures have dropped- good for the Canal, which reopened.
@Lowell: they're very talented.
@Tex: indeed!
@Luis: they are.
@EG: I do too.
@Sharon: I think so.
Absolutely amazing...thanks for the behind the scenes shots.
ReplyDeleteI guess in one way ice is a good carving medium as so many different tools can be used to produce the end product. It seems each year somebody else has found another tool to use.
ReplyDeleteI never even thought of watching them working. It looks fascinating making something from ice!
ReplyDeleteWe have the same activity in St. Paul's Winter Carnival, and I am always so impressed when I see the final results. PS. I think I have "my groove back again and will be posting more regularly. Thanks for being so faithful about visiting.
ReplyDeleteI'm still in admiration.
ReplyDeleteThis must take an incredible amount of patience....
ReplyDeleteWow! Such talent.
ReplyDeleteI'm always so impressed by this art. Love the maple leaf!
ReplyDeleteI think you would need a lot of warm clothes!
ReplyDeletei see the maple leaf represented!
ReplyDelete@Linda: you're welcome.
ReplyDelete@Red: there are some unconventional tools!
@Jennifer: it's a great treat to watch them at work.
@Kate: you're welcome!
@Pat: as am I.
@Norma: oh yes!
@Halcyon: indeed.
@Ciel: so did I.
@RedPat: definitely!
@Tanya: it's nice to see that crafted in ice.
Some talented people!
ReplyDeletegorgeous wings!! i wonder if this artistry is similar to working with wood carving? so cool either way. i am amazed!!! ( :
ReplyDeleteGuess there's no way you could work in your shorts and shirt sleeves. :-)
ReplyDeleteAmazing work as always. I particularly like pictures five and six of the guy carving with the ice on his suit...
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see the finished products.
ReplyDelete@Cheryl: very talented!
ReplyDelete@Beth: I imagine they spend some of their time with wood carving to keep up their skills.
@Revrunner: definitely not.
@Geoff: when you're using power tools on ice, it's going to end up sending ice flakes back onto you.
@Mari: much more of this to come!
They seem to be really focused on their work. Interesting tools of the trade there!
ReplyDeleteGee that looks cold! But I suppose if ice is your medium that's how it goes. They're doing amazing work!
ReplyDeleteSeems a shame that the works are not permanent.
ReplyDeleteAmazing that welding torches should be used on ice. Such a special, creative art. So fascinating.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how someone decides, "Gee, I think I want to be an ice carver."
ReplyDelete@Lois: they do get focused.
ReplyDelete@Kay: they're well dressed.
@Linda: alas, but that's part of the charm.
@Gemma: yes, they have to be very careful with heat.
@Jack: it's quite an artistic skill.