08 EVENT REVIEW
within hours of being transformed from ordinary blocks of ice to pieces of art, these sculptures were sadly melting away before our eyes. Despite this, each one was crafted as if it would last forever - the detailing was stunning and the thought behind them awe inspiring.
London Ice Sculpting Festival
Arriving at Canary Wharf Saturday lunchtime the bracing temperature could not have been more apt for the event. Situated on Wood Wharf the glassy skyscrapers, biting wind and snowy skies were the perfect backdrop for the London Ice Sculpting Festival. The theme for 2013 was ‘Wonders of the Universe’ for the doubles competition and ‘Infinity’ for the speed-sculpting category, and as we saw the first few sculptures on display it became apparent that this international competition drew the most talented and dedicated sculptors in the world.
With each step around the figures you saw a new detail - a new technique that made them truly fascinating to study. The changing
After exploring the doubles competition entries, the speed sculpting competition began. Totally entranced we watched as the masters of their art got to work, meticulously transforming the robust blocks of ice into shapes, symbols and stories. Watching the designs on the paper come to life was incredible, the use of heavy tools such as chainsaws was an unexpected contrast to the delicate finished articles we had seen and the meticulous nature of the work was admirable given the conditions they were working under. Most of the speed sculpting entries complimented their main pieces, with the most striking being the USA’s guitar with wings - winning first place in this category. It was the minute details, which could so easily be missed that made the work so fascinating. My favourite spot being the tiny praying man at the foot of the imposing cross design, also sculpted by the USA team.
skies also brought out entirely different features and the transience of these sculptures was like nothing else. Of course, there was a sad irony to the ‘Infinity’ theme, as
As the speed sculpting drew to an end it was time to have a go at sculpting for ourselves - how hard could it be? As we set to work crafting a relatively tiny penguin the incredible skill of the professionals became as clear as the ice we were trying so hard to mould. Slippery surfaces, soggy gloves and an unruly ‘penguin’ made for thirsty work but the satisfaction was worth it! Reluctantly leaving our ice animal behind we headed over to the winter market for refreshment, mulled wine, giant meringues and moreish treats filled the stalls, our noses and then our bellies!
The sun setting behind the skyscrapers gave the statues a more magical form. The
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