This is the signature snow sculpture at the 2012 Harbin Snow Sculpture Competition. It is 127m (415ft) long and 32m (104ft) high. It took 120 carvers 7-10 days to carve. They worked in teams of 5 with the designer communicating from the ground via loud speaker and cel phone to the team leaders
Wow carving in China! It has always been a dream of mine to carve in Harbin’s International Snow Sculpture competition and now that dream has come true. It’s the kind of dream that doesn’t come true without a lot of support from team members and financial support from friends, family, Sask Arts Board, Cooperators Southside Agencies and the many others who helped us get there.
To Terry, my husband and carving companion, who gave all that that he could and then some more. You were our travel researcher, planner and adviser, fundraising coordinator and FrostyTidbits.com blogger and made it easy for me to concentrate on the sculpture. He is the forever-watchful eye for our well being and security, which results in us having a good time. These are some of the roles he takes on that I don’t thank him enough for. So, thank you and I love you for all that you do!
Kim, Theressa and Carole checking to make sure they are all on the same page
To Carole and Kim, my seemingly tireless carving companions, who dug and tunneled through the large amount of snow that we needed to move, well done! It is a rarity to find friends that not only are willing to share their talents, but are also willing to take the time from their daily lives to share the adventure of snow carving in a variety of locales. I’m so glad you said yes before thinking about the repercussions! Also, thank you Kim for sharing your photographic talents and your willingness to share photographs with all of us.
There is no way I could have completed this piece without everyone giving all that they could. It was an honor and a pleasure to have worked with all of you on another of my snow art ideas. You all are a great asset to my snow carving team as you knew when to listen to me and when to ignore me as I just needed to vent, not an easy task! It is always nice to carve with people you get along with and a pleasure to carve with friends.
Celebrate Winter at Harbin 2012 – Click on photo for full-size version
I am pleased that you went along with the animal hat idea for our team. I can image what you thought of me with this new idea, but I think it worked out well. I do believe that the Beaver (Terry), Caribou (Carole), Moose (Kim), and Monkey (Theressa) have endeared themselves into the hearts of some of the Chinese people and were the subject of several photographs.
Here are the animal hats that put smiles on peoples faces while we sculpted
I’ve learned lots from my trip to Harbin. You can create a momentous winter wonderland if you have enough real man-made snow, and lots and lots of artists, workers and organizer to realize this dream. I am still impressed by the overall scope and size of snow sculptures at this festival. It truly is a one of a kind event and I feel privileged to have represented Canada at such a prestigious international event. The experience was monumental just like our snow sculpture and all the other snow sculptures in Harbin.
Theressa Wright
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