2022-2023. Season 11
Most recent first. Only sculptures are numbered.
6. Totoro in snow!
Friday, March 10 and Saturday, March -11, 2023.
I went out Friday afternoon as the snow was coming down! I wanted to make a Totoro, a favourite of my grandson, niece and step-daughter. And so many others too! I had installed my rotator on the tall snowbank the day before (Thursday), chopping through the crusty old snow to get it level. My plan was to allow Totoro to rotate! It was time to build the form, and pound snow into it. To start I lifted the rotator once more and put some fluffy snow underneath to increase its full contact with the ground. I also put the level on it one more time to be sure. I then began gathering snow from: -our sidewalk -driveway -backyard -neighbours sidewalk (so generous! lol) -our back deck -the roof of our garage. Can you believe I did that? I needed all I could find to fill the form! I used my 'box on a sleigh' to move it easily to the carving site. Next, I set up the forms which involved five 2' x 8', 4mm HDPE (plastic) sheets. The first (ground) layer involved 2 sections that I formed into a large circle bigger than the rotator! Ratchet straps would hold them in place. The second layer had two more sections and the top just one. For the two ears, I used an old maple syrup bucket. I pounded snow into each level, adding the next level after the previous level was full. Later I would carve snow away near the bottom to expose the rotator and allow the sculpture to rotate. This removal of snow at the bottom allowed Totoro's body to flair up and out from the rotator. The snow sintered overnight in the forms and on Saturday I carved. |
To get Totoro close to realism, proportion was key. Note the picture below where I stand back and hold up a picture of Totoro.
Clearly I could not properly compare the side curve of Totoro's body, so I used scissors to trim the picture. You can see how much easier it was to get the angles right. As I began carving the main shape, I cut a lot of snow off the bottom to again expose the rotator and allow Totoro to spin--an important part of who he is. Although flight will be difficult, at least spinning was the goal.
I had made whiskers out of thin strips of ash wood that I split with an axe and sanded fairly smooth. The black 'boomerangs' on Totoro's chest were thin carboard cut from an old shoe box. The black dots for the eyes were turned a few years ago on my lathe and the circles around the eyes were black wool from my wife Lorna's wool stash. Correction; from Lorna's curated collection of wool. (Knitting humour). All but the wool was painted with black acrylic paint.
Clearly I could not properly compare the side curve of Totoro's body, so I used scissors to trim the picture. You can see how much easier it was to get the angles right. As I began carving the main shape, I cut a lot of snow off the bottom to again expose the rotator and allow Totoro to spin--an important part of who he is. Although flight will be difficult, at least spinning was the goal.
I had made whiskers out of thin strips of ash wood that I split with an axe and sanded fairly smooth. The black 'boomerangs' on Totoro's chest were thin carboard cut from an old shoe box. The black dots for the eyes were turned a few years ago on my lathe and the circles around the eyes were black wool from my wife Lorna's wool stash. Correction; from Lorna's curated collection of wool. (Knitting humour). All but the wool was painted with black acrylic paint.
Carving is always a great challenge. At one point an ear fell off and I had to hold it in place for a full minute to support the rebonding of the part. Removing my mitten carefully was key so the new (fragile) joint would not be disturbed.
It's important to keep disciplined to stand at least 10' back and observe progress. You instantly get a fresh perspective on your work and next actions become clear.
During the carve I had the usual great discussions with people going by. For example, I had a great little visit with one of my student teachers from many years ago. He announced he is now in the Principal's pool. He will be a great leader.
Later parents would drop by with their 3 year old. Totoro is her favourite. After a little encouragement, she climbed the snowbank for a picture with her favourite character.
It's important to keep disciplined to stand at least 10' back and observe progress. You instantly get a fresh perspective on your work and next actions become clear.
During the carve I had the usual great discussions with people going by. For example, I had a great little visit with one of my student teachers from many years ago. He announced he is now in the Principal's pool. He will be a great leader.
Later parents would drop by with their 3 year old. Totoro is her favourite. After a little encouragement, she climbed the snowbank for a picture with her favourite character.
5. Empire Public School Arts Night
Thursday, March 2, 2023.
Arts Night at Emprire Public school was so much fun!
A busy carve and discussion with those walking in to enjoy the big night.
I arrived in the morning to pack my forms and then returned in the early evening carved away.
I'd go back in future days to refine the carvings. The snow was terribly icy and wet, but I did the best I could.
Being able to concentrate the next day and add new features, including improved hoods and more eyes added to the effect.
So many great discussions.
Arts Night at Emprire Public school was so much fun!
A busy carve and discussion with those walking in to enjoy the big night.
I arrived in the morning to pack my forms and then returned in the early evening carved away.
I'd go back in future days to refine the carvings. The snow was terribly icy and wet, but I did the best I could.
Being able to concentrate the next day and add new features, including improved hoods and more eyes added to the effect.
So many great discussions.
Empire Public School program
March 27 & 28, 2023.
Lorna and I had a blast with our grandson's grade 2/3 class.
We joined them in their class near the end of their school day on Monday. We had a presentation with lots of pictures and the kids learned some basics and got to know us. They peppered us with so many great questions! And they had so many amazing ideas of what they wanted to carve!
We had checked the forecast of course and were concerned about the conditions. Good snow was available but there would be rain overnight. So later that evening, Lorna and I went over and made 36 x 7 gallon pails of snow and then covered them with a blue tarp.
We secured the edges with lots of snow to ensure the tarp would not blow away. And it worked!
The next day, the kids came out in the morning and made 70 buckets which then sintered while they went back inside for a while.
We decided to call our team the 'SNOW SQUAD'!
In the afternoon Lorna and I joined them again and they had a great time carving.
To end the experience, we all stacked the remaining pails of snow into a snow house. Kids from many classes have been enjoying it since. Way to go SNOW SQUAD!
Lorna and I had a blast with our grandson's grade 2/3 class.
We joined them in their class near the end of their school day on Monday. We had a presentation with lots of pictures and the kids learned some basics and got to know us. They peppered us with so many great questions! And they had so many amazing ideas of what they wanted to carve!
We had checked the forecast of course and were concerned about the conditions. Good snow was available but there would be rain overnight. So later that evening, Lorna and I went over and made 36 x 7 gallon pails of snow and then covered them with a blue tarp.
We secured the edges with lots of snow to ensure the tarp would not blow away. And it worked!
The next day, the kids came out in the morning and made 70 buckets which then sintered while they went back inside for a while.
We decided to call our team the 'SNOW SQUAD'!
In the afternoon Lorna and I joined them again and they had a great time carving.
To end the experience, we all stacked the remaining pails of snow into a snow house. Kids from many classes have been enjoying it since. Way to go SNOW SQUAD!
4. Snow Colosseum
February 28, 2023.
A big dump of snow made another project possible so I decided to attempt to recreate the Colosseum from Rome, Italy.
I added some tourists (basswood carvings) to some of the levels. I used my wall form but no rotator this time!
A big dump of snow made another project possible so I decided to attempt to recreate the Colosseum from Rome, Italy.
I added some tourists (basswood carvings) to some of the levels. I used my wall form but no rotator this time!
3. Snow Condo
February 24, 2023.
Finally a bit of snow. But rain was on the way. So I made 5 blocks with my snowblock maker in our backyard (first time ever!) and covered them with a blue tarp for protection. Once the weather settled, I stacked them on our front snowbank and made a snow condo. Then I added some basswood carvings I had made. It only lasted one night and I had to actually run out at 5am to rescue some of the carvings.
A video of my snowblock maker in action can be viewed as a reel on my IG channel. There is also a link below to my YouTube channel video of the block maker in action.
Finally a bit of snow. But rain was on the way. So I made 5 blocks with my snowblock maker in our backyard (first time ever!) and covered them with a blue tarp for protection. Once the weather settled, I stacked them on our front snowbank and made a snow condo. Then I added some basswood carvings I had made. It only lasted one night and I had to actually run out at 5am to rescue some of the carvings.
A video of my snowblock maker in action can be viewed as a reel on my IG channel. There is also a link below to my YouTube channel video of the block maker in action.
Winterloo community gnome project
Saturday, January 28, 2023.
A great day at Winterloo. We were bold in our hope to make 100 gnomes in snow as a community. In the end we made 215 from 430 buckets of snow. Couldn’t have done it without my amazing wife Lorna Morris who handled so many items.
So many smiles as we lifted high each gnome and announced its name to the adoring crowd (think Lion King).
We then placed them by the walkways for all to enjoy and were able to put a few lights in some of them for all to enjoy.
Adding lights at night helped to create a great look.
A great day at Winterloo. We were bold in our hope to make 100 gnomes in snow as a community. In the end we made 215 from 430 buckets of snow. Couldn’t have done it without my amazing wife Lorna Morris who handled so many items.
So many smiles as we lifted high each gnome and announced its name to the adoring crowd (think Lion King).
We then placed them by the walkways for all to enjoy and were able to put a few lights in some of them for all to enjoy.
Adding lights at night helped to create a great look.
2. Old man winter
Thursday, January 26, 2023.
Finally! Snow!
I loaded the form Wednesday and let it sinter all night. I was too tired to carve as I had also run in the morning.
Thursday I got out there and carved a 7'6" sailor. I started at 9:30am and finished around 12:30pm.
The carving was inspired by UK artist Joe Lawrence.
I had carved new irises out off basswood and painted them.
Great fun using the rotating platform. I was able to carve it while standing on our lawn. This got rid of the awkward ladder work on the road side up the bank. Once done, I simply rotated it to reveal my final carving.
Great being out talking with the community too!
At the same time I was performing final preparations for Winterloo that happens this Saturday! So happy we now have snow!
I glued a T onto each of my 5 carving stations to ensure that the gnomes did not slide off!
Finally! Snow!
I loaded the form Wednesday and let it sinter all night. I was too tired to carve as I had also run in the morning.
Thursday I got out there and carved a 7'6" sailor. I started at 9:30am and finished around 12:30pm.
The carving was inspired by UK artist Joe Lawrence.
I had carved new irises out off basswood and painted them.
Great fun using the rotating platform. I was able to carve it while standing on our lawn. This got rid of the awkward ladder work on the road side up the bank. Once done, I simply rotated it to reveal my final carving.
Great being out talking with the community too!
At the same time I was performing final preparations for Winterloo that happens this Saturday! So happy we now have snow!
I glued a T onto each of my 5 carving stations to ensure that the gnomes did not slide off!
Snow Sculpting station build
January, 2023.
I have been working on a program for the City of Waterloo winter festival called Winterloo. It happens this year on January 28th, noon to 5pm somewhere in Uptown Waterloo. My idea involves 5 carving stations where participants will carve gnomes--a simple and satisfying carve. If we get snow we will try and make at least 100 of these charming little creatures and display them dramatically for all to enjoy. I've made 5 rotating swivels which allow each carver to spin (slowly) their carving as they proceed. Each participant will 'pay it forward' by creating two pails of snow as they arrive. These pails will then sinter for a while as they proceed to use pails of snow sintered earlier by others. A big thank you to Pinnacle Tree service for providing the short logs that form the base for these carving stations. The picture shows myself, owner Greg and chainsaw expert Scott. The six part picture below shows some of the work involved in make three of the rotating platforms that will have grab handles. The drilled holes just made it easier for the jigsaw to turn the corners. Two of the platforms are just round. We will see which is best!
I have been working on a program for the City of Waterloo winter festival called Winterloo. It happens this year on January 28th, noon to 5pm somewhere in Uptown Waterloo. My idea involves 5 carving stations where participants will carve gnomes--a simple and satisfying carve. If we get snow we will try and make at least 100 of these charming little creatures and display them dramatically for all to enjoy. I've made 5 rotating swivels which allow each carver to spin (slowly) their carving as they proceed. Each participant will 'pay it forward' by creating two pails of snow as they arrive. These pails will then sinter for a while as they proceed to use pails of snow sintered earlier by others. A big thank you to Pinnacle Tree service for providing the short logs that form the base for these carving stations. The picture shows myself, owner Greg and chainsaw expert Scott. The six part picture below shows some of the work involved in make three of the rotating platforms that will have grab handles. The drilled holes just made it easier for the jigsaw to turn the corners. Two of the platforms are just round. We will see which is best!
1. Gnomes for a day.
Monday, December 26, 2022.
We received a nice dump of snow for Christmas, or at least enough for a little project--two little gnomes.
I used my 7 gallon pails and went four high for about 8' on one of them.
Notice the use of the level to ensure it was.....level. Unfortunately my foundation was not solid as the bank was not well compacted so it fell over the next day in the rain. Fun for a night! The bonus was using my new saw that I designed in SketchUp. I had it laser cut in a barn near Lindwood. So much to learn about saws. More thoughts on saws at another time.
We received a nice dump of snow for Christmas, or at least enough for a little project--two little gnomes.
I used my 7 gallon pails and went four high for about 8' on one of them.
Notice the use of the level to ensure it was.....level. Unfortunately my foundation was not solid as the bank was not well compacted so it fell over the next day in the rain. Fun for a night! The bonus was using my new saw that I designed in SketchUp. I had it laser cut in a barn near Lindwood. So much to learn about saws. More thoughts on saws at another time.