One thing Minnesotans hold closer to their heart than the loon, the lady slipper, or even the fact that we have 10,000 lakes, is our ability to withstand and even fight the cold. Not only do we have the perseverance to trudge on through the winter months, but we even make it a point to enjoy the fluffy white snow and crystal clear ice that come with the bitter climate. Some people like to go sledding, some enjoy figure skating, and one thing every Minnesotan can agree on is their love for a good snowball fight. Far superior to all of these; however, is the detailed, exquisite act of ice sculpting.
While on the subject of Minnesota, there is a necesity in mentioning the beautiful tradition of the yearly Ice Palace. This had been a tradition held as the pride of Minnesota ever since 1886 when the first crowning of King Boreas and first artic celebration took place. Legend has it that this royal king named the wonderful tundra landscape of Minnsota his homely realm. This move; however, upset his nemesis, Vulcanus Rex, to the point where he decided to put a stop to the festivities. So after ten days of celebration, the Ice Palace was invaded and the king forced to disband the gathering and return to Mount Olympus, thus ending the Winter Carnival.
In reality, patriotic Minnesotans know that back in 1885, a reporter wrote that the land was "another Siberia, unfit for human habitation" during the winter. In order to refute this statement and prove their gumption, the citizens of Minnesnowta put together a carnival aimed at bringing the people together from far and wide for a celebration that could warm up the chilly heart of January.
Not to be caught off topic, but it seems that the real area of interest has gotten a little foggy at this point. Ice sculpting is an art that more than any other art form, is exremely fragile. Not just do to the fact that ice is easily breakable, but that unless stored at subzero temperature, the standard ice sculpture has a lifespan of roughly eight hours. With such an easily crackable substance, it's a wonder that artists are able to create such detailed work. The tool used in the development of one of these monuments include chainsaws, ice chisels, die grinders, angle grinders, and speacialized drill bits for detail.
While on the subject of Minnesota, there is a necesity in mentioning the beautiful tradition of the yearly Ice Palace. This had been a tradition held as the pride of Minnesota ever since 1886 when the first crowning of King Boreas and first artic celebration took place. Legend has it that this royal king named the wonderful tundra landscape of Minnsota his homely realm. This move; however, upset his nemesis, Vulcanus Rex, to the point where he decided to put a stop to the festivities. So after ten days of celebration, the Ice Palace was invaded and the king forced to disband the gathering and return to Mount Olympus, thus ending the Winter Carnival.
In reality, patriotic Minnesotans know that back in 1885, a reporter wrote that the land was "another Siberia, unfit for human habitation" during the winter. In order to refute this statement and prove their gumption, the citizens of Minnesnowta put together a carnival aimed at bringing the people together from far and wide for a celebration that could warm up the chilly heart of January.
Not to be caught off topic, but it seems that the real area of interest has gotten a little foggy at this point. Ice sculpting is an art that more than any other art form, is exremely fragile. Not just do to the fact that ice is easily breakable, but that unless stored at subzero temperature, the standard ice sculpture has a lifespan of roughly eight hours. With such an easily crackable substance, it's a wonder that artists are able to create such detailed work. The tool used in the development of one of these monuments include chainsaws, ice chisels, die grinders, angle grinders, and speacialized drill bits for detail.
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