Ice Carving, Sapporo, Japan.

We were lucky enough to be walking home and came across this chain saw wielding artist adding more works of art to 2024 Sapporo Snow festival on our recent holiday to Japan . I think this process would have take a long time. We were only there for a short time as we were tired, had already had a big day and it was getting cold fast but what we saw was great. .

First up the artist cut a block of ice in half then angled the top bit slightly before joining it back together by pouring water from a bottle on it. I suppose the water would have frozen quickly as it was well below zero and getting colder fast.

Then he was back on his chainsaw. I was expecting a battery operated one like mine at home as it is light weight and easy yo handle but he opted for the 110 volt electric one complete with electrical extension cord and no earth on the ice road. Maybe it is the best choice as I believe the power tool batteries do not like the cold.

I have no idea what he was trying to carve but the crowd went silent as he took a deep breath and started stroking the chainsaw like a paint brush across the now rejoined ice slab.

Eventually a butterfly started to form. We did not have time to see the finished sculpture but I am sure it would have been as impressive as all the others which where lined up in the middle of the road.

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