BREAKING THE ICE IN CANARY WHARF

I visited the Ice Sculpture Festival today held at Canary Wharf.   Devised and organised by Carol Cordrey, it's a wonderful idea.

I wouldn't have put it in Canary Wharf which despite having wonderful statuesque glass buildings twinkling as in many ways did the sculptures themselves, this place is completely devoid of soul.

Travelling to the Sculpture festival was like walking into a black hole and finding specs of stardust in the form of each glacial masterpiece; artists from all over the world there to show their talent which is eternal although their works of art are not.

Two winners (from the UK) were interviewed, one saying he had been a painter by profession, the other a gardener and that they had given up their day jobs to focus on the art form, but had returned to their roots and broke the ice as a hobby.   I don't think there's money in it.   But the art work was magical. If it hadn't been so cold I could have stared at each one for ages.  

There was other stuff to do there.   You could have a go yourself at masterclasses and the children oblivious of the cold were smiling - while their parents stocked up on the international market serving german sausage, pancakes, soups, as long as they were all piping hot. It was a very cold day and it hadn't even snowed.

There are similar festivals held all over the world. The first I visited was in Quebec held in December every year, part of the Bonhommie Carnavale, where there is an international competition, and it's held by the river.   The river is usually frozen over and yet they try to kayak down it, and there's a group of naval bods on hand to rescue anyone who capsizes (under the ice is not good).  Others are held in China, Belgium, Sweden, Russia, to name but a few and well worth visiting and supporting.  This is an almost spiritual art form.

I hope this festival continues in size and stature.   It is a testament to the incredible hard work of creative people who have soul and talent and don't do it for the money.   It is just very odd to have it in a place that is a testament to quite the reverse.