Home / Sports / UK Masons Trade Stone for Snow in Swiss Festival Win
UK Masons Trade Stone for Snow in Swiss Festival Win
1 Mar
Summary
- British sculptors won a snow festival prize in Switzerland.
- They sculpted a kraken eating a boat under a myths theme.
- The team won the public vote and placed third technically.
Sheffield stonemasons Lily Marsh and Steve Roche achieved success at the World Snow Festival in Grindelwald, Switzerland, as part of Team GB. The four-person team competed against 10 other nations, securing third place in the technical judging and winning the public vote.
Working with a large block of snow, the team, led by Christine Close, brought a kraken eating a boat to life, adhering to the competition's myths and legends theme. Marsh found the transition from stone to snow invigorating, noting the faster pace and less dusty environment. Roche described using specialized tools, akin to large chisels and a "chain saw" made of chain and nuts, to shape the snow.
Despite the low temperatures, the physical work kept the sculptors warm, with Roche even experiencing sunburn due to the bright conditions. Marsh highlighted the liberating aspect of creating art destined to melt, which reduced any pressure about perfection. The sculptures, though temporary, were a testament to the team's skill and creativity.
