News
Friday 19 January 2007
Thaw-some! Students rise to meet snowy challenge (Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival)
Forget carrots and blocks of coal – a group of Nottingham Trent University students have just returned home from a snow-sculpting challenge with a difference. The team donned winter woollies and braved sub-zero temperatures as they achieved a Commemorative Prize at the Harbin International Snow Sculpture Competition, part of the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival in Northeast China.
Seong Hee Kim, Neil Ward, David Massey and Elaine Bunfield became the first UK team to take part in the event in Harbin – known as Ice City due to its long, cold winters. In its 12th year, it is one of the largest ice and snow sculpture festivals in the world, attracting 22 teams from 11 countries.
They used chisel, shovel and grindstone to transform a four-metre high block of snow into London, a design incorporating a series of open and closed umbrellas, roses and petals. They were judged on theme, artistic expression, creativity and technical skill before receiving their award.
The students, from the University’s School of Art and Design and School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment, arrived a week before the four-day event, competing in a national event first so they could hone their skills.
They were supported by partner institution, Harbin Engineering University (HEU) who offered hospitality and technical support such as training, design advice and provided tools and materials. HEU finished second in the competition for the third-year-running, missing out on the top spot to a team from Russia.
Team member and Decorative Arts student, Elaine Bunfield, said: “We were delighted to receive a Commemorative Prize, particularly as it was the first time we had taken part in the competition. It’s extremely flattering as some of the entries were outstanding – one design included intertwined trees while another featured an angel in remarkable detail.”
She added: “The competition was very intense and the weather took a lot of getting used to, but we would love the opportunity to compete again.”
ENDS
Notes for editors: Last year, more than 100 sculptors from 19 countries took part in the event. The sculptures will be on display until Monday 5 February 2007.
Berghaus supplied the protective clothing as sponsorship for the students.
For more information please contact Dave Rogers, Press Officer, on telephone +44 (0)115 848 8782, or via email: dave.rogers@ntu.ac.uk.
Or Therese Easom, Press and Media Relations Manager, on telephone +44 (0)115 848 8774, or via email: therese.easom@ntu.ac.uk.
