A Snow Pile Near the University of Minnesota
Left: A diagram of a now non-existent snow pile. Click on the image to view an enlargement.
Sparked by snow pile drawings Ken made in 2010 I went over to the University to capture a massive almost 4-story high snow pile. It had been carted away.
Frozen ink which didn't dry created a painting problem for me on this cold day—You can read about that on the page. (On the recto page the large white area with brown stamp ink around it was a masked area made before I went off to sketch—I often prepaint my backgrounds in random ways.)
I won't be documenting my street as Ken did beautifully the other day. I don't have a clear view of anything from a window (trees and buildings obscure the views). I'd have to venture forth and I'd like the temperature to be at least 25 degrees Fahrenheit before I go out and sketch again. My hands were fine in my fleece fingerless gloves; I was able to keep the water in my Niji waterbrush fluid by holding it and keeping it in my coat's breast pocket; but I don't want to stand around and wait while ink unfreezes and then dries into the paper. I'm just silly that way.
I remember seeing that snowpile with you. It was stunning in a dangerous way, making me think about sliding down it from the 3rd or 4th story of the parking ramp.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see your view, or Ken's, of the lunar landscape erected next to the railroad tracks at 14th Ave NE near Central NE. A long ridge of 30-foot mountains of dirty snow deposited on a vacant lot each year. In the spring, after the snow finally melts, this lot is a goldmine of strange "found objects" scraped up by the plows. Ice caves form while it melts, dangerous and dirty but lovely!
ReplyDeleteJennifer, Thanks for spotting a snow pile. I don't know of this one. I wonder if Ken does!!! I have to get up there and see it.
ReplyDeleteI love the melting bit with the found objects. Thanks for giving me a heads up!
Karen, I was sure some college kids would jump off the ramp onto this mountain for entertainment. The winter break saved them! It was cut down to the smaller size before school started again.
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