Snow has become a coveted commodity for Gordon Sparks lately.
So much so in fact, he's been shovelling the white stuff off neighbouring properties to throw onto his own front lawn, all in the name of art.
Using just a shovel, a ladle and a machete, Sparks has tranformed a large mound of snow into a giant replica of his girlfriend's five-year-old Valley bulldog named Harley.
"Those were the perfect tools to get the job done. Snow is just so easy to play with, just as long as the temperature is cold," said Sparks, who is more accustomed to working with wood.
Working from a photo of Harley in a similar position, Sparks carved out the shape of the pooch over three days and then used food colouring to highlight the dog's markings.
With milder temperatures in the forecast, Sparks hopes to slow down any melting by spraying the sculpture with water, and tarping it when it rains and the temperatures get too high.
"The more ice I have formed around it the better," he said.
Specializing in fine arts and crafts this is the ink-machine tattoo artist's first attempt at snow sculpturing, and by all accounts it's a great success.
"That is just wonderful," exclaimed one woman who stopped to have a good look as she was driving by.
The sculpture has become a big attraction for many in his Crown Drive neighbourhood with passersby taking photos, some even posing next to the humongous hound to have their snapshot taken with it.
"I'm pretty happy with it," Sparks said.
You can check out Sparks' sculpture at the home he shares with his girlfriend, Elena Hebb, at 278 Crown Dr. in Halifax.
kmoar@hfxnews.ca
Look for Sparks' Ink Machine Tattoo Studio, fine arts and crafts on Facebook or call 404-9162.
