Jean-Marie Laliberté, of Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes, was inspired by last summer’s Paris Olympic Games to create his new snow sculpture, representing the Eiffel Tower adorned with the Olympic rings.
This impressive work testifies to the passion and ingenuity of this 77-year-old retiree, who each year chooses a significant current theme as the guiding principle of his work.
“I took on a big challenge, to the point of fearing at one point that I wouldn’t be able to do it,” says Mr. Laliberté. His new work measures 18 feet tall, with a base eight feet wide and long on three sides. The biggest challenge was carrying around ten blocks of snow to the top of the structure. “I built a small sloping path behind the tower with blown snow, which allowed me to create a stand eight feet high. My 18-year-old grandson helped me by transporting the blocks using a brimbale (improvised sled) that I had made,” he explains.
The blocks of snow, prepared in advance to be well frozen, measured two feet long, one foot wide and one foot high. “I used a stepladder and a ladder to install the last blocks,” adds Mr. Laliberté. Around 25 hours of work were necessary to complete this work which is already arousing the curiosity of passers-by. Mr. Laliberté hopes that the cold will persist to preserve his sculpture as long as possible. “If the sun remains discreet and there is no mild spell or rain, it could last around two weeks,” he estimates. He invites motorists to stop in the small parking lot he has set up in front of his house at 248 Route 265 to admire the work and take photos.
-A self-taught artist with a remarkable career
Member of a family of 18 children, Jean-Marie Laliberté created his first ice sculpture in 1966, at the age of 14. He then sculpted a horse with his cart. This former employee of the USNR factory in Plessisville also participated in numerous carnivals in the 1980s and 1990s, where his works received several distinctions.
His passion for snow sculpture never faded. Year after year, he redoubles his ingenuity to create works that delight young and old. “As long as I have health and enjoyment doing it, I will continue,” he reiterated with a smile. Jean-Marie Laliberté’s current work is a true tribute to the global event that was the Paris Olympic Games. One more reason to make a detour to Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes and admire this artistic feat.
Related News :