Urmo, 79, does something every winter that makes passersby smile
A 79-year-old man in Tuusula, Finland, creates whimsical snow sculptures in his yard each winter, attracting the admiration of passersby.
Urmo Kiiskinen, a 79-year-old resident of Tuusula's Kellokoski area in Finland, has become known for his annual winter tradition of creating whimsical snow sculptures and structures in his yard. Each year, these creations vary widely and include notable figures such as a large snow lighthouse, a polar bear head, and even space aliens. Kiiskinen describes these projects as his 'own little eccentricities' driven by his playful nature and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a childlike spirit at his age.
Although he primarily works alone, Kiiskinen often involves his two school-aged grandchildren in the creative process. Together, they once built a majestic snow castle, celebrating their efforts by roasting sausages inside the structure. His latest creation is an adult-sized snowman that he completed in just about an hour, built just before a period of milder weather arrived. Urmo Kiiskinen's imaginative artistry not only brings joy to himself but also delights the community, creating a beautiful winter spectacle that uplifts the spirits of those who pass by.
Kiiskinen remarked on the challenges posed by the sun's intensity during warmer winter days, indicating that the heat can add difficulty to maintaining his snow sculptures. Nevertheless, he remains undeterred and continues to explore new ideas each winter, reinforcing the charming tradition that has endeared him to his neighborhood and beyond. At the heart of his artistic endeavors is a genuine desire to make people smile, an effort that has become his enjoyable seasonal ritual.