A Horse that Initially Looked Like an Ill-Giant Fly
Freelance book illustrator Kristina Reineller crafted a life-size horse out of ice in her Nõmme garden, facing various challenges during the two-month process.
Kristina Reineller, a freelance book illustrator from Estonia, has taken on the ambitious project of creating an ice sculpture in the form of a horse in her garden located in Nõmme. Over the course of two months, Kristina has encountered numerous hurdles, particularly with the structural integrity of the sculpture, as she worked meticulously to combine snow and water into a moldable paste. Once frozen overnight, she began to add details, starting with the skull and then layering on the muscles, initially producing a creation that she described as terrifyingly pale and akin to a horror film character.
As she progressed, Kristina faced several setbacks that tested her patience and skill. She humorously recounts moments of frustration where parts of the sculpture fell apart, leading her to swear in five different languages — including Russian, Ukrainian, Estonian, English, and a bit of Swedish. She vividly describes a critical incident when the horse's nose detached from the structure, which caused the sculpture to take on a bizarre appearance reminiscent of a 'sickly large fly'. Instead of giving up, she cleverly devised a way to secure the nose, ultimately transforming the sculpture into a recognizable equine form.
The ice horse represents not only her artistic capabilities but also the challenges and triumphs that come with pursuing creative projects in adverse conditions. Kristina's dedication and resilience highlight the artistry involved in ice sculptures, showcasing how embracing imperfections and setbacks can lead to unique and unexpected results in creative endeavors.