Day 4515: Canada's Ice Huts & Celebration at Starbucks.

 

"Unfinished": ink, collage.

 

  

Want music?

    

Click: Stevie Wonder, Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing.

 

2GN2S

 ‘Ice Huts’ Capture Winter in Canada

Starting in late December and January when the temperatures stay consistently below freezing, bodies of water in the northern United States and Canada begin to freeze. 

“Ice Hut GRID #6” From the Series ‘Ice Huts’ (2007-2019)

As the ice reaches thicknesses over four inches, it becomes safe to walk on, and at more than five inches, it is usually safe for snowmobiles. Then, in droves, residents take to the lakes. Ontario’s 279-square-mile Lake Simcoe, for example, draws more people for its ice fishing than any other lake in North America, attracting upwards of 4,000 huts each year.

“Ice Hut #356” (2010), La Baie Des Ha! Ha!, Saguenay River, Québec

The colorful villages of hand-built structures that populate many popular spots during the coldest months caught the eye of Toronto-based architectural photographer Richard Johnson (1957-2021), who captured hundreds of the structures, from the artistic to the ad-hoc, in a series of bold portraits taken between 2007 and 2019.

“Ice Village #178” (2016), Péribonka, Lac Saint-Jean, Québec

“I have always been fascinated with small structures,” Johnson said. He continued:

My earliest recollection of shelter was as a 6-year-old growing up in Trinidad. It was a guard house for our neighbor. No more than three walls and a lean to roof, it was a simple solution to shade the harsh sun and protect from tropical rains. These shelters, built by individuals with available materials, inspired me to take notice.

“Ice Hut GRID #11”

The photos highlight a wide array of materials and design choices that comprise the seasonal communities, from plastic tarps wrapped around poles to one-person sheds to comparatively sophisticated board-and-batten buildings. Johnson captured the individual personality of each hut in a square format, framed by a snowy landscape, with their inhabitants typically out of view. Small enough to be towed onto the ice with a vehicle, some versions boast unique decor and enough space to hold several people, a small stove, and basic provisions. See more on Richard Johnson Gallery’s website, prints available for purchase.

“Ice Hut #137” (2008), Gilford, Lake Simcoe, Ontario

“Ice Hut #998” (2017), New Liskeard, Lake Timiskaming, Ontario

“Ice Village #47” (2013), Renforth, Kennebecasis River, New Brunswick

I was lucky to be asked to join Kim, Jennifer and Julie (all Karate ladies) to visit Jianna on her last day working at Starbucks, Newport Beach. 

She has worked there for 7-1/2 years, since graduating from Costa Mesa High School. And, she earned her bachelors and master degrees at UCLB while earning her ni-dan (2nd degree) black belt.

Obviously a smart, organized, goal-setting young lady, and also as a beginner in Karate at six years old. Jianna starts her "big girl" job Tuesday in Irvine. 

                                                                                                                             

 

January 4, 2025

 

 

 

TODAY• January 5, 2025

Kangieko, 5AM, Huntington Beach, CA.

2012

 

  

 

A 2+  minute video, Fife Tiara , here

 

 

 

  

 

Just because ...

Senegal Parrot

 

Sunday's Smiles ...