Snow Sculpting With Justin Scott

Fit For Life, Fit For Adventure

  • Shutz Sagittarius - Ischgl Shapes In White, Austria January 2001

  • Elton John - Ischgl Shapes In White, Austria January 2002

  • Jaws Bar - Ischgl Shapes In White, Austria January 2004

  • Old Time Truck - Ischgl Shapes In White, Austria January 2003

  • Captain - Tazmania Artists Retreat, Tazmania 2005

  • World Cup - Ischgl Shapes In White, Austria January 2006

  • Car - Ischgl Shapes In White, Austria January 2013

  • Party Car Ice Bar - Ischgl Shapes In White, Austria January 2014

  • Geometry - Topiary - Near Hull, UK 2015

  • The Ring Master - Ischgl Shapes In White, Austria January 2016

  • Chef Bolt - Ischgl Shapes In White, Austria January 2017

  • Tribute to the Mountain - Sir Elton John - Ischgl Shapes In White, Austria January 2020

  • The Wavin Hedge - Hornbeam, UK 2021

  • Eddie The Eagle - Ischgl Shapes In White, Austria January 2022

  • Unsinkable 2 - Ischgl Shapes In White, Austria January 2023

  • Figurative Animate X Three - Kiruna International Snow Sculpture, Sweden February 2023

  • Inyo – Life - Light - 21st International Snow Sculpting Competition JAPAN CUP in NAYORO 2024

  • Lily The Frog - Ischgl Shapes In White, Austria January 2025

  • Spooks Dine Out - Ely Snow Sculpting Symposium, US February 2025

Justin Scott – Biography 

 

Born in Leeds in 1971, Justin Scott lived on a river Boat in York until 1973 for the first two years of his life, which he still remembers. 

 

His teachers & his gran realised struggled with academic retention, but he could draw with good accuracy. 

 

Justin Scott's first introduction to art & sculpture was when his father moved the family to the artisan fishing village of Staithes—age 9. 

 

In 1980, the then bustling fishing village were home to artists Fred Willians and Ian Crowden who were themselves inspired by a previous Victorian art renascence around the turn of the 19th century. 

"I was influenced by the fishing cobles their names Gratitude, Staithes Lass etc.. the paintings the pottery, the pottery sculptures, the big-as-you-like real characters who lived there. truly inspirational lives, hardened fishermen and rugged coastline.” Justin explains. 

 

Justin continued to struggle academically, whilst trying to fulfil his father's wishes to become an engineer. Stumbling upon a general arts course, though previously told by his art teacher, he wasn't anything out of the ordinary. suddenly found himself receiving Merits & distinctions for artwork produced. 

Justin's Portfolio

1990-1998, Carmarthenshire College of Art, Figurative Sculpture

Finally, in 1990, he choose to study at Carmarthenshire College of Art, Figurative Sculpture. Their practical set-up was unsurpassed. “We cast Bronze sculptures, I even worked on the most famous sculptor's work of the time Barry Flanagan.” Justin enthusiastically says “and the Merits and Distinctions kept on coming. Fibreglass hanging figure, bronze painted. I soon realised I needed to move to the city to become a successful artist, but I'm a nature-loving countryman.”

In 1999 after trying out for a theatrical/museum sculpting company, Scenic Route, not impressed by their £100 a week offer of work, he decided to make his own portfolio.  

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Museum Work – Scenic route

1999

The museum pieces were dead figures that were going to a museum in Morocco.

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Moss Woman

Mallyan Spout Waterfall, Goathland, North York Moors National Park

UK 1999

Dead figure made for Scenic Route,

In 1999, I set out to create something deeply connected to nature — a sculpture made not from the landscape, but with it. I built a steel armature, coated it with concrete and peat, and bound soft green moss to its surface with fine wire. Slowly, a figure emerged — a woman kneeling beside the waterfall at Mallion Spout, reaching gently toward the flowing water.

She was meant to be both part of the flora & forna and a reflection of it — a quiet guardian of the North York Moors.

Sadly, after leaving her overnight to capture more photographs the next day, I returned to find her toppled and washed away by the waterfall’s force. Almost nothing remained.

Though fleeting, The Moss Lady embodied the fragile beauty of working with living, natural materials — a reminder that even in loss, there’s grace in impermanence.

Muscle Man

Sailing Club, Whitby Harbour, UK 2000

The Muscle Man is more than a sculpture — it’s a story shaped by time, tradition, and the River Esk itself.

Created from original mussel shells once returned to the river by local men and women over the past few centuries, each piece carries a whisper of history and community.

Through careful restoration and creative transformation, these shells have been given new life — forming a figure that celebrates the enduring connection between people, nature, and locality

The Muscle Man stands as a symbol of strength, renewal, and respect for the timeless rhythm of the seasons.

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From Snowboarding to Snow-Sculpting

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How It All Began: The Chance Encounter in Ischgl

Whilst on holiday snowboarding in Ischgl Austria 2000, Justin was getting bored of going up & down the slopes. On the Tuesday in his hotel Olympia in the evening, he saw an older man late 70s with red bomber jacket covered in badges, hat full of shiny hat pin badges. Order a full bottle of scotch whisky, & down a slug "Excuse me sir, what's up..?" Justin asked with an air of concern, “My name is Camilian Belanger I've come here to make snow sculptures, & Inglebert who is ill in bed! I can not complete my sculpture. I have failed Ischgl, I have failed Canada" and with that, he took another slug of whisky. 

 

Now Justin wanted to say "Gees buddy this is your lucky day, I happen to be a fully qualified figurative sculptor". but I offered to help Chameleon

as i I wanted to know how to use the snow, when and what to do with it, a practical aspect of physically working, a snow sculpture.

"I can not believe it, meet me here tomorrow at 8am." And that's as we say was that Camilian showed Justin how and when to work the snow. He saw Justin’s portfolio that his girlfriend helped set up. Showed it to the organisers, they asked if he were invited, would he come? 

Camilean, holding up our colours, which

blew away on the mountain that year

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Shutz Sagittarius

Ischgl Shapes In White, AUSTRIA January 2001

2001 saw Justin’s first snow sculpture of Shutz Sagittarius,and he’s been going on and off ever since.

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Elton John

Ischgl Shapes In White, AUSTRIA January 2002

In the winter of 2002, Justin sculpted what would become his most talked-about creation — a snow masterpiece that seemed to breathe with life. The air was crisp, the crowd hushed, and even the judges lingered, torn between two extraordinary works of art.

When the final results were announced, Justin was edged out by the legendary Ivo Piazza — a world-renowned woodcarver and the most decorated snow sculptor of his time. Ivo accepted his win with grace, shook Justin’s hand, smiled knowingly, and quietly left the room.

Then, something remarkable happened. One by one, the other sculptors approached Justin. Each extended a hand, looked him in the eye, and said the same words:

“Bravo… amazing. We believe your sculpture was the best.”

It was a moment Justin never forgot — a quiet victory in the hearts of his peers, and a testament to the power of art to inspire respect beyond awards.

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Bull Nosed Morris Pick-Up Truck

Theme "Old Timers"

Ischgl Shapes In White, AUSTRIA January 2003

The Bull-nose Morris Pickup Truck is an interactive snow sculpture that invites visitors to become part of the art itself. Inspired by the charm of vintage design, this life-sized snow creation lets you climb inside, take the driver’s seat, and feel the spirit of adventure frozen in time.

Built to be experienced rather than just observed, the sculpture transforms a simple moment — a photo, a laugh, a shared smile — into living art.

It reflects my passion for creating sculptures that connect people through play, imagination, and the joy of shared discovery.

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Jaws Bar

Ischgl Shapes In White, AUSTRIA January 2004

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Captain

NEW ZEALAND

Artists Retreat, 2005

Abel Tasman National Park

Jester House Artists’ Retreat, Abel Tasman Peninsula, New Zealand

During my travels through New Zealand, I set out to build something — maybe a barn, maybe a sculpture — I wasn’t entirely sure which would come first. That spirit of exploration led me to the Jester House Artists’ Retreat on the beautiful Abel Tasman Peninsula.

With a garden full of intriguing odds and ends, I asked if I could turn some of their discarded “junk” into art. They agreed, and what followed was a wonderfully spontaneous creation — a playful, slightly mischievous sculpture assembled from reclaimed materials, topped off with a helmet for good measure.

It was raw, humorous, and entirely unplanned — a celebration of creativity in its most natural form. That moment in New Zealand reminded me that art doesn’t always need a grand plan; sometimes, it’s about being open to the unexpected and finding inspiration in whatever the world puts in front of you.

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World Cup

Ischgl Shapes In White, AUSTRIA January 2006

Created during the excitement of the Football World Cup, The World Cup Snow Sculpture captured the spirit of celebration and competition in pure snow. The piece featured a giant hand lifting the iconic trophy aloft — a symbol of triumph and unity recognised around the world.

Working in snow brings its own challenges; unlike bronze, steel, or ice, it offers little strength or fine detail. Every curve, every contour has to balance artistry with physics.

Thankfully, I had incredible help — my Dutch girlfriend at the time became both translator and teammate, expertly managing the snow-bashing machine and helping to shape the form. It was a true collaboration: art, sport, and partnership coming together in the crisp Austrian air.

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VW Barha Bettle

Ischgl Shapes In White, AUSTRIA January 2013

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Cable Car Party Bar

Ischgl Shapes In White, AUSTRIA, January 2014

50-Year Celebration of the Ischgl Gondolas and Cable Cars, Austria

Cable Car Party Bar was created to celebrate fifty years of the iconic gondolas and cable cars that carry visitors high into the mountains of Ischgl. The town wanted a sculpture that captured not just the journey up the slopes, but the joy, energy, and spirit of the place itself.

Our idea was to turn that celebration into a party in the snow — a cable car transformed into a lively alpine bar, full of fun and music. It became more than just a sculpture; it became a memory.

It was inside this very piece that I met my future wife — dancing within the structure we’d built. That’s why a heart is carved into the sculpture: a symbol of love found in the snow, and of the unexpected magic that art can bring to life.

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Geometry - Topiary

Near Hull, UK 2015

Justin works as a self-employed Tree Surgeon, Gardener and Hedge sculptor.

Yep! That's part of Justins day job. Creating interesting and wonderful shapes in his customers gardens.

The Ring Master

Ischgl Shapes In White, AUSTRIA January 2016

The theme this year was: Circus - Welcome to the circus ring in the Silvretta Arena Ischgl

The ring master was created using a fundamental shape designed by Justin at Carmarthenshire College

Standing over 5m high, with arms out reaching of a 5m span and perched just below Idalp (2320m) the Silvretta Cable Car station at the top of the red run down into town, the base of the sculpture reduced to under 1m x 1m.

 

The weather for this event was white outs, high winds and bitterly low temperatures (-22ºC)

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Chef Bolt

Ischgl Shapes In White, AUSTRIA January 2017

The theme of the competition was 20 year anniversary of the Sternecup der Köche, which is a culinary competition held in Ischgl each year.

(You can find out more about that competition by going to: https://sternecup-der-koeche.de/ )

Our entry was imaging what Usain Bolt would be like, if he was a world class gastronomy chef, alongside his world famous pose.

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Tribute to the Mountain

Sir Elton John

Ischgl Shapes In White, AUSTRIA January 2020

As part of the tribute to the mountain. We again sculpted Sir Elton, adding in the shapes in white photographer Pier Luigi taking the shot of the sculpture along with the former boss Alfonse sculpted in a freeze. He was a famous visionary of the event along with world class wood sculptor Ivo Piazza depicted using a chisel to make  Sir Elton.
It was wonderful to include these now friends and icons of the mountain

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The Wavin Hedge

Hornbeam, UK 2021

Again, creating interesting and wonderful shapes in his customers gardens.

Creating movement in topiary is always a challenge. Unlike snow, which flows and fades, topiary begins and ends as something living — rooted, static, and slow to change. Yet that’s exactly what drew me to it.

What fascinates me about both snow sculpture and topiary is their ephemeral nature — they don’t last forever. Each one exists in its moment, shaped by time, weather, and care.

When I began sculpting the Wavin Hedge, I first designed it as a perfect circle, but it lacked energy. Over time, I nurtured and guided the plant into a flowing, rugby-ball shape — a form that carried movement and life within its stillness.

It’s a reminder that even in the most solid materials, there can be rhythm, growth, and quiet dynamism — if you’re patient enough to find it.

Eddie The Eagle

Ischgl Shapes In White, AUSTRIA January 2022

Justin Scott and Martin Sharp, created a massive ice tribute to Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards' iconic ski jump from the 1988 Winter Olympics. Using 100 tonnes of snow, they crafted a 15-meter sculpture in Austria's Tyrolean Alps, featuring Olympic rings and flames. Competing as underdogs against professional teams, they placed fourth. Despite freezing conditions, they enjoyed the experience, valuing the joy and interaction their work brought to spectators. Eddie Edwards appreciated the tribute, highlighting its unique and uplifting nature.

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Unsinkable 2nd

Ischgl Shapes In White, AUSTRIA January 2023

Martin Sharp and Justin Scott, create a giant snow sculpture in the shape of a sailing boat named "Unsinkable 2nd." Creating the design for the 29th international snow sculpture competition, Shapes in White, in Silvretta Arena, Ischgl, Austria

They competed against other sculptors from all over the world turning piles of snow into masterpieces.

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The Dancer

Figurative Animate X Three

Kiruna International Snow Sculpture, Sweden

February 2023

The Kiruna International Snow Sculpting Competition is an annual art event in the

town center of Kiruna in Swedish Lapland.

It was a wonderful experience to be parts of the snow festival, learn more about Kiruna and also do a few tourist things

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Inyo – Life - Light

21st International Snow Sculpting Competition JAPAN CUP in NAYORO 2024

This year, we were working on a project called "Inyo," a three-meter diameter sculpture inspired by the balance of light and dark in Japanese culture.

The Sculpture is an Embryo, and on one side is a fetus-human element. On the other side is the Birth of A I Artificial Intelligence. The Fetus represents New light in Life, continuity. The light passes through the sculpture, representing the journey of life. It’s also an interactive sculpture, kids can go inside they represent the future.

Each sculpture has its own challenges, but this one feels particularly meaningful because of its cultural significance.

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Lily The Frog

Ischgl Shapes In White, Austria January 2025

Yep, Lily is sun bathing on her lily pad with a large cool drink and spotting some seriously over sized sunnies.

On the last day It was a very big day fitting 1.5 days into one, though we hope we’ve done Ischgl proud and created something that will look amazing and be adored by those who visit her.

It was wonderful to her so many lovely comments. As well as the mention that “it looks like my wife “ [sun bathing, in sauna, lying out, delete as appropriate]

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Spooks Dine Out

Ely Snow Sculpting Symposium, USA, February 2025

It is based on an original concept first sensed by Justin at age 17 during the early part of training to become a figurative sculptor exploring photography as a medium.

“So someone asked me the other day, what is narcissism.

Or specifically narcissistic personality disorder?

Its Controlling self centered and manipulative.

To the point where a young person in a small fishing village would run away from home age 10. When a Sibling becomes too much of a handful can get sent away. Where he’ll experience more challenge's. It’s being held under the Water in a bath by a grandparent to teach you a lesson.

It’s when you’ve worked and saved for three Summers to buy your camera equipment.

Only to find out the small monies you received in student residency. were from your creative tools being sold.

Its the confusion & frustration of having relationships broken by the people who are supposed to be there to love and support you.

It’s having your wife rejected and ran out of town.

It’s a newsfeed which promotes negativity and hatred.

How it manifest itself in families; usually by finding scapegoat. Then focusing the whole family upon that person like a magnifying glass burning you through sunlight and dripping acid on their reputation.

Narcissists are born and they are also made. Probably from post traumatic stress disorder, from the people that went to the second world War?

One brother will try to escape, but find himself constantly been sucked into a narcissistic loop of disappear & anxiety. publicly shamed and humiliated for entertainment purposes. Like a living punchbag.

The other one will become the next narcissist.

Families will be broken and it generally ends in sadness, anger, disappointment.

It’s where a disabled child, may never witness marriages or any future events together or celebrations.

Narcissism is the cat that plays with a butterfly until it’s dead then moves onto a new unsuspecting living thing.

And the one thing about narcissism it will never end.

Qualities a person with narcissistic personality disorder - lack of empathy.”

"In people with real NPD consequence Just Doesn't Exist" Their favored tool/weapons; Projection & Invalidation.

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👻  About the Artwork: Spooks Dine Out 👻 

Spooks Dine Out is one of my most emotionally charged sculptures — a haunting reflection on absence, fragility, and the quiet spaces left behind.

The dining table stands without legs or chairs, its support completely removed. Around it, ghostly figures — the “spooks” — gather, gazing silently at what remains. On the table rests a single, broken plate, symbolising the delicate, fractured nature of the family unit.

It’s a piece that speaks of emptiness and endurance — the unseen presence of what once was. My saddest snow sculpture yet… and perhaps my most human.

Dolomites Snow Sculpting 2026

Coming Soon

Ischgl Snow Sculpting 2026

Coming Soon

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On Connection, Creativity, and Community

In life, he gets bored, this boredom or restlessness has found many outcomes. 

House restorer 1997 

Yachting, coastal winner, bay race & pursuit race overall winner 1999 

Advanced White water Kayaker, instructor & river leader 2002 

Leeds Canoe Club Chairman 2003 

World Solo Backpacker in 2005 leading to Advanced Diver certification Vietnam, Thailand, Fiji, Oz, Hand gliding Pilots licence in Australia, Kayaker of French alps, Nepal rivers Seti, Nz Buller gorge. 

Cycle touring the full length of NZ 

Starting his own business “Justin Thyme for Trees and Gardens” in 2006 

Becoming a father of an Adorable disabled son 2008. 

Returning to Austria time after time.

Eventually marrying his Serbish Lover “I'd truly fallen in Love with.” 

2019+ Restoration of 1971 Sailing Boat, which inspired him to write with two articles published. 

 

Later Justin came to faith. 

 

As for the sculpting, "I guess I've been lucky to have been naturally gifted. With a keen eye & great friends to help me along the way.” Says Justin, “I'd like to say a special thank you to Mr Martin Sharp, enabler & personal friend of these last 20 years, who without his technical help. I would not be the Man I am today.” 

The snow sculpting journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. It’s taken me across continents — from the heart of Austria to the icy magic of Sweden, where I experienced Arctic life, Swedish schools, and the thrill of dog sledding and snowmobiling beneath the northern lights.

Our travels then led us to Japan, where the deep sense of respect and harmony within the culture left a lasting impression. Later, we crossed the ocean to Ely, Minnesota, beside the vast beauty of Lake Superior, where we were once again humbled by the warmth and generosity of the people we met.

Each destination has shaped not just my art, but my appreciation for the way creativity connects us across cultures. And the journey isn’t over — with hopes of sculpting in Canada and Italy next, the adventure continues to unfold in snow, spirit, and shared humanity.

“Ischgl holds many memories, some tragic, some rewarding, some amazing. it's the whole package, The ART of Life, Lust, Dance...” Justin explains.

In 2021 Justin and Martin were asked by South Shore UK to consult on the creation of “The Greatest Snowmen” TV show that aired on Channel 4 in Christmas 2021 and 2022, they used many of the ideas provided to create a compelling show that was simple enough for celebrity contestants to undertake, yet provide compelling and interesting watching for views and also showed the beauty of snow sculpting. 

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On Connection, Creativity, and Community

I’ve always loved interacting with people — it’s what inspires both my art and my life. Sculptures, like people, are dynamic and full of energy. They change with light, with time, and with those who experience them. That same sense of movement and connection is what draws me to sailing — it’s art in motion, like playing chess on water.

Becoming a sailing instructor gave me the chance to share that joy with my disabled child and with other young people, helping them discover confidence, freedom, and fun through the wind and waves.

More recently, I’ve had the privilege of serving as Commodore of my local Sailing Club — an opportunity I’ve truly embraced. It’s been amazing to help revitalise the club, foster a positive spirit, and see that energy flow out into the wider community. For me, it’s all about support, growth, and creating spaces where people can build skills, find confidence, and move forward together.

Over the years, we have been invited onto national radio, various regional television channels, BBC, ITV, national newspapers and Hello Magazine.

May The Real Greatest Snowmen Continue! 

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