By Dave Rothstein

Thirty years ago, Dave Rothstein's life took an unexpected turn during a winter festival in Anchorage, Alaska. Passing on more traditional events, Rothstein found himself captivated by snow sculpting. A 25-ton block of ice became his canvas, and he meticulously transformed it into a recognizable sculpture, igniting a passion within him.

This year, the Florence resident joined Team Mexico at the Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Championships in Colorado. The team achieved a remarkable feat, sweeping the competition by winning the gold medal, the People's Choice Award, and the Artists' Choice Award for their creation, "The Beggar." This imposing 16-foot sculpture depicted a man emaciated by greed, surrounded by colossal bitcoins, each detail frozen in time89.

In the Years Between 

In the years between his first sculpting experience and the International Championships, Rothstein eagerly awaited winters or actively sought them out across the globe. His artistic pursuits led him to carve beneath the Northern Lights in Canada and even endure frostbite in Finland. An environmental lawyer by profession, Rothstein acknowledges the inherent vulnerability of snow sculptures, constantly at the mercy of the elements. This impermanence, he observes, teaches adaptability and acceptance10. The fleeting nature of his creations makes them even more cherished. He bids farewell to each sculpture, knowing it will continue to transform, melt, and eventually disappear under the influence of nature. He fondly imagines that even the raindrops in summer carry a whisper of his past sculptures.

Rothstein's work transcends temporal, thermal, and linguistic boundaries, adapting to the context of teamwork and the diverse origins of his collaborators. Practical considerations, such as physical capabilities for lifting heavy snow and the strategic use of ladders or stairs for extended reach, become integral to the sculpting process. He emphasizes that sculpting is a unique art of subtraction, where creation emerges through removal.

Even today, Rothstein eagerly anticipates winter's arrival. When Northampton receives sufficient snowfall, he seizes the opportunity to sculpt in his yard, even adorning his driveway with what he terms "snow doodles." These spontaneous creations range from practicing facial features to crafting whimsical curlicues, each resulting in unpredictable forms. His aim is to illuminate the prolonged periods of darkness and evoke moments of joy with his ephemeral art. He firmly believes that even if beauty is fleeting, its creation is worthwhile.