Snow sculptor takes advantage of Ontario’s winter weather

A winter staple has returned thanks to a ‘cool’ local artist. CTV’s Karis Mapp finds out what keeps the Waterloo snow sculptor going.

A man known for creating winter wonders on his front lawn is welcoming the recent snowfall.

Matt Morris, a retiree from Waterloo, Ont., has been captivating people for years with elaborate snowy sculptures.

“I’ve never seen this much snow on my front lawn in all the years I’ve been doing this,” Morris told CTV News Kitchener on Wednesday afternoon. “This is just a wonderful joy to be out here this early in the season.”

He first began the winter tradition 14 years ago after he was inspired by an Moai statue from Easter Island he saw during a museum visit with his wife.

“I said, ‘Lorna, we should go home and make one of these on the lawn next winter.’ So we did,” he recalled.

That one decision eventually led to local fame, with neighbours keeping an eye on his property to see what he would create next. Some of his previous sculptures have included movie characters, athletes and local landmarks.

“I get my ideas from kids walking by on the way to school or through social media. Whatever seems to be popular,” he explained.

On Wednesday, Morris’ efforts were focused on his rendition of Old Man Winter.

He had help from his grandson, Theodor, who has been Morris’ stalwart snow companion for as long as he can remember.

“I don’t even remember when [I started helping him],” the 11-year-old said. “I was really young. I just vaguely remember randomly carving away at piles of snow with him.”

During our interview with Morris, his work caught the eye of a passerby who pulled over for a closer look.

“I’ve seen people doing the sculptures from the snow, but to see it in real life is so fascinating,” Ludmilla Tolkachova enthused.

Although Wednesday’s snow started to taper off throughout the afternoon, more flurries were expected over the weekend.

But, according to Morris, not all snow can be used for his creations.

“This is a good day, of course, but non-packing snow is the best, because it gives you a very concise medium,” he explained.

Morris hopes to continue his work for years to come.

“I’m getting a little old now, but if I can pace myself and just keep having some fun like this, I think that’s a worthy goal.”