Michelangelo Sculpted A Snowman In 1494

Last week in my class at Rockaplay Social Club, we had a blast building snowpeople! The idea sparked when Emily Arikian’s son Harrison saw packaging peanuts at his home, he said, “Let’s make a snowman!” Recycled materials are always first thought for me (and Harrison!) when creating art. Keep costs down and our eco footprint low.  As I was planning and gathering the rest of the materials for the sensory craft project, I wondered, “How long have humans had the urge to build snowmen?”

The answer? A very long time. The origins of building snowmen trace back to the 14th century, and it is believed – though there is no evidence – that cavemen built snowmen. Why is this funny to me?

Fast forward to the Renaissance: Unlike my thrifty process of upcycling snowman craft materials, Michelangelo was commissioned in 1494 to sculpt a large, opulent snowman for the Medici family in Florence – because Aristocrats had so much wealth, it was amusing to watch it melt away.

Flash forward 400 years: Before Frosty the Snowman stole the show in the 1950s, the classic snowman was already a cultural staple, thanks to W.C. Fields in the 1920s. The comedian’s round face, big nose, and classic top hat—seemed to inspire the style of the snowman we recognize today. Around this time, snowmen entered pop culture through holiday cards, advertisements, and decorations, which gave the snowman comedic personality and charm. And through the centuries, snow figures have been sculpted for all sorts of purposes: political statements, protests, satirical, community bonding, fun and recreation, competitions, artistic expression, cultural and religious symbolism, tourism—you name it. Snowmen have shown up for it all.

Look Mom!

As for my snowman in class, it was no Michelangelo, but wow, it felt so good to make. It brought me back to my childhood. Working with simple cut-out shapes and limited materials, bright colors and a straightforward idea was a satisfying process. Sometimes, the simplest creations bring the most joy. I have my snowman displayed on the refrigerator, just like my mother would have done if I were five years old. It’s a reminder for me to embrace childlike joy and freedom!

Building a snow person is kinda like an old-school selfie when you think about it. Humans have always desired to create effigies. Give us snow… And snow is like God dropping an art project on the world. I wonder if he’ll give us the opportunity this year?

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Source: Cracked.com, All That’s Interesting, CuraLife