Crystal art: winter phenomenon Urk 2012 by Nordwin Alberts / Moving Stills

About "Crystal art: winter phenomenon Urk 2012"

by Nordwin Alberts / Moving Stills

About the artwork

Ice floes Urk

A rare natural phenomenon on the IJsselmeer
In the winter of 2012, a special combination of severe frost and dynamic weather conditions created a spectacular natural spectacle along the coast of Urk. Due to strong winds and water movement, huge ice sheets were broken and piled on top of each other, resulting in impressive ice floes that rose metres high.
These frozen sculptures, formed by natural forces, created a surreal landscape of transparent to deep blue ice. The characteristic cracks, layers and light reflections in the ice tell the story of a powerful transformation - water that froze in motion and was modelled by wind and waves into monumental works of art.
For photographers and nature lovers, this phenomenon was a unique opportunity to witness the harshness and beauty of the Dutch winter. The ice floes near Urk became a symbol of the unpredictability of our seasons and the impressive power of water in all its manifestations.

Slipping and sliding
These images were captured during the brief period when the ice floes were accessible and safe to photograph. The subtle light of sunrise and sunset highlights the texture and transparency of the ice, while the dramatic skies complete the atmosphere of this special moment of nature. It was scrambling, slipping and sliding when I saw this ice formation and not much later the birds in the background.