Richard Johnson's Ice Huts

March 1, 2018 3:44 PM

Richard Johnson is an architectural photographer that spent several winters roaming around Canada taking intimate portraits of humble ice huts. The resulting dozens of images showcase the wide variety of simple huts, ranging from patriotic to fandom-themed, minimalist to fancy, cautiously optimistic to uh, multi-purpose. (via longtime MeFi favorite Everlasting Blort)

Johnson: "My Ice Huts series (2007-2017) explores a seasonal, off the grid, architectural form that must be transportable, while still being weather resistant. This ability to endure extreme winter cold is a complex challenge with unlimited solutions, each as personal as it's owner."

And while you're enjoying his work, don't miss out on his wide-angle shots of ice villages.

posted by Ufez Jones (7 comments total)

Those were great shots! After this past week's high temps all the huts are sinking into the ice today, but people are still taking the ice road to the island (gulp!). I loved seeing some local huts in his photos; they really do capture a person's personality.
posted by saucysault at 3:49 PM on March 1, 2018 [1 favorite]

I used to go by his gallery a lot when I lived nearby its old location and became familiar with his photos there. I do like his work. Thanks for posting this!
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 4:13 PM on March 1, 2018

La Baie Des Ha! Ha! is a great place name. And that's a great photo.

See also: Saint-Louis-du-Ha! Ha!
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 4:15 PM on March 1, 2018 [3 favorites]

These are great! Quebecois really know how to do the ice shacks right!

The photos of the ice villages on holiday remind me a bit of this place in Manitoba - Tin Town.

I do love this photo though. One of my Acadian cousins in the cold North!
posted by Ashwagandha at 5:34 PM on March 1, 2018

Neat.
I didn’t know what an ‘ice hut’ was. We call them shantys, or ice shanty’s, or fishing shanty’s.
posted by Gadgetenvy at 8:40 AM on March 2, 2018

Thanks for the blort shoutout, Ufez Jones ;-)
posted by madamjujujive at 6:38 AM on March 4, 2018 [1 favorite]

Always happy to give credit where it's due, my friend.
posted by Ufez Jones at 12:19 PM on March 4, 2018 [1 favorite]