Icemen
The construction of the Elan Valley Dam in Wales at the turn of the 20th century was made possible by the labor of thousands of skilled navvies (navigational engineers and laborers). These workers, many from Ireland, Scotland, and England, endured harsh conditions as they excavated vast quantities of earth and stone, using both steam-powered machinery and traditional hand tools to harness the power of water. Their efforts provided a vital water supply to Birmingham, sustaining life for generations. In a similar spirit, my Icemen symbolize these navvies—figures built to control and shape water, bringing life and sustenance to entire populations.



