Ways to say Snow

Just as the names reflect closely related variations of snow, the dogs too embody these distinctions—easily overlooked, these transitory states mirror the ways in which we are constantly growing and changing.

An old Icelandic proverb says there are over 100 ways to say snow in Icelandic. 

During my month-long artist residency in Akureyri, Iceland, I met Gunnar and María, who lived a twenty-minute drive from my apartment where I spent most of my time in solitude. I spent a week photographing their huskies—animals to whom they’ve devoted their lives.

Their home is a testament to this love. From Gunnar's extensive collection of husky-themed graphic t-shirts and María’s racing gold medals hanging from the ceiling, to fur balls accumulating in each corner and carefully planned feeding schedules for each dog, every detail reflects their focused care.

29 huskies, all related—through eye and fur color, subtle markings, and even their individual behaviors—allow Gunnar and María to easily identify each dog and care for them in specific ways. A few of the dogs’ names translate to sleet, snow drift, deep snow, ice, and frost, reflecting fleeting aspects of an already distinct phenomenon. There are complex familial dynamics among the dogs, and María and Gunnar’s deep appreciation for subtlety proposes a new attentiveness. 

Just as the names reflect closely related variations of snow, the dogs too embody these distinctions—easily overlooked, these transitory states mirror the ways in which we are constantly growing and changing. In recognizing these nuances, we find a space to foster gratitude for the inconsistencies and ever-changing nature inherent in everyday life.