Pond Surface Beautifully Frozen to Resemble a Japanese Rock Garden

Winter temperatures can cause ice to do some unexpected things, and Reddit user odstane can definitely attest to this. He recently shared a series of photos from his frozen backyard pond, and the now-block of ice created some unusually beautiful effects. Concentric circle patterns cover the surface, and they resemble the lines you'd see on a topographic (elevation) map or even in a Japanese rock garden.

Bold white “outlines” highlight different shapes in the ice, and they trace around rocks that stick out of the pond. There are brilliant, multifaceted colors and crystals that are visible depending on your vantage point. And, when photographed up close, the pond sometimes resembles an abstract work of art rather than frozen water.

The Reddit post doesn't reveal how this phenomena occurred (there are only educated guesses), but we're glad that odstane shared this bit of winter wonder with the world.

odstane's post on Reddit
via [Twisted Sifter]

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met and Manager of My Modern Met Store. She is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art where she earned her BFA in Illustration and MFA in Illustration Practice. Sara is also an embroidery illustrator and writer living in Seattle, Washington. She runs Bear&Bean, a studio where she stitches pet portraits and other beloved creatures. She chronicles the creativity of others through her website Brown Paper Bag and newsletter, Orts. Her latest book is Threads of Treasure: How to Make, Mend, and Find Meaning Through Thread, published in 2014. Sara’s work has been recognized in Be Creative With Workbox, Embroidery Magazine, American Illustration, on Iron and Wine’s album Beast Epic, among others. When she’s not stitching or writing, Sara enjoys planning things that bring together the craft community. She is the co-founder of Camp Craftaway, a day camp for crafty adults with hands-on workshops in the Seattle area.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits