Daily Mini Interview: Miniature Animals by Kerri Pajutee

Miniatures by Kerri Pajutee

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How did you first get started in miniatures?

Some of my earliest recollections are of drawing horses and dogs. Looking back, they always had big smiles on their faces. Pencil, crayons, watercolor, oil pastels – you name it, I have tried it at one time or another. RedPom2012At age 15, on a whim, I purchased a 5 pound bag of stoneware clay to take a stab at sculpting. At that time, I had no idea that a bag of mud would result in a lifelong love affair. I am what you would call self-taught: I learned through trial and error.

Most of my early sculptures ranged in size, and consisted of one-of-a-kind, hand-built, kiln-fired stoneware and porcelain originals which I sold at small galleries, art fairs, and by special commission. It wasn’t until 1987 that I was invited by a friend to attend a weekend Dollhouse Miniature show in Portland, Oregon. I had never been to a miniatures show before, so had no idea what to expect. This show was my first introduction to 1:12 scale, and I was immediately impressed by the delicate work on display by a number of the artists showcasing their tiny furniture, paintings, lighting, and dolls. One particular artist was Frank Balestrieri, who hand-carved and painted the most amazing birds and exquisite waterfowl decoys in miniature. There was just something about his work that sparked my own desire to try sculpting in this challenging, new-to-me scale. After the show, I set out to find some polymer clay and give it a try. The transition from mud clay to polymer clay did not come easily to me, and many of those first pieces ended up in the trash. Determined to make this medium work, I kept at it and over time became comfortable with its characteristics. Then a few years later, in an effort to make my little polymer clay animals look more realistic, I began experimenting with applying a furry coat to the sculpt using alpaca yarn and craft glue.

How long have you been creating minis?Squirrellogic

I have been sculpting miniature scale animals in polymer clay since 1987, but do not consider myself a master sculptor. With every new project, I challenge myself to improve. Occasionally, I will step out of my comfort zone and experiment with making miniature props (i.e. flowers or furnishings) for use when setting up vignettes for photographs.

I have been a member of the International Guild of Miniature Artisans (IGMA) for over 15 years, and was awarded Artisan status in animal figures in 2001, and Fellow status in 2004.

What materials do you use to make your miniatures? Describe your process.

The majority of my miniature animals (dogs, cats, birds and small wildlife) are freehand sculptures of firm polymer clay with an embedded core of fine gauge wire support in the neck, legs and tail. Larger pieces may require a sturdier armature build out of aluminum foil and masking tape. Each sculpture is built in stages, depending on its overall size and complexity, and is baked several times during the building process before a final cure. MakingHarlidaneThe eyes of my sculpts vary and can be glass, polished rounds, paint-enhanced polyclay or UV resin, which are inset into the raw clay prior to oven curing. Once the basic form has cured and cooled, I delicately carve additional details into the hardened clay, smooth the surface using sandpaper, and finish off with a bath of mild soap and water. 

The sculpture is painted with acrylics or Genesis heat set oil colors, and a permanent fiber coat is methodically applied (slightly overlapping layer by layer) using tweezers and glue. I do not use real fur, but prefer working with natural fibers of alpaca, wool, mohair, cashmere, cotton or silk depending on breed type. Sometimes it is necessary to blend several fiber colors by hand to achieve a desired shade or dye it using Jacquard Acid Dyes or professional fabric inks. In addition, I prefer to make my own ‘flock’ (fiber that has been cut to a powder-fine consistency) using very sharp serrated scissors (the finer the flock the better it looks on the miniature).

If I am making birds, I will cut or trim down natural or dyed parrot, turkey or chicken feathers. As a finishing touch, I will scissor-sculpt the coat and remove any loose hairs using masking tape. This can be a time consuming process when the piece has multiple or bi-color coats, as picking and cleaning all the teeny darker hairs out of the white or vice-versa is maddening at best. Lastly, I will seal the surface with a light mist of hairspray to set the fiber.

Advice for beginner miniaturists?

Back when I started to make miniature ‘furred’ animal sculpts, there was no Internet, no social media, no classes and no “How To” books available to use as reference. This forced me to experiment on my own, by trial and error, and come up with my own methods. BeaglepupsToday, there are hundreds of online resources, tutorials, and classes that share information on how to ‘craft’ miniatures. It has been said that ‘craftmanship’ is the mastery of tools and knowledge of materials, and that ‘art’ is the interpretation of that mastery into a creative and expressive piece of work. I don’t know of any shortcuts or hocus pocus to pass along that could transform a newbie into a ‘master miniaturist’ overnight. I would, however, caution against copying a successful artist’s signature style, description language, photography setups, and more. In doing so, you will never achieve the same level of success of the artist you are copying. Develop your own style. What comes from the heart, reaches the heart.

Tool you can’t live without?

A magnification lamp (a necessity to see detail clearly). After that, it would have to be my trusty Xacto knife #11 blade; Rio Rondo Carbide scrapers; micro spatula tools created by Alexander Mergold of AMCreatures; Wargamer ‘Psycho’ paintbrush; Dr. Slick serrated hair scissors; and tweezers.

What is your most treasured miniature?Parrottalk

A peace rosebush by IGMA Fellow Carol Wagner.

IGMA artists you look to for inspiration?

I am inspired by the pursuit of excellence fueled by a devotion to create diminutive objects. That pretty much describes most of the miniaturists who have submitted their work to the International Guild of Miniature Artisans to be judged by their peers and awarded the title of ‘artisan’ or ‘fellow’ within the guild.

What other artists inspire you?

A few of my personal ‘non-miniaturist’ favorites include sculptors Theodore Karner, Charles Valton, and Edwin Bogucki. As for painters: feline artist Lesley Anne Ivory and Leanin’ Tree greeting card artist Hildren Goodwine.

What is the most memorable miniature you have ever seen?

I find I am continually amazed by miniature works of art. To only name a few here seems unfair but, I would have to say, for me personally: hand-painted porcelain by Miyuki Nagashima, and, just about anything made by William “Bill” Robertson. Both are mind-boggling miniature master artists.

SleepykittyWhy miniatures?

I’ve discovered one of the many charms of making and collecting dollhouse miniatures is the ability to encapsulate (within a small space) a collection of delightful objects. I am a storyteller at heart, and many of my animal sculpts are expressly designed to reflect a personal encounter or endearing memory. I also enjoy setting up scenes and photographing them. It’s my time to ‘play’ with my miniatures before they go off to new homes. If my work happens to bring a smile to your face when you look at it, in person or in photos – I am twice blessed.

Other activities you enjoy?

I enjoy thrifting, collecting books, digging for old bottles, and playing golf with my husband and son.

PapaGorillaWhat do you want miniature  fans to know about you?

For me, ‘balance’ means I only sculpt part-time. This arrangement does not always set well with some individuals who want special request commissions, as it limits the number of pieces I am able to make per year. In order to keep my work fresh and rewarding, I do not spend my time producing assembly-line or duplicate sculpts. I prefer to have the freedom to create what I am ‘inspired to compose’ vs. ‘have to produce.’

IGMA Fellow Kerri Pajutee currently lives in Oregon. For more of her breathtaking miniature works of art, please visit her website, or follow along on Pinterest, Facebook, and DeviantArt.

Daily Mini Interview: Little Day Miniatures

Little Day Miniatures

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Tiny Hot Dog LDMWhere does your interest in miniatures stem from?

I particularly love making food miniatures. Just like a familiar old song, food can also connect us with past memories, emotions or feelings. Each time we associate a particular food with an event or experience, we create a memory link that continues to exist even years later. Food often gets embedded into our memories because of the feelings we had surrounding the particular moment. For example: hot dogs! Many of us are not too fond of hot dogs, but when we smell them roasting on an open fire or hot off the grill, it captures our attention and sends us into a Toucan Sam “Follow Your Nose” trance! Is it really the smell? Or does the smell perhaps remind us of childhood memories like a best friend’s birthday party, camping trips with grandpa, or a sunny afternoon at a baseball game. Now all of a sudden this smell strikes our memory button, our itty bitty eyebrows raise in delight, and we just have to have one. Many of my memories are associated with food, and I believe that I subconsciously try to recreate and recapture those happy feelings and emotions through my food miniatures.Teeny Fried Chicken LDM

How many years have you been creating minis and food miniatures?

I’m self-trained and I’ve been making miniatures for 3 years. I create miniatures on a full-time basis and have my work displayed and sold in two local shops: Edmonton Arts Council’s TIX on the Square and The Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse.

What materials do you use to make Little Day Miniatures?

Polymer clay, resins and more.

Green Eggs and Ham LDMAdvice for beginner artists and miniaturists?

In the spirit of Finding Nemo‘s Dori, “Just keep swimming! Just keep swimming!” Never give up and always keep on learning. Never think you’ve reached your peak. Keep on pursuing your dreams.

When I first started out with polymer clay, my attempts to make miniature food looked more like lumps of dirt than anything else. But with a lot of time, practice, perseverance, and continuous learning, my work continues to evolve and become more detailed, more realistic, and more of a representation of me.

Tool, material or technique you can’t live without?Pineapple with Watermark LDM

Creativity and dreaming.

Artists or books you look to for inspiration?

Angie Scarr. I recommend two of her books: Miniature Food Masterclass: Materials and Techniques for Model-Makers and Making Miniature Food and Market Stalls.

What is the most memorable miniature you’ve seen by another artist?

Amigurumi artist Katsutoshi Tsunoda. His micro crocheting is amazing! Still has me scratching my head.

Teeny Fried Chicken Earrings LDMWhy do people love miniatures?

Have you ever watched a child observing a colony of ants carrying a chicken nugget crumb back to their home? The joy and amazement in the child’s little face is priceless. Being big in a tiny-sized world gives us an opportunity to appreciate the details and see a world from a whole new perspective. Perhaps a child’s perspective. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could see the “live” world from above? How awesome would it be to watch all the tiny cars drive by and the little ant sized people walking their teeny dogs while the teeny clouds water our itty bitty plants? Picture it… it’s cute right? There is a level of comfort in it. Nothing is out of reach and nothing is hidden. It’s safe.Itty Bitty Banana LDM

Another thought… why is it that when we see things in wee size, we say “Awww… so cute!”? There is something about these miniatures that is so endearing to me. They’re almost like babies. Every time you’re around them, they make you smile and giggle and say “Oh! So cute!” and “Oh… so lovely and sweet!” or “Oh my, so fragile!” I’ve also noticed that when people handle some of my teeny creations, their voices change to a higher pitch. Similar to when our voices change when we talk to a baby! Funny, eh? I think that’s why I have great joy creating miniatures and am in awe of the detail and beauty in each tiny creation. It’s in the human reaction, the sound of joy in people’s voices and their eyes lighting up that makes my heart jump with joy and has me loving making teeny things today. Teeny Fresh Hot Dog Buns LDMI am continuously dreaming up unique ways to make the “out of the ordinary” and “weird” seem appealing and sweet at the same time. A million miles per hour, creativity jumbles in my head. It’s a world where technicolor and a whimsical Imaginarium exists, and it’s only purpose is to be shared with everyone! It’s a world of joy and peace co-inhabiting with creative chaos, and it’s where weird is sooo gooooood! Little Day Miniatures will continue to try to recreate those happy memories by making mini, bitesized memories to stir emotions that will generate joy and bring many smiles to many faces. I make itty bitty keepsakes

Other activities or hobbies you enjoy?

Dancing, macramé, gardening, sewing, painting, and spending time with my husband and children.

Canada-based Jennifer resides with her husband and children in Edmonton, Alberta. To enjoy many more of her food miniatures, check out Little Day Miniatures on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or shop her store.

Daily Mini Interview: Miniatures by CMYKlays

Miniatures by CMYKlays

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How did you first get started in miniatures? Where does the interest stem from?

3As a stay-at-home mom, I wanted to begin working from home now that my daughter had grown a bit older. I knew that a perfect fit for me would be something related to the arts. I’ve always loved the field, ever since I was old enough to hold a pencil. After deliberating for a bit, clay come to mind! I had previously taken a clay-making class at my local craft center and had a blast with it. So, I headed to Michael’s, bought a few basic items, and just went at it! It all came back pretty quickly for me! After about a month, I opened up my Etsy shop.

How many years have you been making minis? How has your work evolved?

I began creating in July 2014, so I’m only at the 10 month mark right now. It’s quite interesting to see how far I’ve pushed myself to evolve in such a short amount of time. When I look at my initial first works, I sort of laugh at how different they already seem compared to my newer miniatures. I’ve definitely become a better artist, and I keep pushing myself to try new techniques so I can always be my best.

4What materials do you use to make your miniatures?

Almost 100% polymer clay. Sometimes I will use acrylic paint for a few details. Occasionally I will use chalk pastel to give cookies that “just baked” look.

Advice for beginner artists and miniaturists?

Give everything a shot, and practice, practice, practice! If someone else can do it, so can you! if there is a technique you see and want to achieve this in your own work, you can do it! Just keep trying, and you will get there.

Tool, material or technique you can’t live without?

Besides clay (obviously), I would have to say my needle tool. Texturing clay to look like cake is one of my absolute favorite things to do, and I love my needle tool for that! I know some people dread texturing cake, but it’s honestly relaxing for me. 5I tune in to Netflix or listen to some good music, grab the needle tool and clay, and texture, texture, texture!

Favorite mini you own by another artist?

This would have to be my Tokidoki Sakura Unicorno! It’s absolutely adorable. I’m working on making it into a custom purse attachment with some of my yummy goodies attached to it.

Favorite mini you’ve made?

That’s tough. It’s hard to choose between your babies! I really love how my miniature ramen noodle bowls turn out. 1And again, my cakes because I love texturing the clay and slathering on frosting.

What inspires you?

Almost everything is my inspiration. Since I work with mostly food-related items, even the grocery store is inspiration! I find myself taking my time walking up and down the aisles looking for something new to make in mini form. I also find Art Nouveau to be fabulous. Alphonse Mucha’s paintings of hair are incredible and one of my favorite things. It’s perfect and mesmerizing! Audrey Kawasaki is also absolutely amazing, and I would love to own a piece by her one day!

Fellow miniaturists that inspire you?

There are so many other talented miniaturists out there! Sucre Sucre Miniatures has a remarkable attention to detail. And I’m truly baffled by the realism that Scrumptious Doodle is able to achieve. I aim to one day be as talented as these artists because their work in miniature is simply amazing.

6Why miniatures? What appeals to you most about what you do?

I have been obsessed with mini things my whole life. I wanted all the Calico Critters as a child because I loved how tiny and adorable they were with all their little accessories and furniture. As I grew older, Hasbro’s Littlest Pet Shop line was created and I collected so many of those. Also, the old style was so much cuter than the new style of Little Pet Shop! Things were smaller and more adorable. I know other people will know what I’m talking about when they read this! The old style was so much cuter!

What’s to come from CMYKlays?

Right now I’m still wrapping up my first year of sales, and I’m honestly shocked that I’ve successfully made 1,117 sales in 10 short months. I’m still learning how to do this thing! I never dreamed my shop would take off so well, and I’m so grateful for everyone’s support because I get to stay at home with my lovely daughter, still work, and do something I love! I’m very, very lucky, so thank you to everyone!!! I do plan on releasing new minis over this next year, and now that I know just how crazy things get around the holidays, I definitely plan on prepping things a lot earlier! You learn very quickly about things like that while selling on Etsy. Right now I’m still taking it all in and learning as I go, but as ideas come to me, I just go for them. Because, why not? I figure everything is worth a shot and fun to try!

2Other activities you enjoy?

Anything having to do with design and color. I just designed some gift boxes that now come with each order because I love making things attractive and memorable. There’s something so special about getting something fun in the mail, and even just opening it is a nice visual surprise. If opening something is fun and memorable, I’d like to make that impact on someone. My degree is in Visual Communication Design, so I definitely incorporate that wherever I can!

What do you want miniature fans to know about you?

I love to make people smile. With my items, I like to say that sometimes you just need some cute in your life to make a rainy day sunny again. While I don’t get to see any of my customers open their items in person, I like to think my little pieces always make them smile when they first open that package and see them in person. Making people happy is what I strive for in life!

You can shop Ohio-based Jacqui’s miniatures on Etsy today! Follow her creations on Instagram and Facebook for many more mini photos!

Daily Mini Interview: Pink Cute Sugar Miniatures

Pink Cute Sugar Miniatures

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What does Valentina Pink Cute Sugar mean to you?

When I first began creating miniatures in late 2008, I looked for a name to best represent me, so I created a virtual identity. I’ve always loved pink (it’s my favorite color), sweets (all without exception), and miniatures. miniaturefood minis miniature realistic cupcake cherry cupcake strawberry ombre cake fimo polymer clay miniatures macaron valentina manzo pinkcute sugarBack in 2009, I created a Facebook page to share my passion and my name was “Pink Sugar.” I knew I had to differentiate myself from Aquolina Pink Sugar perfume. So, I added “Cute” to my name. Thus, my stage name was born: a true representation of all the things I love.

How did you first get into miniatures?

I started working in polymer clay by chance. I was looking for nail art inspiration online and came across Japanese nail designs that had micro objects out of polymer clay. I learned that many of these artists were making polymer clay objects that could be worn at all times. Taking a cue from their creations, I started making my own. At first, I was making miniatures just for myself, sometimes to give to my friends for their birthdays. 11209639_1003605036331002_4864059445233849203_nFriends of friends began to see my creations and fall in love with them. I started to sell miniatures privately through word of mouth.

Over the years I have tried to develop an unmistakable style of my own. I seek to create unique works that are always different, never the same. I am not yet 100% satisfied with my work, and still consider myself to be an apprentice. Oftentimes, I don’t have enough time to create the things I want in 1:12 scale. I’m constantly working on commissions and have a full-time job as a mom to a 2-year-old. It’s always difficult to find time to do the things you enjoy. But the greatest satisfaction I’ve felt recently was when I was contacted for the October edition of Spanish Miniatures magazine, which includes work of talented miniaturists from all over the world. I had a page dedicated to my work, and was also published on the magazine’s cover! It was a great honor and satisfaction!

Do you sell miniatures full-time?

It is my passion and thus I turned it into a real job. I would do this for a lifetime, in addition to being a mother which is obviously the best job in the world.

11201005_1005778616113644_4542472798841304897_oWhat types of miniatures do you make? 

I make miniatures out of anything but mainly I create accessories to wear, and miniature food in 1:12 scale. I like to create everything myself, from the notch of the plywood to the painting, to the construction of cups and cutlery. I try to recreate scenarios in miniature form. For example, you’re cutting up vegetables for a soup and then the phone rings, so you put the knife on a plate to rest. You can preserve this memory forever with one of my miniatures.

What materials do you use to make miniatures?

Today I use mainly polymer clay, sculpey, liquid polymer clay, plywood, paper, and pieces of metal.

Advice for beginner artists?

I don’t consider myself to be a great artist. I’m just a girl of 25 who has a great passion. From this passion, I attempt to bring happiness to others. The advice I would give to new artists is to always have a unique style that can be recognized immediately, even without signing the photo. 10407942_999218086769697_7108462242112936695_nNever give up because only time will help you achieve what you want. Create things because you like them, not only because you want to sell them. Put all the love from your heart into a project and it will soon reward you.

Tools you love the most?

I do not use special tools to make my miniatures. I use toothpicks, needles, chisels of various sizes, and resin. I really love the versatility of resin. You can do so many things with it!

Favorite miniature you own? 

I own creative accessories by Italian artists such as Pies Tellina, Neraneve Stella, Daniela Pupa, Claudia Lolle Bijoux, Francesca Gnam Gnam, and more. I also enjoy books by Angie Scarr.

alice in wonderland fimo handmade miniaturefood alice in wonderland party valentina gaia manzo pinkcute sugar (56)What miniaturists inspire you most?

My absolute favorite miniaturist in the world is Tomo Tanaka’s Nunu’s House. I love everything about it! He can do anything! He creates houses, furniture, silverware, metalworks, food miniatures, and more. He is the impressive KING OF MINIATURE! I love his style and one day hope to become as good as him. He’s a great source of inspiration. Look at the work of Tomo Tanaka you’ll be entranced!

Why miniatures?

I love miniatures because their smallness contains so much dedication, study, love, work, and sacrifice. It is not an easy job. You have to measure everything… every millimeter. You have to focus on color in order to achieve a good image for thumbnails. It’s an art form full of love, because only those who have a passion and love miniatures can create them. I love to think that my miniatures are a preserved moment, frozen in time forever.IMG_0420

Other activities you enjoy?

Being a mom.

What do you want people to know about you?

I have a critical eye and share my work online to let others inform me if my creations are up to par. Only after receiving appreciation from fans do I relax. My fans on Facebook are important to me. They inspire me and give me strength! Miniature collectors and enthusiasts are also looking for a “perfect miniature,” so this helps me to create more and more. I seek to create on an even higher level. This makes me not a miniaturist, but an apprentice for life!

Valentina lives in Sardinia, Italy. You can now shop her newly opened Etsy store! Follow her miniature adventures on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Flickr, DeviantArt, or take a tour of her blog.

Daily Mini Interview: Miniature Woodcarving by Steve Tomashek

Miniatures by Steve Tomashek

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How did you first get started in woodcarving?

My family always had an affinity towards the arts. As the youngest of seven, I was exposed to a lot of different art forms as a child. Carving was one of them. My father used to carve duck decoys, and I would recreate these in miniature form. As a young boy, I had an interest in war figurines, so I used to carve miniature tanks and airplanes out of wood. Later, I’d make carvings for my Grandma. lemur

With a burgeoning interest in sculpture and painting, I attended Indiana University where I further developed my woodcarving craft. My passion grew and has remained throughout my life. I was a sculptor and a painter, and I was able to unite my passions with a focus in miniature. At that particular time, I worked in miniature because the materials were more affordable in a smaller size. When your art is small-scale, you don’t need a lot of space and you don’t need as many tools or materials. I used a Swiss Army Knife at that time.

I majored in History, which opened me up to the extensive world of carving and the history of woodcarving across cultures. Many cultures are inspired by the animal form in art and nearly every major artist has also studied animal forms – Franz Marc, for one.

What materials did you use for your first carvings?

As a child, my father and I mostly carved out of basswood. We had two basswood trees in our front yard, but would pick up carving-ready wood (cut and dried) from local lumberyards.

Describe your creative process.foxsketch

I always sketch out my work before I begin to carve a piece of wood. I’m constantly sketching in a drawing book which helps with my creative vision for a piece. Even if I’m designing something from scratch, I also draw up a sketch first.

I frequently receive international orders from different kinds of collectors who still provide me with the artist freedom to put my own spin on a commission. One collector in particular has amassed nearly 100 of my works over 15 years or so, and she may advise a preferred size of a carving, but allows me to determine the color palette or style. I’m working on a set of chicks at the moment to complement a collector’s recently purchased chicken miniature; for this piece, I’ll be able to run with the color and style.chickenlittle

How has your work evolved?

I’ve become more deft at executing miniatures, so the amount of time it takes has been greatly reduced. Whenever I used to miscarve work in my earlier years, I would seamlessly turn the wood into something else. I miss that. Nowadays, I don’t make errors anymore.

For the past 20 years, I’ve been carving wood. Just recently, I have finally begun work on larger-scale sculptures and miniature scenes in boxes. One of my favorites is of a coral reef with fish swimming. My plan is to continue these into the future.reefsquirrel

Tool or technique you can’t live without?

These days, I work with the best knives for wood. When at school in Indianapolis, I attended a woodcarving show and there met a Lyons knife maker there who I still continue to use today.

Carving is relatively easy. There are three different types of woodcarving cuts: pull cut, push cut, and a stop cut. I’d highly recommend reading The Big Book of Whittling and Woodcarving Paperback by E. J. Tangerman. Chances are, you can check out this book at your local library. And, it’s likely the book hasn’t been taken out in the past year!

Non-mini artists, designers, books you look to for inspiration?

cowmilkTwo traditions close to my heart are Zuni fetishes and Oaxacan wood carvings. The Zuni animal fetishes are roughly the same size as my works (ranging in approximately 1-2 inches) and these are made out of semi-precious stones. Some Zuni works are abstracted forms. As for the Oaxacan wood carvings, these are a tabletop size and characterized by a free palette. These artists’ creations range from the more crude to the truly magnificent. I’ve sort of married these two traditions, Zuni and Oaxacan, to create my own style. I’ve allowed myself to use a free palette and range of colors when painting.

Miniaturists that inspire you?

Netsuke, 17th century Japanese miniature sculptures. They took the carving craft to a new, polished level and truly perfected that form.

Are you a collector of miniatures yourself?pins&needles

Artists are the biggest collectors of their own work. I learned this at an early age, when my room was filled with paintings by my brother and father. It’s convenient to collect and keep my own carvings since they do not take up much space at all! Occasionally I will share miniatures with friends as a gift, or will trade with other artisans.

Why woodcarving? What appeals to you most about what you do?

I am a sculptor and painter because there are things I want to say that there aren’t words for. The very act of carving wood is now something that I need. When I don’t carve, I feel that something is lacking from my day to day. Woodcarving is both my meditation and my medication. My mind enters a different zone and I can tune out the rest of the world when I’m working on a piece. I use magnification on my pieces, so the act of carving truly blocks out everything else but the microcosm I’m working on.

1427481440Carving every day provides a rhythm to my life. Previously, I would carve for 12-16 hours at a time and then crash. I have found a better balance today where I can divide my time between other projects. I enjoy writing, working on projects in the garden, and spending time with my wife and animals. I work on blog posts quite often, and have been steadily making progress on a second book. This book will speak to the intersection of art and craft.

Most beloved miniature you’ve created?

I still have a chess set I carved for myself in college. And I particularly love the Peanut Gallery carving I made a few years ago—I keep it here in my studio.

circus46

What’s to come from Steve Tomashek?

I’m excited to move into my new woodcarving and art studio! There I’ll begin work on more large- and medium-scale pieces. I’ve worked in so many small studio spaces over the years, that it will be nice to have more room for my craft. Stay tuned for more on chainsaw carving!

Steve Tomashek lives in Germany, but is coming to the U.S. this summer to exhibit his miniature woodcarvings. For more on Steve’s colorful and whimsical menagerie, visit his website, shop the store, check out his blog, enjoy woodcarving videos on YouTube, or follow along on Twitter.

Photos taken in collaboration with Glenn Gordon.

Daily Mini Interview: Miniaturas en FORJA

Miniaturas en FORJA

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Why miniatures? 

Miniatures inspire me to create, and to create anything of this size. I am attracted by the shape of the materials and the way my fingers can create something even more beautiful than I thought was possible.

My hope is to further introduce the miniature craft to fans around the world and to meet other artisans from other countries.

What materials do you use to make your miniatures?10974226_389413697887308_5275681234836128931_o

Sheet iron, copper, brass, wire, iron rods, and more. Materials vary based on the miniature. A variety of examples can be viewed on Facebook.

Were you formally trained in the arts?

I am self taught. I do not look at anyone’s work. I draw sketches before I begin to create a miniature.

Advice for beginner artists and miniaturists?

Perseverance and patience.

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You guessed correctly: “miniaturas” is the Spanish word for miniatures. To see more of Jose’s detailed miniatures, head over to Facebook.

Daily Mini Interview: Miniature by Masako

Miniature By Masako

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How did you first get started in miniatures?

After my husband and I moved to the United States from Japan in 2010, I spent a lot of time looking for my next calling in life. I thought for a long time about what I wanted to do in my new life here in the States. I had previously worked with a couple of European fashion companies in Japan as a merchandiser for 20 years. OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAI loved my job, but I felt I had worked for designers for a long time. Now was the time to make something on my own!

While refinishing some old furniture, I noticed how beautiful natural wood can be after sanding. These particular furniture pieces were made about 90 years ago, and I said, “I took off your old makeup, now you can breathe fresh air.” Since then, I have admired the beauty of wood and the history of furniture. I thought, “I am not sure I can make life-size furniture, but I might be able to make miniature furniture.” And one day, if someone likes my work and decides to own it, she or he could pass it down from generation to generation. If I could make such works, what a splendid thing this would be! OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAAnd I would be quite honored! This is absolutely what I wanted to do. I had to find a miniature school. My dream grew day by day. And then my passion for miniatures started.

After attending the IGMA School in 2011, the world of miniature history and craftsmanship fascinated me. I had known it was bold idea for me to participate in the school, but I wanted to take miniature craftsmanship very seriously. I developed a deep respect of miniatures and the original inspiration in life-size furniture. I worked tirelessly to realize reproduction details. I aim to never gloss over any original details in my 1:12 scale miniatures. I really enjoy the difficulty of creating these pieces!

How has your work evolved over the years?

For my first 2-3 years as a miniature maker, I focused my passion on determining what style of furniture “clicked” for me. OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAI learned and developed my skills and techniques, rather than focusing on selling minis. For the past 2 years, I have focused on developing my skills further in hopes of obtaining the title of Artisan from IGMA. I soon learned what a wonderful experience it was to be a show dealer! Seeing people’s happy smiles and surprised faces makes me so very happy, and definitely energizes my work. Since I can only make a limited number of miniature furniture pieces per year, I sell these and take new orders at shows. Customers can contact me by email for commissions and I’m happy to share images of my work through online photo albums.

Where does your interest in miniatures stem from?

I’ve always been fond of the French style, especially Louis XV and hand carved furniture. Since I’ve been working in miniature furniture, I remembered from my childhood that I loved making mini, mini origami and wood carvings. I’ve also always loved Marie Antoinette.OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

What fellow miniaturists inspire you?

Geoffrey Wonnacott and Harry Smith.

Non-miniature sources of inspiration?

French cabinet maker François Linke and the Furniture Collection of Versailles (2 Vol. Set).

Where will you be exhibiting next?

I expect to attend Philadelphia Miniaturia 2015 from November 6-8.

For more information and images of Masako’s absolutely breathtaking miniature furniture, visit her website and Facebook page.

Daily Mini Interview: Steve Casino, Painter Of Nuts

Steve Casino, Painter Of Nuts

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How did you first get started making portraits out of peanuts?
My first peanut portrait was of myself. It was originally a joke. As a cartoonist, I made quick sketches of myself and coworkers on peanuts.

bb4Why peanuts? Why miniature portraits?
Peanuts are my favorite snack. But it’s also fun because it uses all of the skills I’ve acquired through life and work experience. Nothing wasted.

I have always been fascinated by caricature artists as well as miniatures. This is the perfect combo. The peanut is a gimmick that got me started but I don’t need it at this point. It just gives people a point of reference for size. It’s a fun challenge to make all of that tiny stuff. A lot of problem solving.

How many years have you been making art?
Not including the formative years (kindergarten through college), probably about 25 years. My first job out of college was making fake food and miniatures for TV commercials. This was before computers did everything. The skills I learned there really apply to what I’m doing now.

Do you create peanut portraits on a full-time basis?elton-new
No. I am a toy inventor for a living. But I often put in 8-12 hours a day extra on peanut art for various clients.

How many hours does it take to make a peanut sculpture?
It used to be about 15 hours, but I’ve cut that in half through repetition.

Where can people purchase your work?
You can contact me directly for commissions.

What has been the most difficult peanut portrait to create?
The early ones like Elton John were really hard because I hadn’t figured out how to paint on a small scale yet. I had to repaint him about 10 times to get it right. Took a superhuman effort to do it. But it also turned out to be one of the most successful in the press.

nirvana_afterWhat’s been the most fulfilling portrait you’ve made?
Nirvana was the most satisfying to do. Brought back a lot of good memories of young adulthood and I really liked the way it came out. It was extra-thrilling because Nirvana’s bassist Krist Novoselić shared it on Twitter.

What do you use to make your miniature sculptures?
Aside from peanuts, I use polymer clay and wire armature a lot now for limbs and detail. My early peanuts had bamboo limbs.

Advice for beginner artists?
Really learn how to draw. It’s the basis for everything. Take a class. Sketch from life. Learn lighting and perspective. Don’t just copy Olaf from Frozen. Also, don’t ruin good art with bad photography. People don’t really see your art on the web, they only see the photograph. So the photograph is essentially your art. Make your presentation count.

Tool you can’t live without?hendrix
A rubber-tipped sculpting tool that replaced my fat fingers for the fine smoothing detail. I lost it once for 3 days and was going out of my mind.

Favorite miniature you own by another artist?
I have a hummingbird by the great micro-wood carver Steve Tomashek. He wrote a good book about miniature woodcarving.

Favorite peanut portrait you’ve ever made?
Jimi Hendrix. I never listened to him much before that. Somebody hired me to make him, and I initially wasn’t excited. But it was revelatory to play his albums while making art of him. By the time it was over, he was my favorite musician of all time and the peanut turned out to be really cute.

EDWARD_DOMEArtists you look to for inspiration?
I love the work of cartoonist Charles Addams who created the Addams Family. Also love Edward Gorey and Tim Burton. My tastes run towards the macabre. I love Wayne White and Red Grooms for 3-D creations. And there are many, many more.

What is the most memorable miniature you’ve seen?
Willard Wigan‘s recognizable characters sculpted inside the eye of a needle really blew my mind. Plus, I love much of the miniature food out of clay by many artists. Some of it is insanely realistic.

Other activities you enjoy?
Hanging out with my wife and two daughters. We’re currently plowing through every episode of Doctor Who.einstein_pic1

What do you want mini art fans to know about you?
I’m as much of a fan as a practitioner of miniatures. There’s nothing I like better than seeing a well-crafted miniature that’s been photographed well.

Steve currently lives in Cincinnati. If you’ve just been blown away by his amazing peanut portraiture, head to his website to view more works, or follow along on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

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Daily Mini Interview: Jenn’s Minis

Miniatures by Jenn’s Minis

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How did you first get started in miniatures? 

I first started mini-ing a long, long, long time ago… when I was about ten years old. I saw a dollhouse in a toy store—a real dollhouse with working windows and electricity. The details were executed quite well.dailymini-JenniferAshleyHalfInchFairfieldLivingRoom

I believe that when you see your first minis, you’re either bitten with the bug, or you’re not. I was bitten! I wanted a dollhouse more than anything. Because they were very expensive, I started making my own out of cardboard boxes. I had a lot of fun doing that.

The interest never went away. I started saving money for “real” minis, checked out books on minis from the library, and then started subscribing to mini magazines. My mother gave me the book All About Doll Houses that includes plans for furniture. I still have it!

As I got older and became employed, I always set a little money aside for minis. I’ve been collecting things for several decades now! Which is why I need a lot of cabinet space…

Do you create & sell miniatures full-time?dailymini-JenniferashleyHalfScaleKitchen

No, I don’t sell anything. Miniatures are my relaxation creativity. For my “day” job, I’m a novelist (and I love it), but it’s creative in a different way. Every once in a while, I need the escape that minis provide me.

What types of miniatures do you make?

I make all kinds of minis: all scales and most mediums. I love woodworking and am trying to learn more of those skills.

dailymini-JenniferAshleyBigHouseUpstairsHallAdvice for beginner artists?

Practice, practice, practice. Nothing you do is wasted. Even if your piece doesn’t turn out, you learned why it didn’t work. It’s easy to get discouraged and give up. Don’t!

Tool you can’t live without?

The tool that has helped me the most is an excellent set of tweezers (two sets actually). One tweezers style is “reverse” and you squeeze the handle to open, then release to lock whatever you’re holding in place. The second tweezers are micro in size, with very, very fine ends. I can pick up the tiniest bead with them.

What is your most treasured miniature?

Oh…. probably my collection of miniature pianos and harpsichords. I didn’t deliberately start collecting them. I’d wanted a Partelow piano, and then I kept finding mini pianos at auctions and so forth. I like unusual ones, not just grands. I have a spinet, a box piano, a harpsichord (all by artisans, including Ralph Partelow), and a Bespac baby grand.dailymini-JenniferAshleyQuarterinchcottagewithpiano

I’m also very proud of myself for figuring out how to make a true-to-life baby grand in 1/4 scale! The only thing that isn’t real are the strings (I used a piece of gauze). But I have the soundboard, the plate, a keyboard with all the keys… I did a lot of research! I’m also pretty proud of the harpsichord I created in 1/4 scale, though it’s not as detailed. My goal is to create a 1-inch scale piano in full detail.

Artists you look to for inspiration?

I’ve collected all the back issues of The Scale Cabinetmaker, which contains a whole host of artisans’ and designers’ works and plans. I love the work of Shannon Moore, and was pleased to be able to take classes from her a few years ago. Pam and Pete Boorum make some lovely, lovely Shaker pieces. I also admire the work of April and Ron Gill. They’ve taken realism to great heights.

What is the most memorable miniature you have ever come across by another artist?

dailymini-JenniferAshleyGrungyBathroomShannon Moore’s witches “cave” in a giant dictionary, named “Velma Ebster’s Spell in Book.” But there are so many gorgeous miniatures out there! I love searching Pinterest for photos of them.

Why miniatures? What appeals to you most about what you do?

I think looking at a snapshot of the world, perfectly duplicated—but with something unusual thrown in—is a delight. It’s the silence, the peace inside a miniature scene that can calm the brain and yet excite it. Plus, it’s just fun! You create a 3-D picture from nothing—and that’s cool!

Other activities you enjoy?

I also play music: guitar, flute, and piano. Plus, I love to cook.

Anything else you would like to add?

I try to update my blog as often as possible with my ongoing projects. I hope I can help other miniaturists figure something out, or just give them something fun to view.

Jennifer currently lives in Arizona. You can view many more of her miniature worlds on her blog or check out some of her inspirations on Pinterest.

Daily Mini Interview: Made by Lee Miniatures

Made by Lee Miniatures

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dailymini-11080024_703142446482044_7687678298332913364_oWhat types of miniatures do you create and why?
Right now, I make polymer clay food, dollhouse furniture and other various miniatures. I find it very fascinating to create food miniatures, and I think I’ll keep on doing that. On the other hand, I’m planning to develop my skills by making other types of miniatures.

What materials do you use to make miniatures?
Polymer clay, wire, metal, wood (often balsa), cardboard, and paper.

How long have you been been creating miniatures?
I started making clay charms in August 2013. In November 2013, I created my first miniature scene.

Accounts or artists you look to for inspiration?
I love the work of Tanja from Sugarcharmshop and Tomo Tanaka from Nunu’s House. And of course the many different artists featured on The Daily Miniature!
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Advice for beginner artists and miniaturists?
Find your own style and love what you do. It doesn’t matter how good or bad your creations are. When you practice, you will be rewarded.

Most difficult miniature you’ve ever tried to create?
I tried once to make a chessboard but it was very difficult. I hope to find a way to make it better!

Favorite miniature you have made?
dailymini-10985192_707122249417397_4538086446169659520_nI like a cookie baking scene I made a few weeks ago.

Most memorable miniature you have ever seen?
There are so many cool pieces I’ve come across. I love Halloween scenes with bones and other creepy, strange stuff.

What appeals to you most about what you do?
I can create my own world and fascinate other people.

Other hobbies you enjoy?
I like horseback riding, singing, reading, caring for my animals, and helping animals in need.

Do you work on miniatures full time?10805792_636017849861171_3831657035468988290_n
No, I am a student. After finishing school, I want to study veterinary medicine, but I’m sure that making miniatures will stay a fascinating hobby.

What’s to come from Made by Lee Miniatures? 
I want to start a project against animal cruelty (definitely in miniature scale), as well as make my own tutorials on YouTube and my blog.

Stay tuned for many (mini) more adventures in miniature food by Germany’s Lee Ann. Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, or visit her blog.