q&a

Spare Parts’ MINI ART MUSEUM

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Tell us a bit about San Antonio’s Creative Reuse Art Organization and its mission.

Spare Parts’ purpose is unprecedented in San Antonio. It is the leader in reuse education through the arts without a home. We are actively fundraising for a space to be a full-time effort in our community. We are a volunteer-led organization. One of the objectives of Spare Parts is accessibility to the arts. This is where the MINI ART MUSEUM (MAM) comes in. Spare Parts founded the MINI ART MUSEUM in 2013 to bring the fine arts museum experience to schools and the community world wide, especially in areas where there are few art opportunities.

How many art enthusiasts have interacted with the MINI ART MUSEUM thus far?

We’ve had over 9,000 visitors since the MINI ART MUSEUM’s founding in 2013. The MAM has traveled to well over 50 places worldwide and has held 11 exhibitions thus far.

Can you tell us a bit about the current exhibitions on view? 

Do I Remember The Alamo?
August 2016 – August 2017

An excerpt from curator Richard Teitz: “For this exhibition, I wanted to explore how San Antonio artists saw The Alamo. Some, I expected, would see it in largely representational terms, a one-time Spanish church made into a fortress, while others would relate to it as a concept, an abstraction of a time and place, and still others would tie it to their personal relationships of first encounter.”

DEEP IN THE HEART: A Texas Trilogy
June 2015 – limited viewing

This exhibition showcases the artwork of three San Antonio born and based artists: 2015 Texas State Artist Vincent Valdez, Angela Fox, and recent East Central High School graduate/Visual Arts Scholastic Event medalist Christiana Puente. Each artist created a small-scale portrait reflective of San Antonio’s diverse artistic craftsmanship.

MAMx: Slanguage presents Chicos Pero Locos
June 2016 – June 2017

MAMx provides an opportunity for MAM to broaden its curatorial, artistic and educational reach. Los Angeles-based internationally-known artist-run collective Slanguage Studio honors California-based artists in Chicos Pero Locos which plays with the traditional meaning of this colloquial Spanish phrase valuing artistic quality over quantity.

How many members of the MAMx team are there today? What does it take to get a Mini Art Museum up and running?

The MINI ART MUSEUM has two founders and four members on the Board of Directors. We are always looking for board members and folks can contact us for more information.

Any highlights to recount since the MINI ART MUSEUM’s founding?

The following MINI ART MUSEUM awards:

Contemporary Art Month-San Antonio, 2016
I Am Not Spock Award for Doing the Unexpected for Spare Parts MAM presents That Thing On The Side Of The Road curated by Hills Snyder

Contemporary Art Month-San Antonio, 2015
Through the Looking Glass Award for Bending Perceptions: Spare Parts MAM presents Cabinet of Curiosities curated by Claudia Zapata

San Antonio Magazine, 2015
Best Program Introducing Youth to the Art World: Spare Parts MAM

Contemporary Art Month-San Antonio, 2014
Through the Looking Glass Award for Bending Perceptions: Spare Parts MAM presents Lady Base Gallery: Short Stories curated by Sarah Castillo

And our recent press mentions as well: MINI ART MUSEUM in the news.

What inspires the MINI ART MUSEUM team?

We are inspired by the communities we meet, the artists who take a chance to work in miniature format, and the educational opportunities we facilitate.

What’s to come from the MAMx? What can we can expect in 2017?

MAMx provides an opportunity for the MINI ART MUSEUM (MAM) to broaden its curatorial, artistic and educational reach. Its inaugural exhibition is Slanguage: Chicos Pero Locos. Slanguage: Chicos Pero Locos opened in West Hollywood, California on June 4 and then made its way to San Antonio, Texas. Any artist collective, museum, gallery or artist outside of the San Antonio area may contact us if they’d like to produce a MAMx exhibition. 

MAM Founders Mary Elizabeth Cantu and Gabriela Santiago facilitated a hands-on workshop at this fall’s annual Texas Art Education Association conference. The culminating project resulted in MAM’s exhibition, PASSION PURPOSE. PASSION PURPOSE was also the title of the conference and artwork is inspired by the question: “What is your passion and what is your purpose?”

We are about to have our first all-youth exhibition! We worked with teens residing in a local juvenile detention center to create their own miniature artwork.

In March 2017, watch out for Fine Print, an exhibition focused on Texas-born or -based printmaking artists who utilize printmaking techniques.

Words to live by?

#weeart

Favorite miniature quote? 

Mini art is a big deal.

What would you like to see replicated in miniature?

We differ from most miniaturists because we work with artists that do not work in miniature scale. In fact, this is usually their first experience working this small. We don’t ask them to replicate or shrink an existing artwork; we invite them to create a new artwork with our miniature parameters. Our gallery walls are the insides of photo albums and binders. Our museum was created to be mobile, to utilize pre-loved materials, and to be as eco-friendly as possible.

Anything else you’d like to add?

The MINI ART MUSEUM challenges traditional artists to work at a scale they’ve never experienced and a lot of them enjoy this opportunity. Some of them even continue to make miniature work as part of their practice. The MAM has mainstreamed miniature artwork in the San Antonio art world. We believe all artists can work at this scale. Because we work with non-miniaturists, we have the following of these artists’ collectors. We are expanding the presence of miniatures in the contemporary art realm.

To learn more about the MINI ART MUSEUM located in San Antonio, Texas, check out miniartmuseum.org and visit the Spare Parts website. To follow along on these miniature art adventures, head on over to Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

 

Miniatures by Kashmira Panchal of Miniature World

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What’s your earliest memory with miniatures?

As a child, I was always fond of cute little things and I loved collecting mini dolls and stickers. I still have them.

How did you first get started making miniatures in August 2015?

I have always been passionate about art and craft, but knew nothing about polymer clay and miniatures until last year. I remember picking up a packet of modeling clay only because of its attractive packaging. I didn’t know what to do with it. I first started making cartoon characters and completely got hooked on the process of clay modeling. Not only was it creatively satisfying, but was also a great stress buster for me.

I started searching on the Internet for more ideas and mediums to work with and came across polymer and air dry clay. I enjoyed the whole process and soon it became a routine for me: work 10 AM-7 PM, come home, and make miniatures.

Do you remember the very first miniature you ever made? 

My first miniature was a Tweety figurine.

What is your favorite type of miniature to make?

I love making miniature food, especially desserts. To be honest, I’m not really a foodie and must have searched for so many food pictures for the first time in my life. There are gazillions of food items, so I get an opportunity to explore more and more.

What is the most challenging miniature to make? 

Anything that requires using liquid clay mainly because we don’t have it here in India. It’s pretty expensive to order it online, so I always have to look for alternatives.

Liquid clay often comes in handy for sticking clay pieces together but because of its unavailability, I have to use glue which I feel isn’t a reliable option.

What are some unique materials you have used in your work?

I don’t have any molds and own only a few tools. I like looking around and finding things that can be put to use in crafting: incense sticks, tea light candle holders, to pen and bottle caps. I have used them all.

Also I don’t own an oven. This may come as a surprise as I mostly work with polymer clay. I started making miniatures as a hobby and buying an oven just for baking clay was out of question. So,I made my own baking apparatus and heat all my clay creations with regular cooking gas.

What advice would you give to new miniaturists? 

Do not compare your work with other miniaturists. As a beginner, you cannot compare your work with that of an expert. Instead, focus on developing and discovering different techniques on your own. Find ways that will make you stand apart from other miniature brands.

What inspires you? What keeps you creating?

Most of the inspiration comes from my surroundings. Whenever I’m out with friends or family, I keep looking for things that can be made into miniature. Sometimes, I’m totally blank and struggle to get any ideas, while other times my mind is bustling with ideas, so I make a note of all the things I wish to create.

Also I prefer not to watch tutorials, because I like figuring out my own techniques.

Who are some of your favorite artists working in miniature?

Tanja of SugarCharmShop. Love how realistic her miniatures look.

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

It has to be an eyeball by SugarCharmShop. Tanja made it look so real that it took me a while to realize that it is, in fact, fake.

What is your hope for the field of miniatures? 

I want miniatures to get as much recognition as other media of art receive. Also, people should realize that handmade items are not cheap. An artist has to spend time conceiving an idea, ensuring it’s unique, implementing it, and working really hard to deliver the results. It’s a one man show so it really breaks my heart to see someone undervaluing work. The least that buyers and collectors can do is think about how much time and effort went into creating a unique handmade piece they’re thinking of buying.

Respect artists and their work.

What would you like to see replicated in miniature?

I would love to see the iconic Marine Drive replicated. It’s a place in Mumbai, also called the Queen’s necklace because of its shape.

Why miniatures?

I love how cute they look. I personally feel that customized miniatures make the best gift. They have a uniqueness in them that no machine can ever replicate.

What’s to come from Miniature World?

I have a few ideas in the pipeline and hope that they materialize soon. Until now, making miniatures has been a hobby, but soon I plan to convert it into a small business. I’m a self taught artist and my goal is just to get better in this art form. I plan to make more scenes and dolls.

Favorite miniature quote?

Good things come in small packages.

Other activities you enjoy?

I love reading thriller novels and watching movies.

India’s Kashmira Panchal of Miniature World is an IT engineer by profession who has been making miniatures since August 2015. As a self taught artist based in Mumbai, Kashmira loves finding tricks and tips when making miniatures. To see more Miniature World work, visit Instagram or Facebook.

Win Miniature Spice Samples from RawSpiceBar

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For a limited time, the team over at RawSpiceBar is giving away a free monthly subscription of mini spice samples to dailymini fans! Want to enter? Visit dailymini Instagram and tag a friend. Don’t have Instagram? Send an email to dailymini@thedailymini.com with the following information: your name and your favorite foodie friend’s name.

RawSpiceBar sources the highest quality and some of the most unique spices from around the world. Their spice blends are created by top chefs from around the world and are expertly toasted, ground and blended for maximum flavor.

Each month, subscribers receive spice samples and delicious kitchen-tested recipes to offer endless ideas for integrating unique spice blends into your home meals. Sign up today to enjoy the perfect amount of small batch spices, all freshly ground. Use the code FLAVOR6 for $5 off a 6-month or 12-month subscription. You can buy a subscription for your own home or give the RawSpiceBar box as a gift.

To learn more about RawSpiceBar or to subscribe, visit their website today. You can also follow along on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Win a free subscription on Instagram now!

 

A video posted by The Daily Miniature (@dailymini) on Nov 18, 2016 at 6:59pm PST

Miniatures and a New Book by Cuddles and Rage

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What’s your earliest memory with miniatures?

Liz has a bunch of diorama board books from her childhood. Her favorite one is The Three Little Kittens, They Lost Their Mittens. The design and texture throughout the board book are so eye-catching. It really feels like you could step into this little world and live there.

How did you first get started making miniatures?

One of our coworkers sculpted miniature food, and we loved the look! It inspired us to try and sculpt one of our characters then that grew into making weekly dioramas.

Where does the name “Cuddles and Rage” come from?

We are big gamers. When we first started dating, we played Army of Two together. Jimmy’s shooting style was very methodical, while my (Liz) approach to the game was crazy in your face. We ended up nicknaming each other “Cuddles” and “Rage” based on our very different approaches and it stuck.

Tell us a bit about your process when it comes to comic art and mini set design.

Most of our ideas come from our sketchbooks. We sketch every day. Before we build out a set, we draw our dream version of the diorama and then breakdown the logistics of actually making it. Sometimes that results in simplifying an idea or getting creative with materials to make sure the texture is just right. We then build everything and shoot it with a macro lens. We’ll make some minor adjustments in Photoshop before sharing it with the world.

Do you remember the very first miniature you ever made? 

Our first sculpt was of a character named Dr. Taquito. He is an evil dude who teaches legit cooking tips through torturing food. We have lots of containers full of miniature sculpts floating around the house. He’s probably resting in there somewhere with a mini knife.

What is your favorite type of miniature to create?

We love making pancakes! They are super easy and you get to use three of our favorite materials: clay, pastels, and FIMO Liquid Decorating Gel.

What is the most challenging miniature to make? 

We recently made a 1.5” sundae based on the “Ziggy Piggy” scene from Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure for Gallery 1988’s Crazy 4 Cult 10 show. We melted some clear packaging with a votive candle to make the glass bowl for the sundae. We also used bathroom caulk for whipped cream. Controlling the flow of the caulk to make tiny white dollops wasn’t easy. We had to make the sundae twice to get it just right.

Lessons learned when it comes to working with clay?

Respect the rules of polymer clay. There are so many factors that go into baking polymer clay that we didn’t discover until much later. The balance between keeping your temperature consistent and baking for the right amount of time is more difficult than it sounds. Unfortunately, YouTube has so much bad advice mixed in with the good advice. Beware of whom you learn from. Polymer Clay Tutor is really the best resource we’ve found for those wanting to learn the science behind baking polymer clay.

Tell us a bit about your newly released book Sweet Competition. 

Sweet Competition is about Cherry Twin siblings who compete over everything. They enter a sundae competition to see who is really the best! This book is full of deliciously cute miniature food. We ate a lot of ice cream as research to make sure we got the look and texture just right.

What advice would you give to new artists and beginner miniaturists? 

Keep an open mind for materials when it comes to miniatures. Anything can be turned into a miniature something. When we first got into miniatures, we only used clay to create everything. Now, we try to recycle little things that might be considered trash and turn them into mini accessories.

Advice for illustrators or cartoonists?

Draw every day! Your scribbles might not look like much at first, but you’d be surprised how much you can improve when you do something for at least 5 minutes a day.

Favorite miniature you own?

Our miniature hand-stitched cow pillow is something we’d never sell. Sewing is not our strong point. We’ve tried to learn, but we have total sausage fingers when it comes to working with needle and thread on a small scale. Anytime we see a beautiful handmade mini pillow, we swoon!

Favorite comic strip you’ve produced?

We love “In a Pickle.” That comic was a true collaboration between both of us. Jimmy came up with the concept, and I (Liz) illustrated it. It’s so random, yet, even years later, it makes us laugh every time we see it.

What inspires you?

Other artists! It’s amazing to see what people create. You sit that and wonder, “How did they do that?” It pushes you as a creator to take your work one step further and strive to achieve the level excellence you surround yourself by.

What is the most memorable miniature you’ve ever seen?

We are very fond of this miniature chainsaw we own.

What is your hope for the field of miniatures? 

We’d love to see the miniature movement grow like the Comic-Con movement. The National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts does a great job of creating events for miniaturists to attend. There is a little miniature convention that happens every year in Virginia, but not a lot of people outside this hobby know about it. When we mention the existence of “miniature” conventions, people’s eyes light up. There is a demand for it, but the marketing and social media exposure isn’t quite there yet. We’d love for there to be an official MiniCon as big as Baltimore Comic-Con or even New York City Comic Con.

How can miniaturists and miniature collectors help keep the art alive? 

Social media is a beautiful tool! There are so many miniaturists on there who are able to connect in the digital world. We’ve met tons of hip, creative mini artists through @dailymini and are very thankful to have this site as a resource. It’d be awesome to see miniaturists step out of the digital world and into more miniature meet-ups on a local level. Creating an IRL community is so important, especially in a field where learning from each other is key to its survival and growth.

Favorite miniaturists?

We really love Ryan T. Monahan’s work. His attention to detail really makes every scene feel so real.

Favorite authors?

Liz: Roald Dahl. He was a huge part of my childhood.

Jimmy: Kurt Vonnegut.

Favorite illustrators?

Scott C. His style is beyond adorable, and his wit is always spot on.

What would you like to see replicated in miniature?

There’s so much out there! We’d really love to see a miniature diorama inspired by Phantom of the Paradise. If you haven’t seen the film yet, stop what you are doing and go watch it. It’s a cinematic treasure.

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

The miniature community is amazing. Over the years, we’ve attended miniature meet-ups and conventions and have gotten to meet a lot of fantastic people. It’s a hobby that really connects people of all ages.

You’ve just released Sweet Competition. What’s next for Cuddles and Rage?

We recently premiered our first animated short at the Food Film Festival in NYC. That experience was amazing. We’ll definitely be making more short films. For miniatures, we are working on our second picture book right now with HarperCollins. Hooray! We have a whole binder full of all the little pieces we need to make for each scene. We are going to try and custom make as much as we can for this next book.

Words you live by?

Learn from everything.

Favorite miniature quote? 

Celebrate every tiny victory.

Other activities you enjoy?

We love collecting soundtracks on vinyl. Soundtracks are a huge part of our creative inspiration. There’s something about horror music specifically that really gets our brains flowing into imagining cute characters doing funny things.

Would you like to share a dailymini exclusive with fans?

In every picture book we make, we hide our favorite Cuddles and Rage character into at least one scene. Nobody’s noticed yet. See if you can guess who it is!

Cuddles and Rage was creatively conceived by Liz and Jimmy Reed of Washington, D.C. To purchase their new book, Sweet Competition, click here. See more of their work on the Cuddles and Rage website, or you can follow along on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram, or Tumblr. Shop their miniatures on Etsy and if you’re on Snapchat, make sure to follow CuddlesNRage.

Zagat Opens “Tiny Cafe” Pop-up in Astor Place, NYC
Proving Small Reviews are Easier to Digest, Miniature Enthusiasts Can Enjoy Tiny Food October 27-29 in Celebration of Zagat’s 2017 NYC Restaurants Guide Launch

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For over three decades, Zagat has summarized the thoughts and opinions of diners around the world to help people find the best places to eat and drink. In celebration of Zagat’s 2017 New York City Restaurants Guide Launch, a Tiny Cafe will open in Astor Place from 11AM – 7PM from Thursday, October 27 to Saturday, October 29. Miniature enthusiasts and foodies alike are invited to the corner of Astor Place and Cooper Square to enjoy free edible dishes in miniature from some of the city’s best restaurants in their respective cuisine categories.

Proving small reviews are easier to digest, these nimble culinary wizards will craft tiny-yet-perfect versions of their signature dishes; Tiny Cafe will feature miniature tacos from Los Tacos, miniature pizza and burgers from Emily, and miniature chocolate chip cookies from Jacques Torres. At this one-of-a-kind pop-up cafe, visitors can taste these mini creations, snap Instagram-worthy photos of a tiny food display featuring additional Zagat rated restaurants such as Magnolia Bakery, and watch hands meticulously assemble tiny food.

For those that don’t want to miss the live action, check out the cafe live via Zagat’s Periscope and follow along with #TinyCafe.

Zagat believes that tiny food, just like their reviews, are better when they are easy to consume and crafted by experts. With Zagat’s recent rebranding and new iPhone app now available for download, the goal is still simple: to help readers cut through the clutter and provide premium restaurant guidance from a trusted voice in tiny, yet perfect, reviews.

For more information on Zagat’s Tiny Cafe, head on over to zagat.com. We’ll hope to see you at the Tiny Cafe from October 27-29! Can’t make it? Follow along on Periscope, Instagram, or check out photos and videos tagged with #TinyCafe.

A video posted by The Daily Miniature (@dailymini) on Oct 27, 2016 at 10:10am PDT

Snails and Miniature Scales by Aleia Murawski and Samuel Copeland

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What’s your earliest memory with miniatures?

Aleia Murawski: I think being four or five and trying to find things around my house that could be reused as beds or tables for my dolls. I remember building rooms out of an old DVD holder.

Samuel Copeland: My grandpa and uncle were avid modelers as well as my dad. They built mostly military models; airplanes and tanks. The one model that sticks out in my memory was a sailing ship called Lydia that my Grandpa built from scratch. I spent many hours playing with that model and peering through the windows to examine the detailed captain’s quarters.

Tell us a bit about your collaboration together.  

AM: We work together at a photo/design studio with two other artists. We are all collaborating and creating things together all the time. Sam and I were making molds of my hands and fingers for awhile… I can’t remember the first project. We’ve made so many weird things in the last two years!

Aleia and Sam’s newest video “worms” debuted at The Museum of Modern Art on March 18, 2017 as part of PopRally Presents Petra Collins: In Search of Us:

A post shared by @aleia on Mar 18, 2017 at 2:53pm PDT

Can you recall the first miniature scene you worked on together?

SC: We made a 1/12th scale miniature bathroom using polymer clay and found objects. We shot still images of it incorporating Aleia’s hand for scale.

AM: This was before we found the snails… We were walking back from work one day and we both were talking about how we used to make miniature rooms—as kids or in college—and I think we were like, “Oh my god, we need to do something together.” I was really interested in nail art. We made this tiny bathroom that matched these long black and white press on nails.

Can you share a bit of background on how your snail characters play a role in all of this? 

SC: We started incorporating insects and small living creatures into miniature environments to experiment with scale and moving image. I went home last summer and found three snails in my mom’s garden. We made a terrarium for them. I initially got them not knowing much about them. Within the first week, we learned so much about snails. Snails are mollusks. Any snail can mate with any other snail and they both lay eggs. We quickly learned how quickly snails could reproduce. This spring we had 70 baby snails that were smaller than a grain of rice. We had to release a bunch of snails back into nature, but we still a have about a dozen. Also, they can live between 5-7 years.

AM: We can identify our first 3 snails because they are the biggest. One snail, Noodle, has a chip on their shell when we found them. We consider Noodle to be our main actor/actress. He/she is the most animated on set. We are really interested in how bugs and live creatures occupy miniature spaces, how they interact with different objects, and how they challenge the viewer’s perception of scale.

What’s a day in the studio like? 

SC: We are always actively collecting and building miniatures. Often we’ll find or make one specific object that will be the influence for creating a certain scene.

AM: Our process is spontaneous and ideas will come quickly. We will work off objects from our collections. A recent project was inspired by a friend of mine who is a Tarot reader. We knew we wanted the snails to interact with Tarot cards. In this case, we made the cards and the rest of the environment was arranged from our shared collection of minis.

Any tips for miniature enthusiasts looking to grow their collection? 

AM: This year, we discovered mini conventions. They are such a good place for inspiration and finding new pieces for your collection—and for meeting other miniature makers!

What’s your favorite type of scene to create?

AM: I am really interested in creating scenes that are familiar and sweet but also a little sad. But in a funny way. Having a snail working in a really cramped office space or moving out of a morning-lit apartment room all alone or decompressing on a cucumber in a fancy bathroom… Scenes that are about daily life and stress, but are meant to be something we can laugh at a little.

SC: A couple years ago I bought a wallpaper mural for bedroom wall. It is a large photograph of a forest during fall. Since then, I have started to incorporate landscape photographs into my miniature rooms. I like to find old landscape photos from books and posters and I’ll essentially use them as wallpaper in my miniature rooms. I find a lot of enjoyment in the interplay between the two dimensional photograph and the three dimensional objects.

What’s the most challenging aspect of your work with miniatures?

SC: Practicing and working towards an ability to capture and replicate details in the most efficient way possible. I’m constantly looking at the objects around me in my everyday life and trying to imagine how they can be incorporated and transformed into miniature objects.

AM: Figuring the best way to place the viewer into the miniature environment and convey scale that is both believable but also a little surprising too.

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

SC: My dad is a potter so I grew up sculpting with clay. It is often my fallback when trying to make something in miniature.

What advice would you give to new artists? What do you wish someone had told you when you first got started?

SC: Stay busy and always be making something, even if it is crude or quickly made. It just feeds into the process and will inform larger projects and refine your skill set.

AM: Yes, that’s huge. I can lose confidence really easily in my work. So, surrounding myself with positive and creative people has been motivating, as well as having a really consistent practice. Working on things often… setting up a schedule for yourself so that you stay on it.

Check out this video of a snail in a dining room!

Favorite miniature you own by another artist? 

AM: We met Mary Ann and Grover Ledyard at a miniature convention this summer. Their company Wright Guide Miniatures is based out of Michigan. They are a couple that create and sell miniature rooms as well as pieces that make up the rooms. We were drawn to the variety of minis they make: from the cutest ice cream cones to a dirty mechanic’s garage. We both picked up some new favorite minis. Mine is a tiny spilled Pepsi cup with little ice cubes scattered and Sam got all of these scientific specimen jars.

What is the most memorable miniature or mini scene you have ever seen by another artist?

SC: I have always been a huge fan of Ray Harryhausen and his use of miniatures in stop motion animation. I have always loved watching the Clash of the Titans, Jason and the Argonauts and the Sinbad movies. They are all super inspiring.

AM: This show I saw in Chicago by this artist Chris Bradley. He made these miniature ceilings of different rooms, suspended from the ceiling of the gallery. I walked through it trying to place myself in all these different locations: a convenient store, an outdoor sporting goods, a club… I love that these little subtle elements could dictate an entire space. I have started gazing off at ceilings in grocery stores or wherever now and I think about the show. I think that’s the power of minis: they often imitate our own environment but in turn make us see our surroundings in a new or different way.

A video posted by @aleia._ on Oct 3, 2016 at 9:14am PDT

What would you like to see replicated in miniature that you have not yet seen?

AM: A heart-shaped hot tub.

Favorite miniaturists?

AM: I just got a piece from Christina Kenton who is based in Vancouver. She makes these incredible lighter sculptures. I am really inspired by her work, as well as mini maker and collector Ambar Navarro based in LA. I love how she incorporates minis into still lifes and video sets.

What’s to come from Aleia Murawski and Samuel Copeland?

AM:  The next thing I want to make with Sam is a miniature funeral home. Also, there will be a snail proposal too.

SC: This year, I have been working on a miniature art gallery with the intent of having friends and fellow artist create miniature works to be shown in the gallery. It is a bit of a longterm project, but I’m hoping to have the gallery finished up sometime in the next month or two.

Anything else you would like to add? 

AM: I’m actually scared of bugs. Snails are a very big exception. They are very dog-like.

Aleia Murawski and Samuel Copeland are both based in Chicago, Illinois. To see more of their collaborations, head on over to Instagram. 

A video posted by @aleia._ on Sep 30, 2016 at 8:08am PDT

The Art and Mystery of the Dollhouse Opens October 14 at the Concord Museum
Exhibition on View at 53 Cambridge Turnpike in Concord, Massachusetts
Friday, October 14, 2016– Sunday, January 15, 2017

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The Art and Mystery of the Dollhouse is a new exhibition opening October 14 at the Concord Museum that will feature a selection of dollhouses from a superb Concord private collection. Works on display include an extremely rare and early dollhouse from 1695, and an array of 19th- and 20th-century doll’s homes from The Strong National Museum of Play. There is even a celebrity doll in attendance – Melissa Shakespeare, the cherished doll of children’s author and illustrator Tasha Tudor. Melissa Shakespeare’s doll wedding was covered in the September 1955 issue of Life magazine.

The mystery of dollhouses is twofold: how they appeal to realists who keenly observe the world around them while at the same time attracting those who embrace the world of imagination. The exhibition explores both facets of dollhouses’ allure.

Special programs will allow visitors to experience the art and the mystery of dollhouses through a hands-on room box-building workshop, story time with dollhouse-inspired crafts, and gallery talks and programs led by specialists in the world of miniatures. These programs include:

The Art and Mystery of the Dollhouse: After School Exhibition Opening for Families
Friday, October 14, 2016, 3PM – 5PM
Join us for an afternoon of treats and hands-on activities during this family-friendly celebration of The Art and Mystery of the Dollhouse. Marvel at the miniature magic of historical dollhouses and create your own stories by playing with a Hape Dollhouse. Included free with Museum admission. Members free.

Gallery Talk: The Art and Mystery of the Dollhouse
Sunday, October 16, 2016, 2PM – 2:30PM
Join Curator David Wood for a first look at The Art and Mystery of the Dollhouse in this twenty-minute gallery talk.

Dollhouse Designers
Thursday, October 20, 2016, 3PM – 5PM
Become a dollhouse interior designer in this drop-in program focusing on furniture and architecture made out of everyday objects. Weave a rug, create a clock, build a mantelpiece, and much more. The only limit is your creativity! Best for ages 8 and up. Included free with Museum admission. Members free.

[Doll]Houses have Stories
Saturday, October 29, 2016, 1PM – 3PM
In this hands-on program led by architects from BSA Space, families will first explore the exhibit The Art and Mystery of the Dollhouse to learn how artisans created dollhouses to tell stories – stories of a place and time, of fashion and interior design, and even of fictional inhabitants. After the tour, families will design a dwelling for their own miniature people’s stories using recycled materials. This family program is designed for parents and children aged 5 to 13. Concord Museum Members, BSA Members, and Friends of BSA Space: $15 per person; Non-Members: $20 per person. Register online at concordmuseum.org, or call 978-369-9763 ext. 216.

Tasha Tudor Family Stories
Saturday, November 05, 2016, 2PM – 3:30PM
Tasha Tudor is one of America’s best-known and beloved illustrators. She illustrated nearly one hundred books, wrote her own stories, and lived a simple life that harkened back to 19th-century New England. The Tudor family continues to share Tasha’s life and work, traditional crafts, and the history behind them at Tasha’s homestead and at The Tasha Tudor Museum, both in Vermont. Join her daughter-in-law Marjorie Tudor for stories about Tasha, their family, Tasha’s doll on display in The Art and Mystery of the Dollhouse, and Marjorie’s work as a marionette and doll maker. $10; Members free. Museum admission included. Reserve a space at concordmuseum.org or call 978-369-9763, ext. 216.

Scenes Made Small
Sunday, November 06, 2016, 1PM – 4PM
Develop and design your own scene for your outdoorsy and adventuring doll! Craft Concord’s famous Walden Pond, your local park, or a favorite hiking path all from fabric. Drop in from 1-4 p.m. Included free with Museum admission. Members free.

Dollhouse Designers
Thursday, November 17, 2016, 3PM – 5PM
Become a dollhouse interior designer in this drop-in program focusing on furniture and architecture made out of everyday objects. Weave a rug, create a clock, build a mantelpiece, and much more. The only limit is your creativity! Best for ages 8 and up. Included free with museum admission. Members free.

Miniature Makers
Saturday, November 19, 2016, 11AM – 4PM
Artists from the International Guild of Miniature Artisans (IGMA) will share their secrets and demonstrate how they make their tiny creations. Watch and learn as miniature furniture, food, needlework, textiles, paintings, and more are created! Included free with Museum admission. Members free.

Gallery Talk: The Art and Mystery of the Dollhouse
Saturday, November 19, 2016, 2PM – 2:30PM
Join Curator David Wood for a closer look at The Art and Mystery of the Dollhouse in this twenty minute gallery talk.

Author and Illustrator Day
Sunday, December 04, 2016, 1PM – 4PM
Meet some of the accomplished authors and illustrators whose books are featured in Family Trees: A Celebration of Children’s Literature, Explore the decorated trees throughout the Museum galleries, and visit with authors and illustrators as they sign your books. The day’s special guest is Winslow Tudor, grandson of beloved author and illustrator Tasha Tudor. Winslow Tudor’s new book, The Tasha Tudor Family Cookbook: Heirloom Recipes and Warm Memories from Corgi Cottage, will be available for purchase, along with the Family Trees featured books, in the Museum Shop. Free with Family Trees admission; Members free. Author availability subject to change.

Scenes Made Small
Sunday, December 11, 2016, 1PM – 4PM
Develop and design your own scene for your outdoorsy and adventuring doll! Craft Concord’s famous Walden Pond, your local park, or a favorite hiking path all from fabric. Program included with museum admission. Members free.

Dollhouse Designers
Thursday, December 15, 2016, 3PM – 5PM
Become a dollhouse interior designer in this drop-in program focusing on furniture and architecture made out of everyday objects. Weave a rug, create a clock, build a mantelpiece, and much more. The only limit is your creativity! Best for ages 8 and up. Included free with museum admission. Members free.

The Art and Mystery of the Dollhouse is made possible by loans from The Strong National Museum of Play, the Family of Tasha Tudor, and a private collector. Sponsors for The Art and Mystery of the Dollhouse are Middlesex Savings Bank (presenting sponsor) and Newbury Court (corporate sponsor).

The Concord Museum is where all of Concord’s remarkable past is brought to life through an inspiring collection of historical, literary, and decorative arts treasures. Renowned for the 1775 Revere lantern and Henry Thoreau’s Walden desk, the Concord Museum is home to a nationally significant collection of American decorative arts, including clocks, furniture, and silver. Founded in 1886, the Museum is a gateway to historic Concord for visitors from around the world and a vital cultural resource for the town and the region. Visit concordmuseum.org to learn more. Follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest updates!

 

Miniatures by Rebecca Smith of Smiths Little Things

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What’s your earliest memory with fine arts?

I was always the “art student” throughout my schooling years. I went on to study visual arts at university and following that, I became a secondary school art and media teacher. At this point, time for my own passions was in short supply and my own art practice was put on hold for a while. However, on my recent maternity leave, I was able to experiment with my art practice further. This led to the concept of ballpoint pen miniatures — drawings I could create whilst the baby was asleep. Now, back at work, I have continued this practice.

How did the idea for miniature drawings come about? 

For a long time, I have been interested in pushing the boundaries of ordinary materials. This led me to experimenting with photorealistic pen drawings. I then wanted to push the boundaries further by creating photorealistic miniatures with an ordinary BIC ballpoint pen.

What is your favorite type of miniature drawing to make?

I am inspired by the natural world and therefore enjoy drawing animals and nature. Furry animals are particularly satisfying to draw with a pen.

What is the most challenging aspect of your miniature drawing? 

None of my drawings exceed a 40mm circle and I have to use a magnifying glass for the tiny details. It is difficult to get tone from a ballpoint pen, especially in such small areas. Also, when mistakes are made with pen, you cannot erase them and have to start the artwork again. I am a perfectionist and have drawn some of my miniatures several times before being happy with them.

Who are some of your favorite artists or designers?

I am inspired by the work of Ricky Swallow. He brings the still life tradition to life with his meticulously sculpted woodcarvings. The etchings and aquatints of Melbourne printmaker, Kyoko Imazu, are really beautiful. Her animal prints are incredibly detailed and have a childlike innocence to them. Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer created animal paintings and prints, which are also inspiring in their detail and technique. He was one of the first artists to view animals as a worthy subject.

What advice would you give to new artists?

Don’t be scared to put yourself out there. Be confident in what you are doing. Find an area or idea that interests you and focus on it. You want your audience to be able to identify your artwork as yours.

What’s to come from Rebecca Smith?

I am currently developing my website which will feature my ballpoint pen miniatures as well as limited edition prints of these drawings. Keep an eye out!

Smiths Little Things was created by Rebecca Smith of Melbourne, Australia. See what she’s been drawing lately on Instagram!

 

A photo posted by The Daily Miniature (@dailymini) on Sep 14, 2016 at 10:24am PDT

Miniatures by Edi Oliveira Merez of Ideias & Coisas – arte em miniaturas

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What was the first miniature you created?

My first miniature was a kitchen setting made of paper.

How did you first get started making miniature orchids?

I started making miniature orchids when I accompanied my husband to an event of an orchid-related group that he attended. I made an orchid as a prize for a raffle they were organizing.

And what type of orchid was the miniature prize?

It was an Asian orchid, Vanda, which I made in 2011.

What is your favorite type of miniature orchid to make?

I like the Brazilian Cattleya Walkeriana.

What is the most challenging aspect of your work with miniatures in porcelain?

The most challenging aspect is to make the details of the lip in a flower.

Tell us a bit about your passion for orchids. How does orchidophilia influence your work?

What enchants me about orchids is the variety of colors, shapes and perfumes, with more than 33 thousand species in the world.

Orchidophilia has full influence on my work, because I need to be constantly researching its forms, substrate, vase, observing every detail of the flowers, textures, bulbs, roots and leaves. From this meticulous observation, I make the miniature orchid, and it is not so simple.

Do you have many real orchids in your studio?

Yes, we cultivate lots of orchids next to my workshop and whenever I have any doubts about a particular form or color, I can visually examine an orchid to get a real example.

What is your favorite type of orchid?

I like the Brazilian hybrid “Cattleya Durigan,” the one with dots.

What advice would you give to new artists and beginner miniaturists?

• Analyze what you want to portray or replicate as a miniature. Look at it with no hurry. Take note of every subtle detail, then attempt to replicate it.
• Never, never be satisfied with the result, always push for perfection.
• Be humble, self-criticism is important! And lots of patience too.
• Always ask yourself if your work could be confused with reality.

Do you collect miniatures?

Yes, lots of them.

Favorite miniature you own by another artist or have made yourself? *

I own a miniature from Sergio Macedo Netto, which I quite like.

What inspires you?

A love for nature and craftsmanship.

What is your hope for the field of miniatures?

As in other sectors of society, this industry should have means for inclusion. There are thousands of good artists in less developed countries, and by promoting such inclusion would increase market growth. How to do this? Through contests, awarding the best works (IGMA fills this role, but not quite all members are able to participate and study). The media in this segment in general (blogs, websites, magazines, etc.) could contribute a lot in the process, by granting exposure to lesser known artists.

To expand the industry, in my opinion, the artists in their own segments (food, clothing, flowers, etc.) should direct their work to consumers outside the collector sphere. For example, I have two audiences: miniaturists and orchid growers. For orchid growers, I make projects related to their universe on a larger scale, and it has opened a market whose clients include associations. I’ve received proposals worldwide from stores to sell my work.

Favorite miniature artisans?

Hiroyuki Kimura, Beth Freeman-Kane, and Sergio Macedo Netto.

Favorite flowers or plants you’d like to mention?

Yes, I really like Bonsai.

What would you like to see replicated in miniature that you have not yet seen?

A mountainous landscape.

Why miniatures? 

The best part of making miniatures is to create and learn different ways of doing things.

What’s to come from ideias & coisas miniaturas?

I’m working on a project for a client: a greenhouse, which will have orchids, and some animals that I’ll make myself.

I intend to create a series of small scenes depicting orchids in their habitats.

I am also developing some realistic animals.

Words you live by?

I like a quote from Deepak Chopra: “Try the absurd and you’ll do the impossible.”

Other activities you enjoy?

I love furniture restoration and recycling.

What do you want miniature fans to know about you?

To make an orchid, I have to model by hand each separate part and then assemble the whole thing. In my work, each piece is unique, every model is made by hand, even the flowerpots. I use makeshift cutters that I make myself from soda cans, and for every new orchid, I make a new cutter. The time it takes to develop a piece is an average of six to eight hours.

I put a lot of love in my work and I believe that every person who gets a piece receives a portion of that love.

Ideias & Coisas – arte em miniaturas was created by Edi Oliveira Merez of São Paulo, Brazil. To see more of her miniatures, visit the ideias e coisas website, follow along on Facebook, check out Pinterest, or see what’s new on YouTube.

A photo posted by The Daily Miniature (@dailymini) on Sep 16, 2016 at 12:34pm PDT

Miniatures by Sergio Macedo Netto

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What’s your earliest memory with miniatures?

Actually, I already made models of houses, buildings, planes, helicopters with paper, glue and ink in my childhood, in the 1980s. But since 1990, (when I was 16 years old) I began to work with better materials like plastics, metal and wood. Around 1990 I also thought to make replicas of real objects in accurate scale. I made a vacuum cleaner, insecticide bottle, guitar, bike, and, of course, airplanes and helicopters (love these machines).

How did you first get started making miniatures? 

I’ve been interested in making my own toys since my childhood. I liked toys you had to assemble, like HERING RASTI (similar to LEGO in the 80s), Revell (I built kits of planes and helicopters). I also built cities in paper, using glue, scissors and cut pieces of Starfix to put in the windows of the buildings, to shine in the dark.

Do you remember the first miniature you ever made? 

I remember making a building… it was a replica of the Government Palace of São Paulo out of paper. But this model became damaged with time. I made this work in 1983, when I was 9 years old.

What is your favorite type of miniature to make?

I like to carve miniatures. Materials like wood, wax, jarina (a kind of seed), and resins are good for it.

What is the most challenging miniature to make? 

I guess the most difficult miniature was the bedside table with drawers and a key that opens and closes. It was difficult because of the key mechanism.

What is your favorite type of wood to use for miniature making?

In Portuguese: Pau marfim (clear wood), easily found in Brazil. I also like to work with Imbuia (dark wood). Both of them are hard and compact woods. The fibers are small, in accordance with 1:12 scale.

What advice would you give to new artists and beginner miniaturists? 

Work focused. Be faithful with your vocation. Be true. Money is consequence. The market is global. It’s good to meet people around the world and to trade miniatures. Have patience. You can live in any place in the world. Don’t worry if your city, province, or country is poor or rich. Don’t fear!

Favorite miniature you own by another artist?

I don’t own miniatures of other artists yet. Actually, I’m not a collector.

Favorite miniature you have made yourself? 

The Capoeira is the most expensive work that I have made. I also enjoy the miniature violin. It’s a unique piece.

How did you become involved with the International Guild of Miniature Artisans (IGMA)?

I became involved with IGMA in 2015. I had heard about IGMA before, but now I think that I’m prepared to show my recent works to the best artists in the world.

Can you tell us a bit about your experience with Guild School 2016?

I went to the Guild School for the first time on a scholarship. My friend Evelyne Martin, a Guild Member, encouraged me to participate. I agreed and I went. I needed to find a way of improving my work with miniatures. I needed to know the market, to meet people in this field. Here, in Brazil, I work alone. There are miniature artists in my country, but for the most part, they make simple works. There isn’t a partnership opportunity to gain knowledge. All the things that I do, I learned alone.

At the Guild School, I learned to work with pottery. I took class with Jon Almeda, a young man with the wisdom of an older master. I understood very well, despite the fact I don’t speak English that well. Jon had patience with me throughout the week.

I loved the organization and professionalism of IGMA. All aspects are taken very seriously. I saw that “miniature is not hobby; it is a profession.” I desire to make miniatures for a living. Today, it’s impossible. But if I meet people around the world and those in the global market, I believe it will be possible from now on.

Every job well done inspires me to do better. Any type of work. I saw this throughout the United States. After Castine, I went to New York for a few days, but it was enough to see this too. I realized that American people want to know “Who am I” and “what do I do?” more than they want to know “where am I from?”

Most memorable miniature you have ever seen?

I love many boxes of tools made by William R. Robertson.

What is your hope for the field of miniatures? 

I hope one day we can work in partnership with other IGMA members. Like companies collaborate with one another. For example, SHIMANO offers components of high quality to factories that build bicycles like Trek, Giant, and Specialized. At Guild School, I learned and saw that each artist is specialized in one kind of miniature. I can offer an accessory to other artists too, like furniture for a hall or room. I would one day like to make works of art for a Museum of Miniatures, too.

I saw that countries with cold weather are more propitious to work with miniatures. Beside having culture and money, the temperate climate is an important component to this characteristic. So, I can say that the US, Canada, England, Germany, Spain, and Japan are examples of countries in which miniatures have worth.

In hot countries, like Brazil, and many countries of Africa and Asia, the people want to play soccer, ride a bike, go to the beach on the weekends, and vacation. The problem isn’t only lack of money in these countries. Here, in Brazil, there are a lot of rich people, but these people love to own cars, houses, trips, helicopters. It’s another culture!

Favorite miniature artisans?

I admire woodwork and metalwork of William R. Robertson. I also admire the many silver objects by Pete Acquisto and Dmitri Shevchenko. I can’t forget the miniature animals made by Kerri Pajutee, furniture by David Iriarte, pottery by Jon Almeda, glasses by Winesiam.

What would you like to see replicated in miniature that you have not yet seen?

Sophisticated furnitures like that of Abraham (1711-1793) and David Roentgen (1743 -1807).

I would also like to see Baroque figures carved in wood. Figures out of gold leaf. And little figures out of ivory, or jarina as a substitute, for decorating halls and rooms. I think that I can work with this market niche. All of these incorporate carved material.

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

I love all things that fit into the palm of my hand. Miniatures are actually toys for adults. With miniatures, I also pay attention to the mechanism of the real pieces. I realize that woodwork, metalwork, carved work, and all handmade works in real original pieces are very important for life, at all times. I learn that all kind of work is important, we must valorize the work of other people. Our society is a mechanism of people and works, like a watch.

What’s to come from Sergio Netto?

I intend to make a wooden tea cart, with wheels that work.

Words you live by?

God is watching everything I do. Parts that do not appear must be made with the same care of parts that are visible. Part is as the whole.

Favorite miniature quote? 

God is in the details.

Other activities you enjoy?

Yes. I love to go biking and running around my city. I also practice sports.

What do you want miniature fans to know about you?

I’d like to highlight: Every person can be a specialized component in this watch of the life. The most difficult is to find the right place. Just now, I’m 42 years old, and I’m finding my place. I hope to find it definitely.

What’s something that people don’t know about you?

I was healed of a problem without scientific explanation: I had behaviors worthy of autism in childhood. I started talking when I was 4 years old, although I was literate at five years old (my literacy was very fast, according to my teacher at that time). I got out of psychiatric treatment when I was 8 years old. My difficulty in socializing with other people has been decreasing over time, to adulthood. It was very gradual. While all of these things happened, I learned to build toys, models, and make drawings. I discovered and improved my skills. If it was different, maybe I’d not be an artist. Today, I don’t suffer anything at all! I can say now that I will learn to speak better English at 42 years of age.

Sergio Macedo Netto (SM) creates miniatures out of São Paulo, Brazil. To see more of his work, have a look on Facebook and Instagram.

violin by @sergiomnetto. this miniaturist loves to carve works of art out of all sorts of materials. 🎻 http://bit.ly/sergiomacedo

A photo posted by The Daily Miniature (@dailymini) on Sep 12, 2016 at 1:47pm PDT