Miniatures by Genziana Bellè
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How did you first get started in miniatures?
I discovered miniatures in the late eighties when I was traveling in the States. Miniatures were fairly unknown in Italy at that time. When I came back home, I tried to make something on my own.
How has your work evolved over the years?
I have been making miniatures for over 25 years. I began making petit point works on silk gauze, as well as wicker baskets and miniature flowers. Now, I have almost completely given up embroidery, but I keep on creating baskets and flowers in 1:12 and 1:48 scale.
What materials do you use to make your miniatures?
I use silk gauze, silk or cotton thread for the petit point; linen thread and paper-covered wire to make my miniature baskets; different kinds of paper and paper-covered wire to make flowers.
Advice for beginner miniaturists?
My advice is to take inspiration from the real world, not from miniatures already made by other artists. You will need patience, the desire to learn techniques used in 1:1 scale in order to adapt these skills for miniature making. You’ll also need the courage to throw away and remake your miniatures until you have achieved your desired level of proficiency.
Tool you can’t live without?
I can’t live without very good lighting, a magnifying glass, my fine tweezers for watchmakers, and only the best quality materials.
Favorite miniature you own by another artist?
My favorite works are 1:12 furniture miniatures that my father made for me.
What inspires you?
I love books about embroidery, baskets, antiquing, and furnishing. I also take inspiration from the real world in order to achieve miniatures that reflect my personality.
What is the most memorable miniature you have seen by another artist?
The most memorable to me is not a single miniature but the exhibition of Mrs. Ingeborg Riesser‘s miniature collection that I saw in Paris in 1994.
Why miniatures?
I like miniatures because making smaller items is a challenge, and also because the smaller size allows me to collect items that I couldn’t keep at home… they don’t take up much space!
Upcoming miniatures in the works?
At the moment, I’m working on new baskets inspired from real ones, as always, and some new flowers. I’ll also be attending the Simp Miniature Show in Paris to check out work by other artisans.
Other activities you enjoy?
I love to travel and observe the world around me. I also enjoy 1:1 scale embroidery very much.
Genziana Bellè lives in Italy. To see more of her lovely work in miniature, head on over to Facebook.
