Like a rogue jet stream taking a flight off course, Covid-19 is sending some of us to lands previously unknown. That’s how I got here. Miniature Installation Suite #2 (MIS#2) is now complete (you can read about Miniature Installation Suite #1 here) and now this 1:12 scale work is something I’ll be adding to my wheelhouse.
I thought it would be a one-and-done deal after the first Installation but the social media reception was positive and encouraging. And frankly, I was hooked. Other than reimagining full-scale vintage and antique furniture for my company Hollis Newton on the weekends, I couldn’t think of anything else constructively I’d rather be doing with months of Saturdays wide open due to the Covid-19 lockdown.
A few notes about MIS#2. While MIS#1 was all about trying a variety of things, MIS#2 was about scaling back on the number of miniatures to allow for more visual breathing space and viewer interpretation. I still tried a few new things like replicating some iconic vintage pieces, namely the Robin Day Sofa and the Pierre Guariche coffee table. I also tried my hand at a miniature Beni Ourain rug and mudcloth pillows.
Shortly after finishing my first piece for the installation, Black Lives Matter protesters around the globe took to the street to march against incidents of police brutality and all racially motivated violence against Black, Indigenous and other people of colour. It’s a matter that I’ve always been concerned about by virtue of my skin tone to start, but this time the movement just felt different. Amidst the sadness and grief there was also hope. I wanted to pay tribute to the lives of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd by including their portraits in this installation. Tragically there are so many more senselessly lost lives that would cover the walls of any national art gallery.
I also wanted to give a hat tip to Gordon Parks, Nina Simone and Thelonious Monk. I included miniature versions of their biographies, and in Gordon Parks case, a retrospective of his work. Each of these artists, along with many others of their era, used their platform to advocate for change during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s. I’ve always had great admiration for artists that link social movements with their artistic expression.
And one final note. This new medium has introduced me to some wonderful artists and craftspeople. I included their Instagram accounts below and hope to add to the list as time goes on.
https://www.instagram.com/beckywareingsteele/
https://www.instagram.com/chelseamakes/
https://www.instagram.com/margiecriner/
Beautiful work. I’m not sure why, but these miniatures touch me — far deeper than I could have predicted, or expected. Particularly, the books and paintings on the wall are so inspiring. Thanks for doing this, and sharing.
Much appreciated Dee. I’m glad you found it inspiring. It’s probably the only piece of work I’ve done where I ran the gamut of emotions with some pieces, particularly the portraits and the painted rendition of my photo series: Treasure Drawer.
Thank you Roxanne for these contemplative, inviting spaces…magnificent, mighty, miniature interiors…I want to move into. X
You’re very welcome Cate. So glad you found it a contemplative and inviting space. That was definitely two of my objectives.
12:1 scaled w/a 1:1 strength that is unless one steps back to the far sight!
MIS#s 1 & 2 (I’m looking Fwd to the future neighbor of the MIS#3 …probably a few minions & minlings? ..”I Love This” detailing!
..Not to mention, the acknowledged inspirations & credited icons synonymously identifiable w/the varying fractions of your priceless work_a feel that inflates every time this work is viewed, making for a (confession) totally counterproductive pause to the attention the hypnotic view demands!
Thank Cuz! Much love, much respect! XO
Amazing. I was particularly taken by the detail of the flower pots and the rugs.
Keep up the good work. Looking forward to seeing more minis!
Thank you Bev! I will definitely be making more!
You are truly brilliant. The mini book covers are amazing. How did you reprint them so small??? Your weaving is exceptional!!!
Awwhhhh, thanks Cuz! For the books and magazines, I first reduce the covers to a 1:12 scale, then print. I then glue to covers to an actual-size magazine, lining up the spines. Then I cut them out using a T-square ruler. In the end I have a miniature book or magazine with actual pages. XO
I’ve been making 1:12 miniatures for almost 40 years. it just thrills me to see such a modern, relevant interpretation. There is so much to appreciate and contemplate. I am always intrigued by others choices in artwork and books, and am inspired to learn more. This is an inspiring space, where I would enjoy spending time. Thank you!
Hi Tara,
Sorry I’m just seeing your message now! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment! I would love to see your work! I’m humbled and happy you found the space inspiring. A contemplative space was definitely my goal here. If you are in the Toronto area, I will be doing a window display in January called “3 Miniature Suites” as part of DesignTo. In each I will be raising awareness to 3 social issues that have been impacted by Covid-19. I’ll also be writing about it here so please revisit!