Want to make life more manageable? These miniature artists have found the answer.
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Hi, Art!

Sunday, February 13, 2022

Hi, Art!

Sunday, February 13, 2022

Hi, art lovers!

 

I’m thinking small this week, and it’s all because of a new reality show on CBC Gem. Best in Miniature premiered Friday, and like every creative competition series since the dawn of Project Runway, this one follows the standard format. Expect episodic challenges, dazzling creations cranked out at dizzying speed, and voice-overs that boast 3.2 dad jokes per minute. 

The twist is right there in the title. This one’s about miniatures and the artists who make them. Their challenge: furnish every room in a custom dollhouse (which they’ve also built themselves, no big deal). The competitors hail from the U.K. and North America, and a few of the Canadians — of which there are many — may be familiar to you. Way back in 2018, CBC Arts met Calgary’s Tom Brown and made this video about the treats coming out of his tiny kitchen. More recently, CBC Nova Scotia profiled Truro-based artist Susan Mattinson. Or maybe — like more than 73,000 other horror fans — you’ve been following @monstresss (Susete Saraiva) forever. 

If you need a few little teasers before starting the binge, here’s where you can watch the trailer. The show’s collected a batch of must-see moments from the show as well. Here’s more info on the series.

And because we promised you eye candy ...

 
Photo of tiny furniture: pink velvet scallop armchair, a terazzo side table, three woven baskets, embroidered throw cushions and an armoire opened to reveal more pillows.

@honey.thistle/Instagram

After watching the first episode of Best in Miniature, I got started on this story about mini makers and why they do the things they do. Toronto artist Wei Xu is included in the mix. She’s a big fan of animated films like Coraline, and looking at her minis it’s no wonder. They’re just a shade more whimsical than most of the ultrarealistic replicas you’ll find on Instagram.

 
Photo of a miniature version of a living room furnished with shelf, desk, TV and various home decor items.

@okay.minis/Instagram

Aubrey Srnec is another Toronto-based miniaturist who features in the story. For a while, Aubrey was replicating everything in her tiny (full-size) apartment, right down to framed prints by other Toronto artists. (I see you, Secret Planet poster!)
 
Photo of a replica of the Silver Snail storefront, a comic shop in Toronto.

@urthlings/Instagram

Everyone in the article was interior-obsessed, but there are heaps of miniature artists who are big on exteriors instead. Tracy Ealdama is all about Canadian nostalgia, and I love how she pays homage to some of Toronto’s humbler disappearing landmarks. 
 
Photo of a model of LA bar Tiki Ti shot on an all black backdrop

Small Scale LA

In the States, Kieran Wright is doing something similar with his project Small Scale LA.
 
Photo of a mini diorama installed inside a gap in a brick wall.

@tinkysonntag/Instagram

And then there are the miniaturists who install their stuff into actual storefronts — or whatever outdoor space they can hack. This teensy tongue-in-cheek installation is by Melbourne street artist Tinky. 
 
Photo of a mini all-red room in the style of a love motel heart-shape jacuzzi. A snail perches at the top of the tub.

@aleia/Instagram

Finally, here is a miniature scene from the internet’s foremost snail enthusiast Aleia Murawski. Slime feeling those Valentine vibes.
 
 

You've got to see this

 
 
 
Photo of a miniature wood credenza topped with potted plants. A human hand extends from the left of the screen
@honey.thistle/Instagram

Sweat the small stuff

 
Want to make life more manageable? These miniature artists have found the answer.
 
Photo of Valerie Lemercier in character as Celine Dion in performance.
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James Cameron, a middle-aged bearded white man wearing a tuxedo, raises his arms aloft (while holding an Oscar statuette) and appears to yell.

Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images

 

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Follow this artist

 
 
 
Instagram

Roxanne Brathwaite

@suitecitywoman
Photo of a living room in miniature. A red couch is placed in front of a stacked bookshelf. A tufted rug bearing a yellow and red CBC gem is on the floor.

@suitecitywoman/Instagram

I can’t wrap the newsletter without sharing this absolute gem of a mini-rug! See more from Roxanne on Best in Miniature.
 

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I’m Leah Collins, senior writer at CBC Arts. Until next time!

 
XOXO CBC Arts
XOXO CBC Arts
 
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