There are worlds dedicated to any interest you can think of. There are very deep rabbit-holes in any hobby or pastime. For example…
Besides fiction writing, for my size-fantasy interests, I wanted to experiment with photography. I went to a dollhouse craft shop to look for furniture that would look good in a close-up shot. Instead, the clerk tried to talk me into making my own furniture. She told me that miniature furniture makers charter their own cruise and go for a days-long excursion, talking shop and selling their work.
That was a bit beyond my interest. Instead, I looked around online and found some interesting miniature work, from Miniatur Wunderland in Germany to all the international “tiny kitchen” cooking shows on YouTube. I also reached out to some miniaturists who work in polymer clay to recreate realistic-looking food and mise en scene. Thanks to Google Translate, here are some of my conversations (more coming in the next few days).
Bakssang, South Korea
Aborigen: I really admire your work! How did you get started in making miniatures? How long have you been doing this?
Bakssang: Thank you for looking at my work. The reason I started working on miniatures… I don’t recall. I was probably bored and just started to practice it. I got started in 2011.
Aborigen: I know you’ve been working with miniature food for a long time, but I see you’ve started making your own pottery, bowls, and plates. What made you break into this area?
Bakssang: I didn’t like having to buy little dishes every time I made miniature food, so I thought I’d build a little pottery studio near my house. There’s no special reason…
Aborigen: That’s a good enough reason. Other artists experience the same need, but I’ve heard it’s difficult to get started with this. Your pottery is very beautiful! Have you thought about selling it online?
Bakssang: I never sell my work. As a mother of a young child, I don’t have enough time to make enough to sell. It’s just fun for me to make my own pottery, but if I started selling it, I think I’d lose my inspiration.
Instagram: miniaturefood_baksang
Nao, Japan
Aborigen: I’d like to know how you got started making miniature food.
Nao: I taught myself! I felt like using resin clay to make miniature food.
Aborigen: Your work is very impressive. How did you decide to make food?
Nao: I’ve been interested in food samples for a long time. I enjoy working with clay to make miniatures.
Aborigen: Have you thought about making plates, glasses, or furniture?
Nao: Furniture’s difficult to do with clay. I’ll take up that challenge after my skill has improved.
Aborigen: How long have you been making miniatures?
Nao: I’m still in my first year of making things! I just work on it by looking at things.
Aborigen: You must have a natural gift for this. Who is your favorite artist?
Nao: Anyone who works in miniatures is deserving of respect!
Instagram: naox1116
Aborigen 