I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Mine was quiet. A romantic stay at home celebration with Milt. Relaxing and a well needed break from an overwhelming schedule.
My favorite part of this work is photographing and editing the pics. Photographing miniatures is challenging and I love challenges aiming to improve, learn and grow. It's another creative avenue that I enjoy. A huge, big part of shooting is setting up the scene. Deciding the floor, and wall treatments and my most favorite is dressing the scene or pieces with accessories. I find the accessories give the "room" or piece depth, layers and interest.
Now through the years I have collected my own pieces from artists I adore. I began collecting 21 years ago. About 19 years ago it was the original Art Director of the Carol and Barry Kaye Museum of Miniatures Paula Pasic Tillinghast that was a great help to me. Although others try to take credit, it was Paula who was instrumental in sharing technique, info and resources. Paula was one of the most talented artists ever known. She had a calm, stable, sensible personality with tough shoes to fill. There is no other like her with talent beyond comprehension. She was responsible for the entire museum designs and displays from day One of its conception, museum opening and for many years following.
It was Paula who introduced me to the who's who and what's what of the mini world. (Paula was also a curator for the Walt Disney Family, aiding in the conservation of Walt Disney's miniatures and personal memorabilia; as a busy freelance interior miniature designer; as a Director of an exhibit on the history of miniatures; and as a painter and fine artist.) We lost this incredibly talented woman in 2011 to cancer at the young age of 54, but her legacy and contribution to the preservation of the art of miniatures will be with us forever.
Above: Paula Pasic Tillinghast
Paula introduced me to a floral artist Marie Petrik at a mini show in Anaheim Ca. I purchased a gorgeous little basket of hydrangeas. Later in 2000 at the Chicago International show Marie's table was next to mine. What a treat! I think I spent more time at her table than my own. I just could not decide and eventually purchased a glass vase with roses.
Marie and I became friends. A fellow New Yorker, personality plus. I always love her energy, her happy big laughter. She a riot, warm, talented and awesome. Believe me, I love so many floral artists and think they are amazing too. But I met Marie in my early years of miniature work and this makes her special to me.
Marie Petrik
Marie will tell you, I'm always yelling at her to get on the Internet, a web site, a fb page, something... She smacks me on the arm, yells back "I'm busy" HAHAHAHA ... love that New Yorker she makes me smile just writing about her. So finally Marie is now on Facebook ...thank heaven above!
Now that Marie is on fb, she goes through my mini pics and writes on my fan page....
You see... I've been using those 2 florals arrangements I purchased from Marie 18 years ago in practically every mini photo! And to be honest I never realized how much! But how can I help myself? 18 years and these little pieces are my treasures. I love them. They are timeless and beautiful 18 years later. So now you're in on the joke.... Yes the rose vase AND the hydrangea basket ARE MY MASCOT!
The Mascot: Rose vase by Marie Petrik ....
The hydrangeas ......
At the Good Sam show 2013 my wonderful Marie attended and her table was close to mine. Of course I had to have the yellow Lilly's and this sweet hydrangeas in terra cotta pot. They will grace my mini photos and my personal collection for the next 18 years. "Thanks Marie! ... Now could you please get a blog?"