Artist Inspired to Reimagine Iconic Television Studio Set in Miniature

Artist Jill Orlov is a classically trained and award-winning architect, sculptural furniture designer and innovative miniaturist. Her creations use mild steel she makes by hand along with cast metals and reclaimed objects including vintage wooden drawers, plumbing parts, and other items often considered to be castaways.

Jill was inspired by iconic pop culture television studio sets to reimagine their environments, as one-twelfth scale shadowboxes, for the newest exhibition of fine art miniatures: THOSE WERE THE DAYS.

This concept of creating “reimagined” spaces extends into her Contained Objects of Art series of 1/12th scale miniature vignettes, and not only includes inspiration from Julia Child's Kitchen, but from The Brady Bunch and All in the Family as well.

The vignette, made almost entirely of metal (except for the books, glassware and spices) includes a draped copper mesh table cloth, copper pots, steel appliances and cabinetry. One can almost hear Ms. Child herself tell us to just "add a little bit more butter."

The piece, which took hundreds of hours to create, is housed in a vintage shipping crate and contains under counter/cabinet LED lighting for a wonderful moody effect.

Julia's Kitchen in a Box 20-1/4" wide x 10-1/4" deep x 12-5/8" tall

THOSE WERE THE DAYS is based on the concept developed by Darren T. Scala, curator of the The Gallery at D. Thomas Fine Miniatures. “Like so many who came of age in the 1970s’s, Jill and I have deep creative and artistic connections to the television shows we watched. We have created this exhibition to display the continuing influence of 1970’s pop icon television on art, design, the decorative arts and contemporary culture. I am thrilled to showcase Jill’s amazing work!” says Scala.

THOSE WERE THE DAYS will be on view from May 21 through July 31 in the Gallery at D. Thomas Fine Miniatures. Click here for inquiries and more information, visit us in the Gallery or click here to purchase.

Check out our 3-part podcast series posted on our You Tube channel to listen to our interview with Ms. Orlov.

ABOUT D. THOMAS FINE MINIATURES

D. Thomas Fine Miniatures is a retail and gallery destination featuring top quality collectibles including 1/12th scale structure, furniture and accessories. The concept, designed to appeal to collectors, crafters and enthusiasts was created, in part, to raise awareness of miniatures as a decorative art form and to introduce the discipline not only to a new generation but to those who may just be discovering it! The gallery space showcases work in miniature by well-known artists from all over the world.

Follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest and contact us here!

Wee#Resist: Big Message. Small Art.

The Gallery at D. Thomas Fine Miniatures is pleased to present, “WEE#RESIST: Miniaturists Confront Cultural Fears and Provide Commentary on an Unstable World,” featuring current cultural perspectives from 12 miniaturists from across the globe.

This new exhibition, guest curated by Dr. Louise Krasniewicz (Department of Anthropology, University of Pennsylvania), will explore the growing issues, challenges, and controversies facing all people as we move together through this period of uncertainty. The collection will be on display June 18 through September 15, 2017 in Westchester County, New York.

Camilla Hällgren Little Sweden Art

For several years Mr. Scala, proprietor of D. Thomas Fine Miniatures, and Dr. Krasniewicz have been collaborating to expand awareness of the miniature art form by promoting interest in the concepts and techniques of miniature production and by exploring the history of miniatures as an enduring mode of expression.

The concept for WEE#RESIST was borne from their ongoing discussions of the numerous changes to the current cultural climate and world landscape and how they, like so many individuals, felt powerless to effect change.

Thomas Doyle/Thomas Doyle Art

“The use of the miniature art form to enlighten, enrich, and serve as a reflection of cultural themes has existed for centuries. Miniatures compel us to focus in on a subject, explore intricacies and techniques used for their creation, and challenge us to think, question, and react” says Scala. “Louise and I created WEE#RESIST to provide a space for many talented artists to express their opinions through the use of the miniature form to inspire dialogue.

Flyover by Nix + Gerber

Works selected for inclusion in WEE#RESIST were based on criteria that include artistic originality, integrity, superior technique, and the ability to inspire future thought and discussion. “We received proposals from many prominent, gifted artists working in miniature scale from across the US and as far away as Brazil, Sweden, and Syria. Our mission is for these selected works to become a collective voice to raise awareness, motivate critical thought, and inspire us to call for positive change,” says Krasniewicz.

Louise Krasniewicz

Using a broad range of media including diorama, metal, photography, clay, and mixed media, the impressive roster of artists participating in WEE#RESIST include: Althea Crome, Thomas Doyle, Camilla Hallgren, William Kass, Louise Krasniewicz, Issam Kourbaj, Mackenzie McAlpin, Nix + Gerber, Pat O’Brien, Jill Orlov, and Diana Maria Rossi and Lauren Carly Shaw.

“Kathleen (Gerber) and I were proud to create an original diorama for WEE#RESIST,” says Lori Nix of Nix + Gerber Studio. “Our entry, "Flyover Country," provides a glimpse of rural life which is often under-appreciated, misunderstood, and often ideologically at odds with itself. It is these beautiful and complicated battlegrounds that are desperately needed for society to succeed.

Mackenzie McAlpin

WEE#RESIST will run from June 18 to September 15, 2017 in the Gallery at D. Thomas Fine Miniatures in the historic Moviehouse Mews in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. Mr. Scala and Dr. Krasniewicz will host a special open house reception/meet the artists on Sunday, June 18, 2017 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM and will include an exhibit overview and discussion beginning at 3:00 PM.

To learn more about WEE#RESIST please visit here and to RSVP for the open house reception, please email here or call Mr. Scala at 914-231-9871.

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ABOUT D. THOMAS FINE MINIATURES

D. Thomas Fine Miniatures is a retail and gallery destination featuring top quality collectibles including 1/12th scale structure, furniture and accessories. The concept, designed to appeal to collectors, crafters and enthusiasts was created, in part, to raise awareness of miniatures as a decorative art form and to introduce the discipline not only to a new generation but to those who may just be discovering it! The gallery space showcases work in miniature by well-known artists from all over the world.

Follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest and contact us here!

Iconic Brady Brunch-Inspired Living Room Reimagined in Small Scale by Jill Orlov

Artist Jill Orlov is a classically trained and award-winning architect, sculptural furniture designer and innovative miniaturist. Her creations use mild steel she makes by hand along with cast metals and reclaimed objects including vintage wooden drawers, plumbing parts, and other items often considered to be castaways.

Jill was inspired by iconic pop culture television studio sets to reimagine their environments, as one-twelfth scale shadowboxes, for the newest exhibition of fine art miniatures: THOSE WERE THE DAYS.

This concept of creating “reimagined” spaces extends into her Contained Objects of Art series of 1/12th scale miniature vignettes, and not only includes inspiration from The Brady Bunch but All in the Family and Julia Child's Kitchen as well.

The iconic modern metal staircase centered in the living room of the fictional television family home is the centerpiece for "The Brady Stair in a Box". The shadowbox also includes well-known (to fans, at least) storyline props like the vase ("Mom always said, 'Don't play ball in the house!'") and the bronze horse statue which adorns the credenza of drawers in the forefront.

The piece, which took hundreds of hours to create, also includes a number of live air plants which add a whole new layer of realism to the vignette.

Brady Bunch Stair in a Box 17-1/4" wide x 7-1/2" deep x 15-3/4" tall

THOSE WERE THE DAYS is based on the concept developed by Darren T. Scala, curator of the The Gallery at D. Thomas Fine Miniatures. “Like so many who came of age in the 1970s’s, Jill and I have deep creative and artistic connections to the television shows we watched. We have created this exhibition to display the continuing influence of 1970’s pop icon television on art, design, the decorative arts and contemporary culture. I am thrilled to showcase Jill’s amazing work!” says Scala.

THOSE WERE THE DAYS will be on view from May 21 through July 31 in the Gallery at D. Thomas Fine Miniatures. An Open House celebration and artist reception was held on Sunday May 21 and guests were able to chat and interact with Ms. Orlov.

Click here for inquiries and more information, visit us in the Gallery or click here to purchase.

Check out our 3-part Podcast posted on our You Tube channel for our interview with Ms. Orlov.

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ABOUT D. THOMAS FINE MINIATURES

D. Thomas Fine Miniatures is a retail and gallery destination featuring top quality collectibles including 1/12th scale structure, furniture and accessories. The concept, designed to appeal to collectors, crafters and enthusiasts was created, in part, to raise awareness of miniatures as a decorative art form and to introduce the discipline not only to a new generation but to those who may just be discovering it! The gallery space showcases work in miniature by well-known artists from all over the world.

Follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest and contact us here!