The Mystifying World of the Magical Miniature

I have always had a fascination for miniature things. When I was a child, I met a woman named Ruth Ademite, who supposedly had the world’s largest collection of miniature books. One day when I was visiting, she gave me a miniature book of my own. But not to keep, mind you. She wanted me to write a special story just for her that she could add to her collection. Naturally, I was flattered by the request. But there was also a part of me that didn’t want to give the little book back. If I was going to write a story, I wanted to keep it for myself. This ignited a long “sermon” by my father on the true value of sharing, and how it was just as important for me to give away my stories, as it was to keep them. Eventually I filled the little book with a story and pictures, none of which I really remember now. And since Ms. Ademite passed away many years ago, I probably will never know. Could it have been a masterpiece? Doubtful. But it was my first sojourn into the giant world of miniature momentos.

When I was a little older, I became fascinated with the work of Robert Olszewski, who does astounding miniature people and scenes for Disney and other companies. It is the Disney variety that I really enjoy, as he incorporates so much detail and character into his pieces. And unlike the much larger WDCC pieces (Walt Disney Classic Collection), the Olszewski miniatures are perfect for people with a very limited space to display anything.

Recently, I came across another artist, William Wigan, whose work simply defies comprehension. His art is hand-carved with special tools and placed on the tiny head of a needle (as in the picture above of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves) or on the tip of an eyelash. Don’t believe me? Then click on the link below and watch a fascinating video on how this guy creates these one of a kind works of art, and how he gets $18k to $30k a pop.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYi458oI0-8

I would love one of these amazing items, but I’m afraid one of the cats would cough it up in a hairball. (And of course, the price doesn't help either.)

But that’s just me. What do you think of miniatures?