THE Durban Association for Miniature Enthusiasts (DAME) Miniature Fair was held at the Westville Country Club recently.

Also read: Enjoy creativity, craftmanship at miniature fair

We caught up with Janet Kisch, a talented Seaview artist and DAME member, to discuss her passion for creating intricate miniature dioramas.

What’s the most memorable miniature piece you’ve created and why?

I think it has to be the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party I created for our annual fair. Alice in Wonderland was our theme, and our members made such magical and detailed pieces.

How do you balance creativity with the technical skills required for miniatures?

I always picture things in a tiny world, and one of my biggest challenges is lighting. I’m sadly lacking in technical skills, yet light is a big part of my vision. My inspiration usually comes from nature, and that suits my abilities.
I find it so much easier and more wondrous working with organic forms. I enjoy creating dioramas and small pieces rather than traditional 1:12-scale dollhouses.

Can you take us through your process from concept to completion for a recent piece?

My mind is always filled with ideas, but I do battle to bring them to fruition. I spend a lot of time pondering an idea until it forms clearly in my thoughts.

The piece I entered for this year’s Lost in Time theme was a huge challenge, but I worked within my strengths and created several very time-consuming needle-felted animals in a treehouse setting. I tried to weave a tale into the creation.

A marmalade-making badger lives there, with his friends helping him out. I called it Once Upon a Time, harking back to an era when storybooks and fairytales were a big part of childhood. I worked bit by bit on small sections of the diorama while considering how to tackle the next part.
For me, the work has to tell a story, and that story runs through every tiny addition to the piece.

How do you think the Miniature Fair has helped your career or business?

The fair has been a wonderful way to showcase my work. My sales improved this year, especially after introducing our new Fairy Nook, which features items for fairy gardens. It was a delight seeing the children’s excitement at the thought of creating their own fairy gardens.

The fair has also been inspirational for all DAME members, and we all work hard to bring miniatures to the community. Through the fair, we have welcomed many new members who were introduced to the world of miniatures during their visit.

Also read: Artist brings Titanic movie dresses to life in miniature form

We hope to show people that miniatures are not just child’s play. We have several amazing miniature artisans who create works collected by adult miniature enthusiasts. Interest in miniatures is growing steadily in Durban, and I am so grateful to our dedicated committee members who bring it all together.

Those interested can join our Facebook page and connect with fellow miniaturists through the Durban Association for Miniature Enthusiasts.

What’s next for you – any new projects or themes you’re excited about?

I am about to embark on the creation of The Enchanted Chair. I’ve put out a little challenge to fellow members, as well as followers of my page, Once Upon, to join me. I hope we’ll see some enchanted resting places on display at next year’s show.

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