In the West, bigger is typically considered better, but there’s a growing movement against this mentality, and many artists are shrinking their skills to a smaller stage. These artists create their own worlds in miniature that are so realistic and detailed, that it’s hard not to feel like a Titan when peering down at them. Here are 10 awesome works and artists who make the miniature magnificent:
Hand Crafted Hobbit Hole
(Images via madshobbithole, boingboing)
A former Warhammer gamer (a tabletop game) who had already tried her hand at creating beautiful terrains for her gaming boards, decided to fulfill the requirements of a school project by creating a replica of the hobbit hole shown in the popular Lord of the Rings films. She studied the movies carefully in order to copy it as faithfully as possible, even down to how certain books and papers are laid out on a table. By hand crafting every aspect (furniture, food, etc.) and attaching tiny lights in all the right places, she was able to create a stunning recreation that you can’t help being enthralled by.
Matthew Albanese
(Images via albanese)
The artist Matthew Albanese takes world making to an extreme. He prides himself on being able to create a landscape that is so realistic, that it’s nearly impossible to tell it’s sitting on a tabletop. From a volcano to a tropical paradise, his creations are incredible. It’s almost embarrassing how much the scenery takes your breath away, considering you could fit the entire landscape in your living room. Be sure to check out his other works here.
Michelle Bradshaw Fairy Sculptures
(Images via fae nation, elfwood, epilogue)
Michelle Bradshaw is able to make the land of faerie a very real (looking) place. Her creations almost all center on the tiny mythical creatures that are said to live in beautiful glades and hidden forests. She manages to make them realistic looking, while also hanging on to a magical, unearthly feel.
Miniatur Wunderland
(Images via topleftpixel, lecasio, weblo, opentravel, dvice)
Hamburg, Germany is home to Miniatur Wunderland, the largest such attraction in the world. It’s a working city scaled down to an incredible degree. The city is fully functioning during the day and at night, and has a complex railway system that ferries imaginary passengers throughout the bustling city (utilizing over 900 trains, and over 12,000 carriages). The exhibit is set to double it’s current 16,000 square feet by the year 2014.
Miniature Dollhouses
(Images via miniaturecabindecor, oakridgehobbies)
There is a surprisingly robust industry that caters to dollhouse decorators; anything from a small bowl of fruit to beautifully designed toilets can be purchased at hobby stores, or online. The most hardcore dollhouse hobbyists make a majority of the props and foodstuffs found in their tiny homes, however. The intense detail is stunning, as many of the above photos are only revealed to be scaled down creations under the intense scrutiny.
Model Skyscrapers
(Images via work in progress, roomatthetop)
A dystopian Manhattan skyline, leftover from a Swedish music video, is a great example of miniatures being used on a grand scale. They fill a three bedroom apartment, leaving little room for anything else. The build was funded by a Swedish company, and I’m sure there are a lot of people who would love to get their hands on some of these well detailed creations.
Miniature Terrariums
(Images via clonehenge, cmfgift, apartmenttherapy)
Terrariums don’t have to be gigantic greenhouses, or even large enough to contain a frog. There are plenty of apartment owning terrarium lovers who have figured out creative and beautiful ways to scale them down to a much more manageable size. It’s a great way to use up an old jar or dead lightbulb, while spicing up the look of a table or shelf.
Nikolai Aldunin Micro Sculptures
(Images via taringa, popgive, mymodernmet)
Nikolai Aldunin likes to take miniature art to an extreme. His artwork commands your attention; it has to, or you wouldn’t be able to see it. His work is done with the help of a microscope and magnifying glasses, and a very steady hand. If you like Nikolai’s creations, be sure to check out some other ultra tiny artworks (many not visible to the naked eye), here.
Madurodam in Holland
(Images via mortalonline, holland, wikimedia, amsterdamcitytours)
Peering down at the buildings and streets in Madurodam, makes one feel like a giant. This incredibly popular tourist attraction was created in 1952 and depicts a dutch town, including landmarks and notable buildings that can be found in the area. The carefully manicured mini lawns and tiny streets look incredibly realistic, and the appeal has stood the test of time.
Warhammer Miniatures
(Images via tabletopgamingnews, chicagoterrainfactory, kobblestone)
Warhammer is a tabletop game that requires the creation of your own board, and a lot of enthusiasts spend a lot of time and effort creating beautiful terrain for their battles. A number of independent businesses have cropped up due to demand for miniature, and epic, looking pieces. Ruined statues, small towns, and otherworldly landscapes are all for sale if you know the right places to look. The intricate designs take a lot of work and carry a high cost, so most hobbyists design their own. If you have some cash, though, it might be worth it to go to the experts.
