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Minis Brazil

When I first started to learn about miniatures, I felt like an orphan, as I couldn't find much information about this hobby here. In fact, almost none... No stores, no magazines, no classes, nothing at all!

BUT THEY DO EXIST!

Check on the right some of the masterpieces made by those Brazilian artists!

There are many talented miniaturists here. But not much information is available. Besides, most of them remain unknown to the world mostly because just a few speak English.

But we already have two books published on miniatures, in Portuguese. One by Regina Passy-Yip and the other one by Regina M.Nacca.

I also learned that it is possible to have classes and learn how to make miniatures with excellent professionals, like:

Ângelo Pinheiro
Ivani Grande
Regina Passy-Yip
Regina M. Nacca
Regina Nachtigall
Solange de Cesare

Their names and links to their personal sites or blogs, and many other links, can be found on Mini Links pages.

It’s still very hard for us to find specific material for miniature work, from raw material like cold porcelain and wood suitable for miniatures, to tools. So, we use all our creativity to get around it! Like exploring the use of recyclables, as Cristina Freitas, who often shares her tips with us. And we are experts in the use of alternative materials, like cold porcelain - so unknown and “feared” abroad, but which can be turned into small marvels in the hands of geniuses like Ivani Grande and Betinha Murta.

And even though we still don’t hold huge shows like those in Chicago and Philadelphia, there already are some exhibits and trade fairs here. Like the ones organized by Art em Miniatura and by Miniaturizarte. Way to go!

Also, there are some independent artists who are so entrepreneur that they manage to get their own mini shows at malls, like Jane Gariba does it.

We have an “almost” museum, which is Pépp & Orson’s studio. They’ve been working with miniatures for ages and their work is absolutely fabulous! It is possible to arrange a visit to their studio/gallery. Bewilderment guaranteed!!!! Unfortunatelly it will be torn down to give way to a new subway station. Authorities are working on the possibility of turning their collection into the official first Brazilian museum of miniatures.

It is impossible not to talk about the greatest meeting point of all Brazilian miniaturists: Internet. Thanks to this modern medium of communication, artists, collectors and enthusiasts all over the country were finally able to “meet”, to know about each other’s work, exchange ideas, tips, organize events, shows, exhibits, and a lot more!...

The main Groups in Brazil are:

MiniBrasil
Nação Minimaníaca
MiniClube
Minimalizando
MiniMundo

Even though there is only one brick and mortar store in Brazil, Casinha Pequenina, at “Shopping Eldorado” Mall, in São Paulo, SP, there are some good and varied virtual stores that carry miniatures made by some Brazilian artists. Check them at Mini Links/Stores.

Even though it is still hard to find stores that sell dollhouses, miniatures, and tools, there are some publications available both at newsstands and online. One is Casa de Praia by Planeta and the other two are Casa de Bonecas Pronta and As Bonecas das Casas de Bonecas, both by Del Prado. They are quite expensive for Brazilian economical standards, but their main advantage is that whoever buys or ”collects” them pays just a little per month, diluting thus the cost. Also, for those who live in cities in the countryside where they can´t be found, they can be purchased online too. And have them delivered straight to the shopper’s home.

What unfortunately hasn’t caught on here yet are the DOLLS!... As far as I know, there are very few artists who dress and wig 1:12 dolls in Brazil, my namesake Evelyne Doria, and Roberta Favá - a pioneer. There’s again another Regina, from Studio Arts, who sculpts 1:12 dolls in a style of her own to top wedding cakes - and she’s very successful. I haven’t heard of any artist here who molds them or who sells their parts. To make things even harder, it’s impossible to find material to make them, like viscose hair, fray stop, pleaters, doll stands, fabric stiffener spray, etc. It’s a world yet to be conquered!

On the bright side, we have Júnior on baby sculpting. He lives in New York and his babies are breath-taking!

It’s also worth mentioning Roberto Ferrés’s furniture, the impeccable needlework by MiniMarcia, the rooms by Anna Helena and Regina Fiore (a.k.a MINIFIORE) and the flawless miniature plants by Sonia Boscolo. They are so perfect one might feel like watering them... But just don’t! :)