"Sapper" by Thomas Doyle in the Gallery at D. Thomas Fine Miniatures
Drop by the Gallery at D. Thomas Fine Miniatures and view "Sapper," which is recent work by contemporary artist Thomas Doyle. “Sapper,” a vignette in 1:87 scale, is representative of Doyle’s perspective on anxiety, fear and isolation in the domestic and family dynamic.
Mr. Doyle creates highly stylized and intricate narratives with psychological implications through small scale, mixed media environments and miniature settings in 1:87-inch scale or smaller. His vignettes often focus on suburban life, portrayals of the classic American Dream home juxtaposed with the interaction of man versus the forces of nature, the contemporary struggle of man against man, and man against his own personal fears.
His work compels us all to think, wonder, interpret and question not only his art but ourselves. The physical use of small scale enables him to transport us from the vastness of our real world and society into a smaller more intimate world and creates an immediate escape into the narrative.
In “Sapper,” we are transported to one moment in the life of a family and the complex miniature world of their suburban high ranch home. We are drawn into a series of interactions that include two brothers dribbling a ball in the driveway while their parents are immersed in a possible marital conflict in the backyard.
Beneath these interactions, tunneled through the bedrock foundation supporting their home and private world, are seven World War I sappers immersed in a defensive operation, seen through a cross-section trench or sap.
“Sapper” provides Doyle’s insights and commentary on everyday domesticity; at any time conflict equal to a well-executed military operation may exist together with the calm space provided by the American Dream home. It moves us to consider the anxieties that both exist and invade everyday life and how these fears motivate us to either further engage or retreat from the resulting danger.
This showing coincides with Doyle's exhibition "If the Creek Don't Rise" at the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers, NY (through May 8, 2016).
About the Artist
Thomas Doyle, born in Grand Haven Michigan, is now a long-time New York resident. He has shown his sculptures at galleries and museums across the United States, and in London, Los Angeles, Florence, Seoul, and Beijing. "If the Creek Don't Rise" is Thomas Doyle's first solo museum exhibition.
All Photos: Courtesy of the artist
ABOUT D. THOMAS FINE MINIATURES
D. Thomas Fine Miniatures is an online and in-store retail destination featuring artisan dollhouses and top quality collectibles including 1/12th scale furniture and accessories. The shop also offers workshops and classes taught by master artisans.
The concept, designed to appeal to collectors, crafters and enthusiasts at all skill levels and abilities, 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 shop also features a gallery space showcasing works in miniature by well-known artists from all over the world.
D. Thomas Fine Miniatures is located at 579 Warburton Avenue in the village of Hastings-on-Hudson NY. Gallery and shop hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday from Noon to 5:00 pm. Evening hours are available by appointment.
