In Defense of Cute: Why I changed my Mind About The Word Used to Describe Miniatures

I used to cringe when people described a miniature as "cute." To me, it felt dismissive. As if that single word overlooked the artistry, the craftsmanship, and the countless hours behind each piece.

If I'm being honest, I took it personally. Like it diminished not just the work, but also my passion for fine art miniatures. But somewhere along the way, that shifted. Spending time with the late IGMA Fellow Karen Markland's collection reminded me that creating joy, wonder, or even a simple smile is no small achievement. Her work is charming. It makes you smile. And yes, it's cute.

But calling it that doesn't take anything away. Sometimes, that's exactly what makes a piece unforgettable. What changed for me was- realizing it's not my job to police anyone's reaction. It's my job to invite a longer look. Cute might be the first response, but it doesn't have to be the last.

My work, through writing, video, photography and the collections I share, is to help people linger long enough to see the brushstrokes, the composition, the technical mastery, the imagination.

If your first reaction is, "That's adorable", wonderful. If your second is, "How on earth did someone make this?", then we've gone deeper.

If you're curious to explore what helped shift my perspective, several works from Karen Markland's remarkable collection are in my current estate auction, with bidding ending Sunday.

Then as one auction closes, another begins, with delightful pieces by extraordinary miniature artists specializing in toy dolls, pull toys, teddy bears, decor and more. Call them cute. I hope you do. Then keep looking. Because beyond that first smile, there's a world of imagination, artistry, and craftsmanship waiting to be discovered. And that's where the real magic is!

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