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mid-century miniaturist

Miniaturist aims Zen artistry at mid-century modern

Tom Hoepf
Tom Hoepf
A room setting of Michael Yurkovic's mid-century modern miniatures. Image courtesy of the artist
A room setting of Michael Yurkovic’s mid-century modern miniatures. Image courtesy of the artist

 

HASTINGS-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. – D. Thomas Fine Miniatures will open its new gallery exhibition “Atomic Fusion: The Zen Artistry of Michael Yurkovic” on March 5. The exhibition will run through May 1.

This new exhibition will feature recent work of Michael Yurkovic, an International Guild of Miniature Artisan, known for his signature vignettes including items from his vast portfolio of mid-century modern furniture and atomic age-inspired accessories. His portfolio draws on his study of industrial design, his career as a successful toy and game designer, and inspiration from classic mid-century modern designers including Charles Eames, Eero Saarinen and George Nelson.

Yurkovic’s unique creative process includes the use of fine materials including quality hardwood, molded plywood, vinyl and the processes consistent with the atomic age period such as crafting in metals and wires and thermoformable plastics.

Yurkovic’s home/workshop contains many life-size mid-century modern furnishings he collects, which reflect his personal lifestyle and also serve as his daily inspiration. This meditative space helps to create a balanced quality of life while he works on projects. Yurkovic intuitively knows when a piece is complete based on his personal satisfaction, and he rarely revisits or tweaks a piece. This Zen-like approach to his work embodies a focus on simplicity and intuition rather than fixating on a goal or conventional thinking.

 

Michael Yurkovic at work in his shop. Image courtesy of the artist
Michael Yurkovic at work in his shop. Image courtesy of the artist

 

Darren T. Scala, miniaturist and proprietor of D. Thomas Fine Miniatures has admired Yurkovic’s work since they first met at The Guild School. “I am excited to showcase Michael’s unique interpretation of the mid-century modern movement. His creation of classic MCM features are rarely seen of this quality in the world of fine scale miniatures and I am so pleased to showcase his work in my gallery.”

Yurkovic will teach an daylong master class on Saturday, March 5, where students will learn period design and create their own MCM shadow box. He will also speak about his vision and creative process at a special open house on Sunday, March 6, from 3 to 6 p.m.

 

Eames chairs in miniature. Image courtesy of the artist
Eames-style chairs in miniature. Image courtesy of the artist

 

D. Thomas Fine Miniatures is an in store and online retail destination featuring artisan dollhouses and top quality collectibles including 1/12th scale furniture and accessories. The shop is located at 579 Warburton Ave. in the village of Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y. For details call 914-231-9871.

mid-century miniaturist