It’s true that great things come in small packages. Lately, I’ve been fascinated by the intricate teeny art by Damien Webb. Webb makes just about anything you can think of on the small spectrum, from teeny tiny replica’s to made up characters. I started to notice his work and process by following him on Instagram and then Facebook, I was immediately blown away at the life-like quality of his work.
I recently asked if he would be available to chat with me via email about his work. Webb is based in Canada and has a following for his work.
What inspires you to create these small replicas and art pieces?
Inspiration comes from anywhere. Sometimes an idea will just pop into my my head, other times someone will ask for something made. That’s my favorite way because sometimes I unknowingly put limitations on myself regarding what I can and can’t do, so having that outside influence really helps to push my boundaries and try to make things I never have before.
Why did you decide to work in such a small scale?
Scale is never a thing I think about really. I like pushing myself to see just how small I can get while still having as much detail as possible. That being said, I’ve also made normal sized things as well as jumbo sized things in the past. Tiny things have just always made me happy ever since I was a little boy, which I guess is why most of what I do is in miniature.
Have you always been into making replicas? Do you work in any other medium?
Surprisingly, no, I wasn’t always interested in it. Mostly because I didn’t know it was a thing. I would see the Rudolph specials or a Wallace and Gromit film on tv and would be infatuated by it, but I never thought about how it was done or that there were people actually making all the things by hand.
When I was in high school and in the process of figuring out what I wanted to do when I grew up, I thought I was going to be an architect. In the drafting class I took, there was a small part that was all about making scale architectural models with foam core and matte board. It was then that I started to really figure out that it wasn’t the design or drafting I liked, but the model making. And it never stopped there, after high school I then went on to get a degree in theater production.
It was there I learned about making things in all forms and scales. Sewing, mold-making, scenic painting, set construction, lighting design… but I still was drawn to the model-making. It was never taught as part of the course per se, but I still managed to figure out where I could fit it in for any project I had to do. I guess it was just a part of who I was and it wasn’t until just a few years ago I really started to try and do more with it and nurture my work methods.
Long story short, I grew up not knowing what I wanted to do, so I did everything. In addition to the things I learned in University, I’ve also dabbled in vehicle mechanics, locksmithing, bicycle repair, 2D and 3D drafting and design, acting, welding… I even sold high end menswear and tuxedos and played side snare in a pipe and drum band. I’ve never been scared to try something out of my comfort zone, and I don’t think that will ever change.
It’s really great to hear that you’ve never held back from learning and making!
What has been your favorite build and why?
My favorite so far has to be my “Cooker” mini figure that I made a year or so ago. He’s from Wallace and Gromit’s “A Grand Day Out” and is of my most beloved characters in animation design. He’s simple, but is still very expressive… like, he’s a coin operated oven with arms for goodness sakes… how much better can you get?!
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