PERSPECTIVES IN MINIATURE: Model Shows - The 56th Shizuoka Hobby Show

ARTIST STATEMENT

In the words of Wilbur Smith "War is the game played by old men with the lives of the young". The pawn in this game is the combat soldier, represented by the miniature toy soldier; an insignificant being on the battlefield. Combat is the most intense moment of war, where life and death balances on a knife's edge. The results are terrifying and reveal the worst part of our human nature. Conversely, there are moments when it exudes the best of our human spirit. Most of the miniatures you see here are diligently researched from historical sources and handcrafted between scales of 1/35 to 1/16 (approx 50mm to 120mm). The intricate rendition of human expression and fine details not only demonstrates the level of craftsmanship but also serves as a reminder of the fragile nature of human life. I represent no political bias though my miniature creations. My aim is to portray humanity through the chronicles of military history and thus it is my pleasure that I present to you my weblog Perspectives in Miniature.

Calvin Tan

WWII GERMAN UNIFORMS - PERSONAL MIXES BY CALVIN TAN

In conjunction with AK Interactive, this exclusive Gen 3 acrylic paint set is specially composed with the essential colours that I use to render WWII German Uniforms. It contains 18 colours and a small pamphlet with my personal colour mixes. If you are keen to acquire all the colours on my palette to paint a field grey tunic, a splinter pattern zeltbahn, an oak-leaf pattern smock or the Kharkov anorak, look no further, this is the set for you to get started.

CALVIN TAN'S BASIC GUIDE TO FIGURE PAINTING

This instructional DVD published by Model Art magazine was primarily developed for the beginner armour and diorama modeller in mind. The video presentation will feature a variety of easy to master techniques used to render a 1/35 scale plastic injected moulded figure.Topics include proper paint application techniques, choice of brushes as well as some little tricks for painting fine detail. It is fundamentally a showcase of some of my methods and techniques for painting military figures and I am certain it will prove beneficial for any modeller who wishes to improve on figure painting. It is currently available in both Japanese and English.

CALVIN TAN'S GUIDE TO CONVERTING AND PAINTING FIGURES

In this third instalment, I will share my techniques and materials to customize and detail an inexpensive stock plastic figure. Watch as I take you through the steps on how I modify a pose, model details such as hands, belts and webbing and insignias. Learn about working effectively with epoxy putty as well as plastic styrene and paper. As a continuation from my first two DVDs, I will demonstrate how to model and paint a simple groundwork as well as an alternate approach using a monochromatic underpainting to render both a field grey tunic and the World War 2 German Splinter Camouflage pattern on a helmet cover. If you have enjoyed and benefitted from those previous titles, this edition will be a welcome addition to your journey in scale figure modelling – regardless of your current skill level. It is my sincere hope that this could inspire you to embark on your own creative adventure in this fantastic hobby. .

Wednesday, 5 July 2017

Model Shows - The 56th Shizuoka Hobby Show

Almost two months since my return, I finally had time to pen my travel journal to the 56th Shizuoka Hobby Show. This was my second trip to Japan within a month after making the video recording for Model Art's instructional DVD on figure painting late last April; only this time I had the fine company of my old time modelling friend Bernard Cher of the M Workshop to participate as an exhibiting member of Team ASEAN.

Train ride from Narita to Nippori station

Sightseeing around Odaiba - on board the Japanese research ship the Sōya.

Joining up Young-Bok at Akihabara.

Dinner at an izakaya in Akihabara with Kauzo Kiuchi of Miniature Park.

On the road to Shizuoka.

A visit to Mikasa Park in Yokosuka en-route to Shizuoka.

Japanese Navy curry in Yokosuka

Meeting up with some members of Team Asean on our first night in Shizuoka.

Exploring Shizuoka on kick scooter

Outdoor exhibits at the exhibition venue, Twin Messe exhibition center.

Overview of the exhibition hall for industry exhibitors.

Activity at the Tamiya booth

Yuki Fugita, the young man behind the recent injection molded figures from Tamiya realized with live 3D scanning and rapid prototyping technology.

Team ASEAN setting up at the exhibition hall for club displays.

Some excerpts from the Team ASEAN display:

Richard Fernandez from Malaysia

Choo Huang Ming from Malaysia

Giang Xuan Le of Vietnam

Team ASEAN member Pongsatorn Kanthaboon from Thailand arriving with his display.

Loo, Bernard and Richard either checking out football results or stock prices (me thinks).

Team ASEAN table with Richard keeping a strict watch of the exhibits.

Meeting my modelling idols - Koji Itoh ...

...and Tetsuo Horikawa.

Prolific and award winning Korean figure modeller Yoon Ki-Yeol. I have been following his work online for many years and it was a wonderful experience to see his masterful work up close and live.

Together with members of Ki-Yeol's modelling club - a really passionate and talented band of modellers.

Renown award winning Korean figure painter Kim Man-Jin and veteran Taiwanese diorama modeller Max Wang.

WW1 diorama by Chang Chung-Fu of Taiwan. Old school style painting with oils and extensive use of the dry brushing technique.

A group picture at the Taiwanese model club CAMO.

Candid moment between Young, Norio Takemura, Takuji Yamada and Bernard

Armor diorama modeller Takashima Hiroshi presenting his latest works at his club stand.

Armor modeller and wooden base maker Hiroyuki Takeuchi.

Sherman Crab flail by Hiroyuki Takeuchi

Hiroyuki Takeyuki, Shigehiro Yoshida and Masanori Sato (Toku)

1/48 scale British Ford V8 staff car by Masanori Sato (Toku)

A simple but effective diorama by Shigehiro Yoshida.

A small selection of fine armor modelling by Hideyuki Aoki.

Stug IV diorama with Alpine figures done by Uehara Naoyuki of the Crossroads model club is a fine example of simple things done well.

Takunari Goshima of Kiya Hobby

Possibly the highlight of the show for me; receiving an exclusive autograph copy of master diorama modeller Kazuya Yoshioka's second book on modelling dioramas - a very rare honor and privilege indeed!

Some shots of Kazuya Yoshioka's mesmerizing work. I had a great time viewing this master piece; making this well worth the trip to Shizuoka.

Group portrait of Team ASEAN on Saturday evening- unfortunately Pongsatorn and Loo were not in the picture when this picture was taken.

Saturday evening reception hosted by Tamiya for all exhibiting club members

A very young and talented armor modeller, Kim Byeong-Soo from Korea.

Byeong Soo's outstanding work; enough said....

I love this moment. An ecstatic Byeong-Soo getting an autograph from Fernando Vallejo of AK Interactive; his expression says it all.

With an old friends - Shige whom I first met in Euro Militaire in 2000 and Eric Philippe in 2012 at a painting workshop in Paris.

Björn Kågner, Young and Richard horsing around!

Meeting up with Yukio Honma after almost 9 years. If his name does ring a bell then it is most likely you that have bought some of his sculpts from Alpine Miniatures.