Behind the (Art) Scenes

Back in the early 1990s in New York City, I worked in an art gallery when I was in grad school going toward my masters degree in art history. I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do -- be a dealer; be a curator; be gainfully unemployed (hee hee). While that experience taught me that I did not want to dabble in the commercial aspect of art, it also opened up my eyes to the inner workings of the art world, good and bad.

The folks I worked with were actually all pretty nice, and I got to handle artwork and do research for shows. But, there were the grungy aspects too -- on demand espressos or lunch for the gallery owner and the frosty receptionist, doing research at the library and coming back with stacks of books, working in cramped quarters, etc. Yet, at twenty-something, you take it in stride, and I still had enough energy to go out after work to debrief with my friends over drinks.

This scene is inspired by one of the back rooms at the gallery, which was part office and part kitchen. There was always some setup for catering to a VIP -- I can recall serving coffee or water many times -- and it was also a place for random pieces of art, which often were lying around or propped up on shelves.

This represents one of the first times I have worked with traditional dolls...my scenes are usually lifeless! :) I bought them in France at Pain D'epices in the bargain basket (less than $8 each). The dame behind the desk is likely the gallery owner who is peeved at something she sees on her laptop; the young lady breathlessly striding in the door carries some books for research. She is keeping her distance to avoid the fire breathing from across the table :)








Credits: Dolls from Pain D'epices; boomerang table is vintage German; gallery owner's chair is Creative Playthings; table lamp, stool, white coffee cups, and colored vases on top shelf are Bozart; small metal side table, funky purple vase, cat and op-art painting, and garbage pail are AG Minis; plant is from Lolly's; console is Paris Renfroe; espresso machine, red clock, and plant stand are Re-ment; microwave is Theo Klein; dishes are from a vintage Topper Toys set (Penny Brite); clear plastic "light" under shelf is actually a vintage Petite Princess table flipped upside down. Accessories are Re-ment and finds from France!

Re-ment: I've written on all the Re-ment in this scene with the exception of the red case next to the laptop. It is from the Stationary School set #7, and is good for 1:12 as a clutch or case.