Artist spotlight: @buildsbydave
Today, I wanted to put @buildsbydave in the spotlight.
After I created a mural for Young Talent Block, I received a lovely message from Dave asking if he could send me something. And then, a little while later, a miniature version of my wall art arrived at my home.
And wow, I was SO happy with it. 🥹
It was such a thoughtful and unexpected gesture that I immediately thought: more people need to know about this amazing work!
So, that’s why I’m writing this little article, to share what Dave does, where you can find him, and to put his incredibly cool work in the spotlight.
About Builds by Dave
Builds by Dave is the studio of model builder, miniature artist, maker and props builder Dave van Doorn from Deventer, the Netherlands.
Dave has been working in and around art, design and visual communication for more than thirty years. His background is rooted in art and design. He studied painting, advertising illustration and screen printing, as well as Publicity, Design & Visual Communication, and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts / Art & Design.
What has always remained at the heart of his work is the desire to create something tangible that evokes emotion and connects with people, including himself. He works with attention, patience and precision.
From fascination to precision
Dave’s fascination with miniature art has been there for a long time.
What attracts him is the process of taking existing buildings and objects and bringing them down to scale without losing their sense of realism.
For Dave, a miniature is not simply a simplified version of reality. It is a concentrated version of it.
Proportions, details, materials, textures, weathering, wear, dirt and traces of use all become important.
Details that might barely stand out on a large building can suddenly become defining elements in miniature. A small edge, joint, discoloration, sign of wear or imperfection can make the difference between something decorative and something that truly feels convincing.
The smaller the work becomes, the less room there is for sloppiness. And that is exactly what makes miniature art so fascinating to Dave.
Who Dave works with
Over the years, Dave has worked with clients throughout the Netherlands, including museums and cultural institutions, foundations, architects, municipalities, real estate agents, film and theatre productions, and private art and miniature collectors.
Whether he is building a project for himself, creating something as a gift or surprise, working on commission, collaborating with others or contributing to a larger project, his work is always guided by the same principles:
craftsmanship, attention, precision, honesty and care for the final result.
Find Dave here
🌐 www.buildsbydave.nl
📸 Instagram: @buildsbydave
