Episode 19: Marijn Van Gils

Based in Leuven, Belgium, Marijn Van Gils has been high atop our list of guests who we were most eager to talk to ever since we launched this podcast, some 18 episodes again now. We’re both big fans of the sculpting, painting, and composition of his dioramas and vignettes, which almost always offer unique views of their subjects and a sly sense of humor. You can see his box dioramas on this site, of course, and we’ve talked about some of his other pieces before, but this episode offered the opportunity to dig deep and discuss his inspirations and wide-ranging work, as well as to remind listeners that we consider his book Dioramas F.A.Q.: Storytelling, Composition and Planning the most insightful look into those key elements of modeling since Shep Paine first tackled them in his how-to-build dioramas Bible. As usual, after the interview, we each picked some favorite pieces to highlight from the artist’s catalog.

Barry pick #1: Frank Zappa in motion.

Jim pick #1: Hunter and hippo from the “big game” wedgie.

Barry pick #2: The highlander under construction.

Jim pick #2: the bailing balloonists.

Marijn’s book—and again, you really need it NOW! (Order direct from AK, which has great mail-order service.)

What’s Marijn been up to lately? Some extraordinary ship dioramas (with more to come, he promises).

Finally, we also mention the upcoming Artist Preservation Group exhibit at the Museum of the American Revolution, June 18 and 19. You can find more info here, and while you’re on the APG site, do click around and read up on the efforts of this worthy organization!

P.S. Barry suggested we include a few links to Captain Beefheart and Pere Ubu, too, but that seems a bit too far afield for our hobby interests—though Jim is happy to expound on the genius of both any time, or you can listen to the episodes of Sound Opinions linked above. Meanwhile, thanks as always for listening to THIS podcast!