Hi Fliger JG1!
Thank you,I love to get response to this thread!
Dioramas are basically an assortment of parts put together in a creative way.Some are totally scratchbuilt, others are not.My personal view is that this really doesnt matter,I have done both.What is important is the viewer of the diorama.The artistic goal is to get the viewer emotionally involved with your piece so that they can relate to it and be moved in some way.If they can look at your piece and years later recall the experience, then you have accomplished your goal.
As far as making the parts are concerned I use a multi-media appraoach.I will use anything that works to accomplish my goal.Wood ,plastic,metal,popsicle sticks,tongue depressors etc etc....
When I am in the stores I am constantly looking for anything that may work in my dioramas.I have found greats things in dressmakers shops,dollar stores,hobby shops,hardware stores,bookstores,fabric stores,on and on.Then of course there is the internet ,where the sky is the limit for artistic ideas.
As far as custom made parts are concerned,good research is the key.If you can build a model you can make a diorama.I am the worlds worst carpenter(just ask my wife)I have no interest in it and it shows.But if you are able to build models, plastic or otherwise and have the interest and a creative mind,be prepared to have some fun.
In the pages of this thread ,I have covered a lot of the how tos, so I wont repeat it here.Really, what it all boils down to is, just doing it.Forget fear of making mistakes cause there are none.There is a learning curve that all artists/craftsman have to go through so we just have to accept that.If you have the interest you are already 99% of the way there.Why dont you join us in this wonderful adventure? Cheers! John
