Lofou, Cyprus. French artist Yves Kervella is creating miniature figures inspired by Cypriot history from his studio in Lofou, using traditional sculpting methods and photogrammetry technology. His work includes detailed representations of figures such as Makarios III, Glafcos Clerides and Georgios Grivas.
Historical inspiration
Originally from France, Kervella built his artistic career around historical miniatures. After moving to Cyprus, he found a new source of inspiration in the island’s history and notable personalities.
“A miniature may be tiny in size, but it can tell a very powerful story,” Kervella says.
Research and process
Each figurine begins with historical study. Kervella says he spends many hours studying archives, books, historical documents and photographs before starting a project.
“Accuracy is extremely important to me,” he says.
He works in his Lofou studio, where silicone tipped brushes, metal sculpting tools, polymer clay and epoxy putty are arranged on a cutting mat. Some tools are used to smooth details, while others help define expressions and folds in clothing. A cork stopper is used to support the miniature figures during sculpting.
Materials and techniques
Kervella mainly uses Super Sculpey polymer clay for detailed sculpting, along with “Green Stuff,” a two-part epoxy putty used in miniature work. The material begins as separate strips of yellow resin and blue hardener. Once combined, it turns green and gradually cures, giving him a limited period to shape and refine the details.
He shapes each figure by hand using engraving tools, needles and fine brushes.
Use of photogrammetry
Kervella also uses photogrammetry technology to reproduce his figurines in different sizes, including 24mm, 28mm and 1/35. Photogrammetry is a process used to create measurements, maps or 3D models from photographs by analyzing multiple overlapping images to determine shape and spatial geometry.
“The greatest challenge is balance between detail and proportion,” he says. “At such a small scale, even a tiny mistake becomes very visible.”
He says the process allows the same figure to be adapted for different collectors and displays. “Thanks to this old technology, I can transfer and reproduce my figurines at different scales”.
