How did the idea for creating Van Gogh masterpieces inside the watch come about?

We are always looking to find new and exciting ways to display my art. From branded exhibition stands, glass and metal bespoke displays to narrow necked coloured glass bottles. Including art placed inside authentic Snoopy moneyboxes. I use my engineering background to design and create the most appropriate displays which usually incorporate specialised lighting, complete with magnification instruments. Edward and I wanted to create wearable art that combines the intricacies of a watch with my detailed microscopic paintings. Highlighting the Vincent van Gogh museum's 50th anniversary.

Did you approach Vincent van Gogh Museum or did they approach you?

We approached the Vincent van Gogh Museum and found them to be encouraging and supportive of my Vincent creations and loved the idea of my work celebrating the museum's 50th anniversary. 

How did you choose these particular 3 works and this particular watch?

I have recreated Vincent's work before to world acclaim and these are my personal favourites. I never get bored with art and I find myself drawn to Vincent's work like a bee to one of his sunflowers!

Do you try to get in the mind of Van Gogh?

Over the years I feel I have developed an intimate connection with Vincent. I have to master my emotions and harness them to express in colour what was on his mind when he created his wonderful paintings. From each brush stroke and daube of colour; to honoring the creativity and expressionism of his works. When I look at a Vincent, I feel I'm looking beyond the paint and into his mind. 

Can you describe your fascination with this unusual genre of art making?

I strive to create what I consider to be great art. The same way any artist does who wants to succeed and make the world take notice. However my creations are also microscopic in size, so I use my skills and ingenuity to overcome these monumental challenges.

How do you characterize what you do?

I love the fact I have been blessed with a unique ability. I create first in my mind, then with my heart. Through my hands each crafted piece has been developed to capture my artistic vision. The creative artistry, ingenuity, design, everything, even the engineering of the displays. Together with advice and support from my friend Edward Hammond and the team at Hammond Galleries, I have been given the opportunity to stand alone in my field. To be blunt I do the lot and have not found anything I can't do! 

Is there art historical precendent?

Humans have always been fascinated with size! With each generation artists have pushed the boundaries of what is possible. For me the fundamental truth is that the art must be hand made for it to be appreciated. My art should have the same artistic worth whether it is full size or microscopic. 

Can you give me a sense of what the process is like?

Time has no measure. When I sit down at the microscope I must have prepared for the rigors to come. Eating the right food, having a well maintained body and a clear focused mind. I control my movements with the precision of a brain surgeon. The mind switches to a heightened level of concentration, more than most people are capable of. I work closely with the microscope, treating it as an extension of my body!

How long does it typically take?

Each piece is different, The more layers of complication needed to created the intricate detail and microstructures can take many months. 

What are the unique perils involved?

The plethora of physical and mental challenges are a constant companion when working at a microscope. Firstly I need to judge the position of my micro tools relative to the art, so I don't crash into months of work or flick it away into the unknown oblivion. Manipulation of the material is key because the laws of physics appear to change under high magnification. A shiny smooth gold ring under a microscope can have the colour and texture of chopped wood. Hard impervious surfaces can on closer inspection be soft and moist like a peach. The invisible forces of static electricity can sweep away my creations like a strong magnet suddenly being switched on and snapping away work with a click of a finger. A cough or sneeze can have a similar effect to blowing the art out from under the microscope but inhaling a piece of art and having it lodged in your nose is another challenge altogether. 

Have you done something similar with other Old Masters?

The watch is the first wearable art gallery that I have created with Edward but I have utilised a Snoopy money box for the four Snoopy’s and a miniature Gin Ting bottle inside a glass Gin Ting bottle. I have progressively upgraded the sophistication of the art dispays from perspex domes to glass with bespoke metal bases, laser cut illuminations and artistic programmable lights with a dedicated miniature light for the art. Other watches in the series will be available and hand delivered anywhere in the world, with artists such as Picasso, Dali and Banksy, installed inside for example. 

What about contemporary artists?

One of my largest commissions to date was for a private client. His brief was to reproduce the three Banksy paintings hung on his wall. These were to be reproduced in minature and installed in a single glass dome with a matching gold base to match the frames on the original limited edition prints. The Banksy will be revealed in early September 2023 to world acclaim.

It’s interesting to me that both art and watches are highly collectible. Who do you think the ideal buyer is?

The watch will be sold to someone who appreciates the finest most exquisite watches, the greatest miniature art in the world and appreciates this truly unique once in a lifetime unmissable investment.

Has there any serious interest so far?

Buyers are lining up to express their interest by emailing Edward Hammond at info@hammondgalleries.com where you will have the opportunity to view, buy and reserve future watches with your chosen art meticulously reproduced by the renowned David A Lindon 

Additional information.

I have created 24 new pieces of art which will be available to view on the world tour. The Smallest Zoo in the World, see photos at the end of the David A Lindon Art link. We are looking for venues in Las Vegas, New York and all large cities around the world. Apply to Edward Hammond at info@hammondgalleries.com

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What materials do you use? 

I use a multitude of different materials from porcelain, nylon, carbon fibre, precious metals and crushed micro pigments.

What materials did you use to create your own specialized tools?

I started with dental tools and surgical implements but found them to be cumbersome and too big. One very useful tool I made was a filed down a hypodermic needle with a fragment of diamond on the tip to use as a blade. Each artwork requires me to make specific tools for individual jobs. 

Most of my tools break while creating the micro sculptures and have to be remade several times. For painting I have used hairs from various animals and fibers from silk worms.

I'm looking to push the boundaries further and beyond what is currently known in the world of micro art and have created a number of World First exclusive sculptures and paintings.

What kind of paint did you use for the three Van Goghs (or what substituted for paint), and what did you use for a canvas?

 The frames are made from 24 carat gold and the paintings contain micro pigments from fine white porcelain to extremely rare black moissanite. The canvas and other specific materials are a closely guarded secret.

Were you commissioned to do the Van Gogh watch? 

This was a collaboration between myself and Edward Hammond my manager, founder of Hammond Galleries. We wanted to answer the question of ‘ Was it possible to create the world’s first portable art gallery’

The first of its kind in the world, we managed to have each of the micro paintings balanced on the three arms of the tourbillon, ensuring that the artwork travels round the tourbillon as the time ticks by. 

The Van Gogh Trilogy masterpiece watch is available to purchase through Hammond Galleries.com and will be hand delivered to the lucky owner anywhere in the world to ensure a safe arrival.

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