How did a New Zealander’s miniatures of LA landmarks catch Guillermo del Toro’s eye?

Kieran Wright, a New Zealander who moved to Los Angeles eight years ago, has found an unexpected path to artistic success through his intricate miniature models of iconic LA buildings. His journey began with a desire to connect with the city on a deeper level, immersing himself in its unique architecture and culture. “I wanted to connect with the city as a local,” Wright said. “I started building a picture of LA that was different from what I had imagined, and it turned out to be in the best way possible.”

Wright’s fascination with American diners, a staple in the movies and TV shows he watched before moving to Los Angeles, led him to Rae’s Restaurant in Santa Monica. This iconic Googie-style diner became the inspiration for his first miniature creation. “I was eating breakfast there and realized this incredible Googie-style restaurant was beautiful from both the outside and inside,” Wright recalled. “It felt right for my first miniature.”

The Pandemic Pivot: From Airline Marketing to Full-Time Artist

In February 2020, just weeks before the pandemic lockdown, Wright lost his job in airline marketing. With the city in lockdown and no job prospects in sight, he decided to turn his hobby into a potential career. “Maybe I could create art. Maybe I could be an artist,” Wright thought. By June, he had completed his first miniature replica of Rae’s Restaurant and posted photos of it on Instagram.

The response was overwhelming. Within months, Wright was receiving requests for commissions and creating works of buildings he admired, such as Al & Bea’s Mexican Food in Boyle Heights. His first sale, a miniature version of the Tiki Ti bar, fetched $600. “It took a while to call myself an artist and to price my miniatures as works of art,” Wright admitted. “But the moment came with my small-scale Troubadour, which I priced at $3,000. I thought nobody would buy it, that it was too crazy and expensive, but it sold in 30 minutes.”

Gaining Recognition: From Local Commissions to Celebrity Clients

Wright’s work soon caught the attention of high-profile clients, including Slash of Guns N’ Roses and Ringo Starr. However, one of the most significant moments in his career came via a purchase notice on Twitter from filmmaker Guillermo del Toro. Del Toro collected several of Wright’s pieces, including mini replicas of The Formosa Cafe and The Jim Henson Company.

After delivering a model to del Toro’s house, Wright was thrilled to receive a photo of the miniature surrounded by the director’s eclectic collection of oddities and collectibles. “His art fits in there perfectly,” Wright said. This recognition from a renowned filmmaker further solidified Wright’s status as a respected artist in the miniature world.

Wright’s newest creation is a miniature of Langer’s Deli. Unlike his earlier works, which took months to complete, Wright now finishes a piece in about three weeks. “Langer’s is shipping to Florida next week,” Wright shared. “It’s for somebody who used to live here and loved Langer’s. They wanted a little slice of LA in Florida.”

The Artistic Process: Crafting Miniature Masterpieces

Wright’s process for creating miniature models is meticulous and labor-intensive. He begins by gathering reference material, often visiting the building to take photos and videos from every angle. He then sketches the building and adds measurements to his drawings. Back in his studio, he uses a scale calculator to determine the appropriate scale for the miniature, typically 1:24 or 1:32.

The physical creation starts with cutting insulation foam to form the general shape of the building, which is then covered with chipboard for durability. Wright uses various materials to achieve realistic textures, such as textured spray paint for stucco effects, strips of plastic for weatherboards, and sandpaper sheets for roofing tiles. Windows and doors are crafted from basswood, and layers of weathering are added with different colored paints and washes to create a realistic aged look. Signage is 3D printed and attached to the exterior.

Wright’s studio in West Hollywood is a sun-filled space filled with paints, knives, and scraps of material. Despite the chaos, he has recently introduced a filing system with boxes to tame the clutter. His essential tools include razor-sharp Exacto knives, glues, a hot wire foam cutter, and Photoshop for recreating logos and signage.

Our Advice on the City

For those visiting Los Angeles, Wright’s miniatures offer a unique perspective on the city’s architectural heritage. His work highlights the charm and character of iconic buildings that might otherwise go unnoticed. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, taking the time to explore these architectural gems can deepen your appreciation for LA’s rich history and culture.

For occasional travelers, we recommend visiting some of the buildings that inspired Wright’s miniatures, such as Rae’s Restaurant in Santa Monica or the recently restored Tail o’ the Pup hot dog stand in West Hollywood. These sites offer a glimpse into the city’s past and are perfect for a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

For expert travelers, consider exploring the lesser-known architectural styles that make Los Angeles unique. From the whimsical Googie architecture to the quirky Programmatic buildings, there’s always something new and fascinating to discover. Take a drive through different neighborhoods and keep an eye out for these hidden gems that add character and charm to the cityscape.

In conclusion, Kieran Wright’s journey from New Zealand to Los Angeles and his transformation from an airline marketer to a celebrated miniaturist is a testament to the power of passion and creativity. His miniatures are not just art pieces; they are love letters to the city he now calls home. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, take a moment to appreciate the intricate details and stories behind these miniature masterpieces.