Gilliver's Travels: An Oyster is Your World

Professional Artist and Photographer, David Gilliver has been playing god to his miniature figurines for over 15 years, since studying Fine Art Photography at the Glasgow School of Art.

He said: “The little people fascinate me. I enjoy finding new figures frozen in a particular pose as I almost feel like I have to help them find a task to complete or be involved in, somehow helping them fulfil their purpose.”

His new series of work focuses around the shell of an oyster, with the minuscule models acting out different scenarios.

In one scene, a group of children play in a ball pit inside an oyster shell, a few well-equipped with armbands and an inflatable ring. In another, a fisherman patiently awaits his catch in an oyster shell lake.

Positioning such tiny figurines is never an easy task, and the addition of water only introduces more challenges.

David said: “The time taken to construct each scene will vary depending on the complexity of the diorama involved. Some will take as little as 20-30 minutes to prepare, and others may take hours to get just right before I start photographing the scene with my macro lens.

“As always when shooting the little people work, there were a few practical hurdles to overcome. Things like ensuring the figurines remained in place.

“The little boat sank a couple of times which was quite funny, although the little fisherman didn’t see the funny side!”

As entertaining as Gilliver’s new work is, it comes with an equally important message.

He said: “For us large people, the world is our oyster. But for the little people, the oyster is their world.

“It’s the small things in life that matter.”