Forget those twee little dollhouses from your childhood, we’re a tiny bit obsessed with the work of a truly twisted genius. Juli Steel is not your average miniaturist. A self-taught assemblage artist from Texas who goes by the alias of @TwistedCopperForest, like us, Juli has a weak spot for the forgotten and unloved things of this world. “I love abandoned places and the mystery and stories that tie into one’s home. This is where my dollhouses fit in…”
“I have a deep attachment to the old, damaged, discarded and forgotten,” says Juli. “Rust, clocks, keys, dolls and miniatures are some of my favorites. To the average person these items may seem useless, but I feel a great sense of strength and I ask myself what story lies within this old worn item that sits in front of me.”
Juli spends a lot of time adventuring to junk stores and flea markets. “When I find that perfect item it instantly inspires me and starts me on a journey… once I begin I’m never sure just how it will end, there are times I find myself surprised at what sits before me.”
While most miniature artists spend hours making their creations into the perfect dream houses we all long for in real-life, Juli is busy turning them into the stuff of nightmares (in the best possible way). And you’d be surprise how much more work it takes to make something look purposefully and perfectly decrepid.
Juli Steel sells her unique one of a kind creations, miniature abandoned dollhouses, steampunk and dark art on Etsy.
