Small Things
- Ann Russell
- 17 hours ago
- 4 min read
Ever heard the saying "small things amuse small minds"? I am sure I've even said it on occasion in the context of the classroom where some 13 year old is being amused by some unimportant and banal distraction. But lately, I have become increasingly fascinated with small things, and their importance not just in my life but in all of our lives.
For me, it has manifest itself by making "small things" particularly tiny terrarirums and fairy houses. Until now, I haven't analysed what it is that inspires me to create them, other than that they are very fun to make. High art? Probably not. But they are undoubtedly a manifestaton of my creativity and, as they take quite some time to make, slow me down and help me focus, while allowing my imagination to run wild
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They are also about my fascination with liminal spaces; third spaces; away from the nitty gritty of the reality of everyday, where we can play, imagine and create worlds that are beautiful as well as meaningful.
Often my created small things have a bit of an edge, so they are often more than just "cute", reflecting my inner need to reshape the world that is something more palatable which often requires us to change our perspective and ways of thinking. Not always the most saleable, but very often they resonate with other people nonetheless.
Why Small Things Matter
Small things have a unique power. They can brighten a gloomy day, build stronger relationships, and create lasting memories. Indeed, author of The Art of Small Things, John Mack calls art made in the miniature "theatres of memory". That is why Joseph Cornell's shadow boxes resonated so deeply with his audience, as did the work of one of my favourite artists, Rosalie Gascoigne. Other modern miniature artists are Thomas Doyle and Lori Nix, both of whom work with an apocalyptic world - expressing ideas about human consumption and cruelty. Kendal Murray is an Australian Artist who works with the physical representation of psychological states.
For myself, I have labelled my terrarium works "Aislingariums" using a combination of the Irish Gaelic word for dream or vision: "Aisling" (Ash-ling) and the suffix 'arium' denoting a place or container. With them, I am seeking to undo our understanding of the world as rational and linear, and enable consideration of worlds which invite exploration with an Alice-like wonder. Obviously, the fairy houses entertain the idea that there are worlds we don't see or acknowledge beyond our "reality", at the peripheries of our experience and which invite magic and hope in a world that is sometimes frightening and cruel.
Last year, I wrote a blog about seeing red - in particular our need to focus on red threads - the tiny things that make our world a little easier to bear. Looking for the small positives rather than the big ones, enables us to more readily move into a greater sense of well being. Small things can remind us that life is not only about big achievements but also about the everyday details that make it rich and full.
We encounter countless small things that often go unnoticed. These tiny details shape our experiences, influence our moods, and sometimes hold more meaning than the grand gestures we tend to focus on. Understanding the art of small things means appreciating the subtle moments and simple acts that enrich our lives in quiet but powerful ways.
How to Notice Small Things
In a busy world, it’s easy to overlook small things. To truly appreciate them, we need to slow down and pay attention. Here are some practical ways to notice the small things around you:
Practice mindfulness: Focus on your surroundings and your senses. Notice the colors, sounds, and textures you usually ignore.
Keep a gratitude journal: Write down small things that made you smile or feel grateful each day.
Limit distractions: Put away your phone or turn off the TV to be more present in the moment.
Observe others: Watch how people interact, the little gestures they make, and the expressions they use.
By training yourself to see these details, you’ll find more joy and meaning in everyday life.
You could also purchase one of my "Aislingariums" or "Fairy Houses", tiny theatres of memory that allow you to notice the small, and often liminal spaces that make life worthwhile.
Cultivating the Art of Small Things
The art of small things is a skill anyone can develop. It requires patience, curiosity, and a willingness to slow down. Here are some ways to cultivate this art in your life:
Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge your progress, no matter how minor it seems.
Create rituals: Establish simple daily habits that bring you joy or calm.
Focus on quality: Choose to do things well, even if they are small tasks.
Share small moments: Connect with others by sharing little stories or experiences.
By valuing small things, you build a foundation for a more mindful and fulfilling life.
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