When Eminence Organics first brought the Eminence Organic Certified Farm to life, we also created a perfect miniature model to help us share the farm with the world. The master architect of this project was Brian Rudko, of Pro Model Builders based in Vancouver, Canada. Brian’s team consisted of talented local artists and craftsmen, as well as artisans from Europe, who took meticulous care to bring each ingredient and feature to life with impeccable detail.

Eminence Organics met up with Brian and his model making team to ask about their favorite aspects of this treasured art form.

How did you find yourself making miniature models?

Our company has dabbled in a bunch of different model making genres over the years. We have a lot of experience creating dioramas, which is a very different thing than just doing architecture. So, when Eminence Organics President Boldijarre Koronczay and I crossed paths, it was a perfect match for this kind of unique project. More than just creating a replica, this project needed to tell a story – one of heritage, mission and quality. Another company could have created a model, but I believe our artists went a step further with bringing the model to life.

Can you give us an example?

Absolutely. Most miniature models would show vegetation as a fairly general symbolic reference. In this case, we knew each organic ingredient grown on the farm in Hungary truly mattered to Eminence Organics. We wanted to honor this celebrated project which had won so many awards, including Landscape Architect of the Year and Garden of the Year! Our team had a blast creating unique ingredients to match the real-life farm, including fields of lavender that were carefully created.

We found a company in Europe that made miniature items for toy trains. We discovered perfect wooden miniature pumpkins to use for Eminence Organics’ pumpkin fields. If you look closely at the rhubarb, you’ll see various stages of perfect blooms. I am really proud of my team for this, and I think the work reflects how much we enjoyed it.

Do you think model making by hand is a lost art?

I do think it’s a very niche market. Technology has brought about digital 3D models that are no less expensive, but are faster and are 100% computer-generated. Young architects today are no longer taught the art of model making by hand. In that sense, yes, it’s a lost art.

However, have you seen how people respond to miniature models? The response is not lost! In fact, we’ve found that people respond with even more awe, wonder and appreciation because they know these are even more unique in today’s “technology-driven” world. There is a level of perfection our artists achieve, which is truly inspiring. For those who appreciate craftsmanship and art, the miniature model will live on.

You present your work as art… Can you describe the final steps of preparation before it is ready to view by the public?

Of course. Since each tile, every tree, each leaf – even every pebble around the lily pond – is constructed by hand, it must be encased in airtight glass to keep out dust. And, we’ve found that people simply can not resist touching miniature models! For this reason, we have our models in glass so they will last as long as possible.

Once the models are complete, we tend to every possible detail that can elevate the project to a piece of art for everyone to enjoy. Engraving, titles, mounting the model upon a proper stand or podium, etc. Everything we do let’s people know this is special. And the result? People respond with respect and a lot of joyful appreciation.

There’s something very special about seeing the world from “God’s view.” It brings out the child in all of us.

Do you remember Boldijarre’s response when you first showed it to him?

How could I forget? The model – while miniature – is actually quite large and heavy! We transported the model to Eminence Organics’ central office in Vancouver, just in time for the annual company meeting. It was a proud moment for all of us, but I was touched by what the project meant to Boldijarre and his brother, Attila.

The Eminence Organics Certified Farm is truly a project of love for the Koronczay family, and we were in effect bringing a piece of Hungary home to Vancouver to live with the company. I could tell this was incredibly important to everyone, and that made us care even more about getting each detail captured perfectly. We wanted to make Eminence Organics proud.

ISPA Member Wins a Trip to Eminence Certified Organic Farm!

The Miniature Model of the Farm made its public debut at this year’s ISPA event in Las Vegas, where guests were invited to enter a raffle by guessing how many miniature people were included in the model. On Friday, November 10, 2017, the winner was selected! The grand prize? A free trip to the Eminence Certified Organic Farm in Budapest, Hungary!

We are thrilled to announce the winner of the all-expense paid trip to Budapest, Hungary. This once-in-a-lifetime trip includes a guided tour of the city featuring the famous spas of Budapest as well as a tour of the Eminence Certified Organic Farm.

Congratulations to ISPA Member Lara Davidson, Spa Director at the Spa at Pebble Beach! We can’t wait for Lara to explore our beautiful, award-winning heritage landmark farm and soak in all that Budapest has to offer.

Thanks to Lara and all the other ISPA members who entered the contest at the ISPA Conference & Expo this year!

 

 

 

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