Art comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and types. It sends the same message whether it's huge or tiny. And it is through this virtue that Dubai-based miniature artist Ifima Pereira operates.

Over four years, the artist, who admits to a fondness for all things tiny, has been creating exquisitely detailed and nuanced food miniatures. Aside from creating miniature sculptures, the Indian artist also works as a graphic designer and illustrator.

Her Instagram profile is overflowing with miniature food artifacts that appear to be genuine. For the mother of a one-year-old, what started as a hobby has turned into a full-fledged passion. According to Pereira, her infatuation with miniature artistry started when she was given air-drying clay by a neighbor. According to the 32-year-old artist, she started shaping perfectly delicate figurines in 2016.

“I created my first miniature in 2016,” says the artist. I was surprised when a friend gave me a piece of air-drying clay, as I had only previously seen play dough or porcelain clay. “I tried out my first piece and fell in love with it right away because it dried out overnight,” she says.

The artist has always been drawn to the arts, having painted extensively before dabbling in miniatures. Her interest in curios is due in part to her mother's interest in miniatures, and she adores nifty articles and trinkets.

My mother used to be completely enthralled by miniatures. She'd amass a collection of tiny tea sets and cups. I recall her looking forward to the start of the Dubai Shopping Festival so she could go to the China Village and buy her little mini sets. I believe that looking at these tiny objects enthralled me as well, and I developed a taste for it.

While Pereira's miniatures appear to be simple to make, they require a great deal of time and effort. It's crucial to be nimble with your hands in order to get the details correct. Pereira began by creating miniatures out of air-dry clay, but she has since moved on to other types of malleable material. She primarily credits the COVID-19 pandemic for giving her the time to concentrate on trying out new approaches, a feeling shared by artists all over the world.

“At first, I only used air-dry clay for all of my pieces, but I experimented with other materials as well. I have to thank the lockdown with giving me more time to play with materials,” she exclaims.

“I took a polymer clay workshop in September of last year, and it opened up a whole new world of formulations and details for me. Baking is needed to cure polymer clay, as opposed to air-dry clay. When the piece is healed, it becomes a strong, long-lasting piece. Pereira explains, "I play with other materials as well to achieve the right texture." What was it that attracted her to food miniatures rather than other types of sculptures? The musician, who hails from the Indian state of Goa, quips, "For the love of food."

“I have a massive desire for food that is appealing to the eye. Food must be beautifully presented in order for you to continue to eat it. I'm not a great chef, but when it comes to miniature food, I consider food presentation to be an art form as well. Though I enjoy sculpting all types of food, I am especially drawn to creating Goan food, which allows me to showcase the diverse cuisines available in my home state.”

Pereira is on the looking for better ways to share her work with a wider audience. Last December, her work was exhibited for the first time at the Akaas Visual Arts gallery in Dubai's Al Fahidi historical district. By exhibiting on more platforms, she aims to expand her audience.

“Miniature painting is more of a hobby for me right now because I work full-time and have a one-year-old toddler, so I have a lot on my plate. Nonetheless, I try to fit in sometime between my hectic schedules. “There are days when my mind is overflowing with ideas, but I don't have enough time to implement them. I do keep track of all of these ideas and work on them when I have the opportunity. Let's see where it takes me,” says the hopeful artist, who has a few plans and ideas in the works.