“Complex Community,” a photo of a miniature model by mixed-media artist Keith Stanton

ARTIST OF THE MONTH

The suburban dream – backyard fences, reclined lounge chairs, kidney-shaped pools and built-in barbecue grills – is very much alive in Keith Stanton’s mind. But for this Scottsdale artist, it exists only in miniature form.

Stanton, 35, crafts these visions into tiny landscapes, then photographs the models. The mixed-media artist got his start while studying display exhibit design at New York City’s Fashion Institute of Technology. After he moved back to Arizona, Stanton decided to mesh his background as a professional photographer with his love for models.

His current series, Exemption from Occupation, features dozens of suburban landscape photographs of perfectly pruned backyards, water features, lush ground coverage and upscale backyard accessories. Using a macro lens, Stanton hones in on a specific feature, letting the rest of the yard fall out of focus.

Stanton says each model, about one square foot in size, takes about a week to finish. The process is systematic, dictated by choices in background, fencing, landscaping and furniture, which he often makes by hand. He pushes each item into place with a dental tool.

 Stanton’s work is available for sale at Scottsdale’s Art One Gallery (prints start at $200). Starting December 4, his work is also on display at the Alwun House (1204 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix, 602-253-7887, alwunhouse.org) in the Lighthouse exhibit.