Episode 23: Calvin Tan

Based in Singapore, Calvin Tan has been recognized as one of the most talented sculptors and figure painters in the world, especially among those working with WWII subjects. A graduate of RMIT University who is now the Department Chair at DigiPen Institute of Technology, he’s one of the most eloquent artists we’ve interviewed on this podcast in terms of drawing connections between what we do in miniature (his favored scales: 1/35 and 1/16) and what some of the grand masters did in the realm of fine art; as he pointed out, there is plenty to learn from them, even if the connections aren’t always obvious. Calvin has an excellent blog where you can follow his works in progress here, and, as always, after our chat, your hosts pick several of his pieces to discuss in depth.

Barry Pick #1: Landser, Stalingrad, 1942

Jim Pick # 1: CSA, 5th Texas Infantry, 1863

Barry Pick #2: US Tank Crew 5th Armored Div Hurtgen 1944

Jim Pick #2: Raucherspause 1941, in-progress, and the finished piece.

Calvin’s signature set of German uniform mixes, available from AK here.

Shep Paine’s diorama “A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing,” with a German .88 hidden in a church, which we discussed with Calvin.