The Team at ArcFest are thrilled to welcome back a luminary of the Australian miniature painting scene, long-time supporter of Arc40k and a returning judge for ArcOpen – none other than Victoria Lamb - a true maestro in the art of miniature storytelling and design.
Victoria has been a dynamic force in the miniature hobby, creating iconic and influential pieces that transcend traditional expectations.
In 2001, she achieved an extraordinary feat by securing the prestigious Golden Demon Slayer Sword at the Australian Golden Demon in Sydney for her remarkable diorama: “The Rescue of Sister Joan.”
This masterpiece not only won accolades but also catapulted the technique of Object Source Lighting (OSL) into the world spotlight, making Victoria a real trailblazer in the international miniature painting community.
Venturing beyond painting and converting miniatures, Victoria established her own range of models, Victoria Miniatures, in 2009. The range boasts a diverse collection of models, each telling a unique and compelling story through futuristic soldiers.
Securing the return of someone of Victoria's caliber supports and aligns with the values ArcOpen holds dear – a commitment to diversity in the hobby, providing a platform for creative expression, and recognizing excellence in execution.
Having Victoria Lamb return as a judge for a second year is nothing short of incredible for ArcOpen in 2024.
Her expertise and understanding of the narrative potential within a model promise once again enhance the process for judging models and bestowing awards at the ArcOpen Painting Challenge.
The decision by Victoria to return to the judging panel brings continuity and integrity to the event. In particular it ensures that the standards set by the first judging panel last year are upheld, offering consistency for participants and eliminating any guesswork about the criteria and reasoning used in 2023.
Judging miniature painting isn't a mystic art, but the assurance of having a seasoned judge like Victoria on board guarantees entrants a fair and consistent evaluation year after year.
A highlight for many participants at last years event was accessibility - despite a busy schedule of judging both with ArcOpen and the Best Painted Awards at Arc40k - Victoria was available throughout the weekend to talk to people.
There was a relatively small but impactful display of miniatures from her Warhorse Kick Starter and Victoria answered questions on a wide range of hobby and model related topics.
Apparently she enjoyed that part of attending ArcOpen last year. So much so, that this year ArcFest will be looking to expand on the space available for her to display and talk about Victoria Miniatures and all things Hobby. It’s set to be filled with a showcase of some of the original painted miniatures that grace the Victoria Miniatures website!
So when we’re not taking her time up with official duties the plan will be for her to sit at a table and be joined by anyone interested in having a chat about anything to do with miniatures. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet and ask questions of an extreamely talented hobbyist, miniature designer and manufacturer.
I know personally that seeing the work of Victoria Lamb and to hold those pieces in hand is an experience not shared by many. But for everyone attending ArcFest to have the opportunity to sit and chat… priceless!
There’s a lifetime of inspiration and knowledge just waiting to be shared with a new crop of hobbyists.
As we approach ArcFest, stay tuned for more exciting announcements regarding what we have planned including details about onsite activities and competitions, prize support, demonstrations, and displays at least one of which will be featuring the latest releases from Victoria Miniatures.
Get ready to witness a magic weekend at ArcFest celebrating painting miniatures and with Victoria joining us again as a guest and Judge for ArcOpen then 2024 is looking like a great year to be a participant!
A collection of just some of Victoria’s Golden Demon winning pieces:
