During a conversation with a co-worker in the spring of 2008, I blurted out the idea of building models of West Virginia coal camp scenes inside of glass bottles. It has taken a year to transform that idea into something tangible.
The scenes inside the bottles are three-dimensional landscapes made from epoxy clay, ground foam, styrene plastic, and a variety of other materials. The buildings that are too big to fit through the bottle opening are assembled piece by piece within the bottle. I look to the surrounding area for my subject matter, but also rely on historical photos.
These models are designed to last virtually forever if the wax seal remains unbroken. I like to think that the contents of the bottles are inviolable, which is what I wish upon the actual coalfields region itself. History here has not been kind.
Each bottle is a one-of-a-kind original made by me, Ole Bye, in West Virginia's southern coalfields. Every bottle features a hand-made West Virginia hardwood stand, and comes with a certificate explaining the historical features represented within the bottle.
