The Taverna Angel Sierra, Madrid found on the CultureStrip
Hernan Buljevich, Miniaturist
Argentinian artist Hernán Buljevich recreates well-known bars and restaurants in 1/12 scale. He began thinking about miniatures at university while studying to be an architect. It was a natural progression, as he was accustomed to working with various scales and drawings. The next step was to create replicas of existing places he liked, to create the essence of a place and its charm in a miniature. He believes accuracy is very important, but even more so is to give the work life.
Hernan Buljevich Restaurante Botin bar and beer tap
Inspiration
Hernan’s inspiration comes stems from a lifelong love of classic Spanish culture, cuisine, and bars. His first piece was the Restaurant Botín in Madrid. Founded in 1725, Botín is one of the world’s oldest restaurants.
How He Works
As an “old school” architect, he rarely uses a computer, choosing to instead convert photos to hand-drawn blueprints. After studying each line, relief, and measure of each part of the site, he selects the materials. Only then does he make individual components for later assembly. If at all possible, Hernan visits the place to bring out the attractiveness of each place. Being there is the best way to do it.
Hernan Buljevich’s Restaurante Botin Cellar
Materials
Hernán has been perfecting his craft over the past 15 years, working with multiple materials, including repurposed/recycled wood, plastic, and metals. He strives not only to merely create the perfect scale replica of a structure but to capture the true essence of that structure –its charm and its and soul – in order to transport the viewer to that space.
Tools
Hernan has many improvised and homemade tools. But don’t take away his tweezers. He can’t live without them. Or his fingernail files.
Susan Downing, with Patrick Owens
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I invite you to visit my Etsy Shop where I offer many accessories and pieces of furniture in 1:12 scale.
