Miniatures by Hernán Buljevich
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How did you first get into miniatures?
I started working on miniatures at university as I became interested in scale models as a way of representation. It was then when I realized what my future would be. I began to work with constructive details, and created replicas of existing places that I liked. Over time, I acquired experience and thought that my greatest accomplishment was the way I could pass down the essence of a place and its charm—whether a house, a restaurant, a bar, a historic building, or any kind of space, front door or interior room—into a miniature.
What inspires you?
The inspiration for my work stems from a lifelong love of classic Spanish culture, cuisine and bars. I started with Restaurante Botín in Madrid. Founded in 1725, Botín is one of the worlds oldest restaurants.
Every detail of my replicas is carefully carried out, not only to bring photographic accuracy but to represent the attractiveness of each place.
I am inspired by everyday life. I like to always be open to learning new things and new techniques, and I often apply other methods or techniques from another profession into what I do.
What materials do you use for your miniatures?
In order to perform said replicas I seek each material resembles the original: wood, cardboard, recycled materials. All materials I use are legitimate to carry out each of the works. It’s a matter of creativity. That’s how the miniatures get the different places owners’ attention. The owners are eventually attracted to the replicas and would like to have one of their own place.
Describe your process for making miniatures.
Having photographs of anywhere allows me to make a miniature. I get photos to paper, converting them into blueprints. I calculate the scale observing the photos. I think of each line, relief and measure of each part of the site. And then, I select the materials and all parts prepared to be later assembled, resulting in the final work.
Alma de España by Hernán is on view now at D. Thomas Fine Miniatures in New York!
Through photos or videos that can be sent by mail or email, one can start preparing miniatures. Many different materials can be used, enriching in detail the work to be accomplished. You desire one, you have it! Everyone wants his or her place in the world to be represented in a miniature.
Advice you would give to beginner artists?
What matters is the essence of the place or object we want to do, not accuracy. The important thing is to give the work life.
Tool you can’t live without?
I use many improvised and homemade tools. I can not live without my tweezers and nail files. These are what I use most.
What appeals to you most about what you do?
The creativity to find the materials to make things from real life in miniature, is a very fun challenge. The best we can recycle and transform any object.
Other activities and hobbies you enjoy?
I began with this as my hobby, really I am an architect. What I enjoy the most is traveling.
Argentinian artist Hernán Buljevich recreates well-known bars and restaurants in miniature. To see more of his work, visit his website or follow along on two Facebook accounts: here and here.
