Photographs By Matt Banahan
Located in one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in Argentina South America, Awasi Iguazu is not just a spectacular travel destination. It's a sanctuary for those seeking to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of nature, culture, and art. The Awasi Artist Program exemplifies this ethos by inviting distinguished artists worldwide to experience, interpret, and encapsulate the unique beauty of its surroundings.
Among the program's acclaimed participants is Jewelry Designer/Artist Angela Bulich, whose art, especially her jewelry creations, have been profoundly influenced and enriched by this extraordinary opportunity. “My goal was to capture native and endemic species, and really embrace the biodiversity of the region,” Bulich is quoted as saying, “and I have to say again this is where our guides were so instrumental having eyes and ears open at all times.”
Awasi Iguazu a Relais Chateaux Hotel
Awasi Iguazu by Relais Châteaux is an enchanting oasis in the heart of the lush Misiones Rainforest, just minutes away from the mesmerizing Iguazu Falls in Argentina. This intimate luxury lodge, with only 14 exclusive villas, offers a personalized and unforgettable experience that captures the essence of the surrounding natural beauty.
Each villa is thoughtfully designed with local materials and features private plunge pools, ensuring guests can revel in both comfort and privacy. Awasi Iguazu's exceptional commitment to sustainability and conservation shines through in every aspect. From the meticulously crafted, locally sourced gourmet cuisine to the guided excursions into the rich flora and fauna of the area, protection of the local environment and culture comes first.
The dedicated team of passionate staff and private guides cater to each guest. They create personalized adventures that range from exhilarating treks through untouched jungle paths to serene boat rides on the Iguazu River. At Awasi Iguazu, every moment is a harmonious blend of luxury and nature. It is the perfect destination for travelers seeking an unparalleled, immersive escape in one of the world's most breathtaking locales.
At Awasi, there is a belief that nature and art are deeply intertwined. Both are valuable, fragile and essential for human beings. Over the last years, Awasi has collaborated with artists, providing a setting amongst nature where each artists can find unique inspiration. Awasi was conceived from the idea that “every journey should intimately connect us with nature to deeply discover new destinations and to enrich our own existence.”
Essential Online Links For Booking Your Trip to Southeast Florida
Logistics:
There are 3 airports that service Southeast Florida, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach: Uber and Taxis are available. Tri Rail and Brightline trains service Fort Lauderdale and Miami Airports. Private and Multiple Passenger Transfers are available from all three airports: ☆Transportation Service Miami Hotel - Miami International Airport
Advanced Tickets for the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi.
Save on entry fees: If you plan on visiting multiple museums or attractions, it is more economical to purchase a Miami Sightseeing Pass to save money, you can buy this pass for 1, 2, 3, or 5 days.
Top-rated Southeast Florida Tours and Experiences:
☆Seven Isles of Fort Lauderdale Kayak Tour (one of my favorite Southeast Florida experience)
☆Downtown West Palm Beach Food Tour (great for foodies)
☆Wynwood Graffiti Golf Cart Small-Group Tour (perfect for art lovers)
☆Skip the Line: Flamingo Gardens Admission Ticket in Fort Lauderdale (essential to avoid lines)
☆1 Hotel South Beach (Luxury, Miami)
☆Yotel (Budget Friendly, Miami)
☆Hollywood Beachside Boutique (Budget Friendly, Fort Lauderdale)
☆The Pillars Hotel (Luxury, Fort Lauderdale)
☆The White Elephant (Luxury, Palm Beach)
☆The Canopy (Budget Friendly, West Palm Beach)
☆Crane's Beach House Boutique Hotel & Luxury Villas (Amazing Tropical Vibe, Delray Beach)
My favorite Guidebook for Florida: DK Eyewitness Florida
My favorite Novel about Southeast Florida: The Last Train to Key West
Don’t forget to pack: Crossbody Bag for Sightseeing Sun Screen Comfortable Walking Shoes **My Favorite Packable Hat.
If you are interested in more Art in the South Florida,
check out these posts:
Angela Bulich, Bridging Cultures Through Artist Expression in Jewelry
Bulich's participation in the Awasi Artist Program marked a significant milestone in her artistic journey. It is a journey which started when she was just a toddler, painting or drawing as she sat in her highchair while her Mom worked in the kitchen. Her degree in Biology, enhances her expressions of nature. “I wouldn’t call myself a traditional jeweler,” she is quoted as saying. She says. “Everything I know about the craft I learned backwards. Beginning by making jewelry as art, creating sculptural jewelry, experimentally. Then I learned the more technical skills needed to make fine pieces that last lifetimes.”
Known for her unique use of color and texture, Bulich's work often explores the interplay between human experiences and natural surroundings. This is exemplified by her earlier collection called Les Océanides where she designed pieces of jewelry inspired by the mermaids Homer met on his journey described in “The Odyssey.” Her time at Awasi Iguazu, between the dense forests and roaring rivers of Argentina, gave her a fresh perspective and a new palette to work with.
During her residency, Bulich engaged deeply with the local culture, flora, and fauna. Her process involved thorough exploration, hiking through lush forests, observing wildlife, and conversing with local communities, especially local mines where she sourced gemstones for some of her creations.
This intimate engagement allowed her to capture the symbiotic relationship between the land and its inhabitants, creating pieces that can serve as a remembrance of a guest’s experience at Awasi. Her Ambaí leaf Earrings made of brass and accented with rhodochrosite stone, sourced from Argentinean mines is an example example of that relationship.
Translating Experience to Expression
The artwork Angela Bulich created under the Awasi Artist Program stands as a testament to her transformative experience. Her jewelry from this period exhibit a vivid portrayal of the Iguazú region's rich biodiversity, blending vibrant hues of gemstones with delicate shaping recycled precious metals to depict the intricate balance of nature. By integrating elements of indigenous fauna and flora, she encountered, Bulich's pieces tell a story that transcends visual appeal to speak to the heart of cultural heritage and environmental preservation.
The artwork, characterized by swirling patterns and lush colors, is reminiscent of the dense jungle canopy and the powerful energy of the Iguazú waterfalls. Interwoven within the natural scenery are symbols and motifs inspired by the Guaraní people, the indigenous community she engaged with during her stay. These pieces highlight the inseparable bond between the land and its people, echoing the ethos of the Awasi Artist Program.
Impact and Legacy of the Residency
Bulich's time with the Awasi Artist Program did more than fuel her individual creativity, it also brought greater visibility to the artistic potential of ecotourism. Her work raises awareness about the program and inspires other artists to seek similar immersive experiences.
“My ideas about responsibility, sustainability and quality really fit with those at Awasi,” Bulich is quoted as saying. “I want to create a collection inspired by the biodiversity, to honor this special region of the world, so people can take home a piece of Awasi without leaving a trace.”
Careful not to disturb the natural environment of the region, she started gathering trimmings, fallen flowers, loose ferns and dried bamboo. “I like the idea of taking certain forms from nature, my own artistic liberties and creating something new,” says Bulich. Her art has sparked conversations about the importance of conserving natural habitats and respecting cultural histories.
In-Situ Exhibition at the Delray Arts Warehouse
That conversation transformed into a curated exhibition of In-Situ created art at the Delray Arts Warehouse. The exhibit, curated by Bulich showcases the work of local artists who create site specific pieces in South Florida. This exhibition highlighted the similarity of the two ecosystems, Iguzua Argentina and South Florida. Both locations are equal distance from the equator just in opposite hemispheres. When viewed through the eyes of multiple artists the similarities are striking.
Bulich’s contributions were truly breathtaking. Her botanical inspired pieces filled the space with sparkling energy, drawing visitors in and inspiring conversations about art and creativity. Her commitment to engaging with the local community and sharing her passion for art with others shone through in this exhibition. Bulich finds ways to inspire and uplift those around her. Her positive energy and work ethic are contagious.
The Awasi Artist Program offers artists like Bulich a rare opportunity to blend their artistic pursuits with the awe inspiring landscapes and rich cultural tapestries of South America. Through her residency, Bulich not only enriched her personal artistic vocabulary but also contributed to a larger narrative that celebrates and preserves the interconnectedness of nature, culture, and art. Her residency serves as a beacon for artists, illustrating how deeply an environment can influence artistic expression and how art, in turn, can advocate for the preservation of our planet's precious landscapes and cultural heritages.
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