Local muralist captures the spirit of South Seas
The Floridant/10324595

SANIBEL ISLAND, Fla. - Floridant -- A fresh chapter of artistic expression is unfolding at South Seas, the 330-acre coastal resort at the north end of Captiva Island, featuring a series of coastal-inspired murals that capture the essence of the Gulf-side sanctuary.

Created by local muralist Alex Bustamante, the murals are part of a fresh visual narrative as the resort introduces new and refreshed amenities throughout the property. Reflective of the resort and the natural habitat throughout, the nature-inspired murals depict the beauty of the beaches, mangroves, sunsets and wildlife that are part of the identity of South Seas and the immersive guest experience.

A professional muralist by trade, Bustamante is known for her immersive works that capture nature and color. She says her artistic process starts by doing her research and getting a good feel for the environment she's trying to depict.

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Bustamante's first of thirteen commissioned murals being created throughout the resort was completed at South Seas Spirits, which offers high-end liquors, wines, beers and mixers at The Shops at South Seas. The spirits store opened in the spring, conveniently located to enhance the island experience for South Seas guests, as well as visitors to Captiva Island. Located just inside the shop's doors, the mural captures the dreamy scene of a message in a bottle washing up onto the sandy shores of Captiva, backlit by one of the island's iconic sunsets.

"I usually paint whatever the client wants, but there's many times that they say, 'This is your canvas, do whatever you want' and I really enjoy that," Bustamante said. "That's where you will see a mix of maybe an animal and the tropical plants and flowers and bright colors."

Since that first mural, South Seas has asked Bustamante to create twelve additional murals throughout the resort. Nearest the resort entrance at Captiva Landing, the resort's new water amenity set to open later this year, is a series of ten murals inspired by nostalgic postcards. Additionally, she brings some of the region's favorite sea creatures to life with a vibrant mural featuring sea turtles, dolphin, seashells and coral inside the new Camptiva kids' club, coming soon to Captiva Landing. At Harborside restaurant, Bustamante captured some of the beloved local wildlife – a mother and baby manatee, representing frequent visitors to the marinas at South Seas.

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A massive project like this has given Bustamante a sense of pride in her work, which started after she was laid off from her job at a creative agency.

Just as South Seas has been an iconic destination on the island for generations, Bustamante hopes the art she's created there will leave a lasting impression as well.