Journal 18: Interview with Brianda Fitz-James Stuart

Journal 18: Entrevista a Brianda Fitz-James Stuart
Brianda, what is your earliest memory of creating something with your hands?
“My first memory is of a day when we were painting t‑shirts at home. I remember painting a cat’s back and then proudly wearing the shirt.”

Your works are full of color and symbolism. What usually comes first: the concept or the image?
“It depends on the project and the moment. Sometimes I begin with a concept and the images emerge, while other times I get very clear images in my mind and work from intuition. In those cases, the work forms itself and the concepts arise as I paint. It’s like a game without fixed rules; what matters is to flow.”

What role do mistakes or imperfections play in your creative process?
“I believe that in painting there are no mistakes; imperfections often offer a more interesting perspective. I love it when I paint something and the perspectives are a bit wild, because that brings a touch of unreality that I adore. In the end, what’s most important to me is to enjoy the process, be courageous, and not fear error. As Dalí said: ‘Errors are almost always of a sacred nature. Never try to correct them. Instead: rationalize them, understand them profoundly. After that, it will be possible to sublimate them.’”

Nature is very present in your work. Do you have a special place you return to for inspiration?
“Being in contact with nature is important to me; it’s how I recharge my energy and I need that tranquility whenever I can. My favorite place is my home in Cantabria. What I miss most is visiting the river and walking through the village; I feel that I fill up with creativity and peace.”

You’ve said that craftsmanship is one of your passions. What does handmade mean to you in such a digital world?
“It’s the part I enjoy the most: being able to work with my hands and mix colors gives me a lot of happiness. I believe that the energy transmitted in hand‑made work is unmatched.”

You’ve collaborated with brands like Gucci, Swatch, Zara, Uniqlo, and JimmyLion. How do you maintain your personal signature when working with major firms?
“When brands contact me, thank goodness, it’s precisely because they want my personal signature. What’s interesting is being able to adapt my paintings to different mediums; it’s always a challenge and, although it can be a bit scary at first, I end up enjoying the process of stepping out of my comfort zone.”

What is it about fashion that makes it such an interesting canvas for art?
“Fashion is another form of expression, using colors and shapes. Although it involves an industrial process, there are many parts of fashion that are very interesting and inspiring. Clothing is the way you present yourself to the world; you tell many things through how you dress.”

Is there a book you’re particularly fond of?
“I love The Baron in the Trees by Italo Calvino; it’s a book I’ve treasured since adolescence.”

How important are your shoes in your daily life?
“Very important. For me, comfort is priority; I can’t stand heels. I believe you can be both elegant and comfortable at the same time, and Cayumas is an example of this.”

How would you design your perfect Cayumas?
“I suppose I would design a print for the inside that would be elegant and fun. I’d also love to add some embroidery, design the packaging, and travel to Italy to see the artisanal process; it would be a dream come true.”