A-Z of Brigid Stafford
Image Brigid Stafford/Jessica Dang
By Ruby Staley
Stripes, shapes, textures and forms - budding artist, Brigid Stafford does it all.
During lockdown, we had the absolute pleasure of chatting to the Birraranga/Naarm based artist from both sides of our computer screens about the trials and tribulations of her craft, navigating the Melbourne scene and finding her groove.
How did you get into art?
When I was really little I used to draw and scribble on everything, but I only really got into it properly in 2019! My partner got me a set of watercolour paints and the rest is history!
When did you realise you loved it and had a passion for it?
I realised that art was sort of most of what I was thinking about, and sort of wishing I was doing it when I was studying or doing other things. Even when I was really exhausted I would stay up late creating.
I just found myself spending all of my time making art! That's when I realised I must have a passion for it and it was more than a summer hobby!
Who are some major art inspirations?
Oooh I have so many! So many artists and creative people in Melbourne I love so much. Aki Yaguchi, Bianca Beers, Coco Sims, Maya Irving, Sean Brickhill, Sienna Ludbey (Hello Sisi), Minna Leunig, Jessica Dang, Frances Cannon, Jasmine Piacquadio so so many!
What is your experience like as a young, female artist in Melbourne?
I'm pretty new to art, but everyone is and has been really welcoming. It's been great! There are heaps of talented people and creatives in Melbourne, and it's a really supportive community, everyone really wants one another to succeed and will kind of message you with opportunities you may not have seen and stuff like that! It's really nice.
I feel lucky to live in Melbourne for a lot of reasons, but the creative scene is definitely one I've come to appreciate in the last year or so.
Any tips and tricks for artists just starting out?
I would say just keep creating, because you'll likely make a lot of stuff that you hate, and then (if you're anything like me) think 'what am I doing, I'm so bad at this'. But just keep going, don't compare yourself to anyone else!
You'll make some terrible stuff and some really cool stuff, but try to surround yourself with positive and supportive people and you will be great. Also people are generally super lovely and keen to help if you have any questions about what you're doing!
What do you like to get up to in your spare time?
I am studying full-time at the moment! So it's usually art or study! But in normal (out of iso) life, I love to see my friends! I love going to gigs! I love to travel when I can. I love to read! I also love hanging out with my little brothers!
What have you been watching/reading/listening to as of late?
Ooh I have been reading 'Say Nothing' by Patrick Radden Keefe, which is a great book! I have been listening to a lot of M.I.A and am really keen to see her doco on Netflix!
Paint or watercolour? Paint
Colour or black and white? Colour
Paper or canvas? Canvas
Stripes or spots? Stripey!!
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Check out Brigid’s art and commission a piece of your own via @its.stripey on Instagram.