Lleida, Spain, saw the birth of Lily Brick, a street artist who has transformed the city’s walls into canvases filled with color and meaning. In this interview, Lily Brick shares her inspiration, creative method, and the challenges she faces as a street artist.
Inspiration, Motivation, and Artistic Style
Lily Brick found her way into urban art in the summer of 2014 when she began to intervene on the walls of the Río Segre (Spain). Her primary motivation was the need to engage in introspective work and find a broader space for self-expression. Initially, she held biases against graffiti, but she soon shattered those stereotypes upon meeting the Urban Soldierz, a group that painted with passion and freedom on the city’s walls.
Lily Brick’s art draws inspiration from a variety of influences, ranging from street artists like Etan Cru and Aryz to historical figures such as Natalia Rak and Sabotaje al Montaje. Additionally, her rural roots and the colors of her homeland play a significant role in her works. She describes her style as a contemporary interpretation of historical styles like Art Nouveau, Pre-Raphaelitism, and Romanticism.
Street Creation
Lily Brick doesn’t take street intervention lightly. Before embarking on a project, she conducts thorough research on the location and its context. For her, respect for the environment is paramount. She then designs and presents her artwork, welcoming contributions that can enhance the conceptual aspects of her work. Once everything is prepared, she initiates the action.
Her primary goal in street intervention is to evoke emotions through art and convey a message that invites reflection. Lily Brick aims to open a door to contemplation for those who view her works. She does this astonishingly often, every week, except for some reserved for rest and spending time with loved ones.
The locations she selects for intervention must meet specific criteria. She prefers walls with enough space to be seen from a certain distance, in vertical format, and larger than 200 m². Furthermore, it’s essential that the wall is in good condition, free from stains and defects.
Challenges
Lily Brick has encountered challenges in her career, including the undervaluation of her profession, sexist comments from society, and the absence of artistic values in some municipalities where she has worked. She also highlights the lack of cultural management in certain areas.
To artists considering the streets as a canvas for self-expression, Lily Brick advises them to strengthen their character and not listen to those who say they can’t do it. She acknowledges that as a woman and a human being, sacrifices will be required, but she believes that the reward is a gift for life.
Lily Brick sends a special message to New York readers: though she has never been to New York, she would love to add color to some of its walls. Brick’s story is a testament to the power of street art to transform the environment and challenge stereotypes, uniting creativity and reflection in every stroke of color on the streets, and who knows, perhaps someday in New York.
