A Bermudian art ambassador
At one time Bruce Stuart was one of Bermuda’s most well known artists. He took part in hundreds of exhibitions locally, he was president of the Bermuda Society of Arts, and his work even graced the arrivals hall at the airport.
Then, in 2006, he gave it all up and moved to Mexico with his wife, Claudia. He now runs an art gallery out of his home in San Miguel de Allende — Stuart Fine Art Studio.
Remaking himself in a country where he didn’t even speak the language was not without its challenges, but he believes it has been worth it. His work has been appreciated, and has appeared in several local galleries.
Q: Your work used to be very Bermuda-themed. Has living abroad given your art a different perspective?
A: Being away from Bermuda has opened more of the world of art to me. It has give me a freedom to play in more mediums and styles and mix in more cultural references. One of my works in Mexico is the San Miguel de Allende night-time series. The series is a reflection of my first night in San Miguel and all the magic I felt wandering the golden cobblestone streets. Bermuda is now working back into my work. I keep returning to it in different styles to see what happens. I am not so distracted here by things like politics and the stress of hurricanes and I have done a lot of art work. In Bermuda there is a lot of pressure to go out all the time. Here, if you don’t go out for a couple of days, you don’t miss anything. The pace of life is very slow.
Q: What made you move to Mexico?
A: I have been coming to Mexico since 1996 when I first visited with Chesley Trott to explore different mediums not available on the Island such as bronze sculpture. I fell in love with Mexican culture. It reminds me of my grandmother’s backyard which had chickens and flowers in tin cans. This place has the old Bermuda feel to me.
Q: What is the arts community in Mexico like?
A: It is very diverse with people from all over the world.
Q: Are there many art galleries where you are?
A: We have an old cotton mill, called the Fabrica Aurora, converted into about 30 galleries and studios and there are many around town. Two art schools and many international workshops by private artists and many local artists have workshops of all kinds too. I have some work hanging in restaurants and I have done a few murals. I’ve had a solo show about once a year. But it is not like Bermuda in the sense that there aren’t a lot of public art centres like the BSoA. Here the galleries tend to be private and you have to be invited to show your work.
Q: What are you currently working on?
A: I go through different styles, but right now I am working on a cubist representation of Bermuda architecture. I have been playing with a lot of negative space. The houses are small and have walls missing and that sort of thing. Unfortunately, they look a little like people’s homes in Bermuda after Hurricane Gonzalo. I didn’t mean to predict that.
Q: Was it hard to start over and have to build up your reputation all over again?
A: I am still working on it and it is harder for me because of the language barrier and economic downturn that started just after we moved to Mexico. Here, everybody reinvents themselves and it is often very surprising what people did before they came here. It has been difficult selling work, but it is rewarding, having the time to create.
Q: Do you ever want to come back to Bermuda?
A: I am open to the possibility and in my heart I want to, but for now I have an opportunity to explore in an environment clean of other struggles.
I am devoting a lot of time to my work. In due time we’ll see. I have family history and loved ones still there and a grandson, Andrew, I haven’t seen yet. It sounds like I should be home, but for now I am a Bermudian art ambassador, a beacon always pointing to Bermuda.
Bermudian artist Bruce Stuart lives in San Miguel de Allende, a mecca of Mexican culture and a great place to visit.
Once an important stop on the silver route between Zacatecas and Mexico City, its historic centre is filled with well-preserved buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. With its narrow cobblestone streets, leafy courtyards, fine architectural details and sumptuous interiors, San Miguel de Allende has been called the prettiest town in Mexico. In 2008, UNESCO recognised San Miguel de Allende, and the neighbouring sanctuary of Jesus de Atotonilco, as World Heritage of Humanity sites. The honour cited San Miguel’s religious and civil architecture, from Baroque to late 19th century Neo-Gothic. It is also known for being an important place during the struggle for Mexican independence.
When to go: Now is a great time. The annual Day of the Dead celebration runs from November 1 to 2. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends and remembers friends and family members who have died. In San Miguel de Allende there is the Fabrica la Aurora Art Walk. People walk around with a special doll with only a skull as its head. Many different galleries, stores and cultural sites are open in the evening.
The weather: Year around the temperature is in the 40s in the evening and soars to the 80s during the day. Sometimes there are rain showers, but the weather is often good.
How to get there: Mr Stuart recommends people from Bermuda fly from Miami to Mexico City and then take a four-hour bus ride to San Miguel. You can also hire a car in Mexico City. Mr Stuart believes the bus is the simplest way.
Where to stay: There are many hotels and bed and breakfasts in San Miguel de Allende, but Mr Stuart always puts his family up at Casa Schuck on Garita. This is a boutique style hotel fused with 17th century Spanish colonial decor.
What to see: There are lots of shops and galleries in San Miguel de Allende. Be sure to see the Cathedral Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel with its Neo-Gothic facade, The Mask Museum and of course, Stuart Fine Art Studio at #16 Garita.
