Today we interview the artist Idoia Cuesta, National Craftmanship Winner, and a reference in contemporary basketry, who has especially created for INDI&COLD the installation “Memoria y materia del mar” during the celebration of the Moments Malaga 2025 Festival.
Idoia Cuesta
ABOUT IDOIA
Hi Idoia, welcome to INDI&COLD. For those who don’t know you yet... Who is Idoia Cuesta? How would you describe yourself?
Definitions are difficult… But I believe I am a creator, artisan artist, designed specialized in basketry and weaving techniques.
From studying Biology to becoming an artist specialized in contemporary basketry… How did that change of direction happen?
The truth is that it has been a long journey, because I’ve always wanted to study Fine Arts. In the end, I could not study Fine Arts, so I studied Biology and I do not regret it. But today it is true that life led me to a more artistic path.
In Lugo, where I went for my PhD, I found the Centro de Artesanía y Diseño and it was wonderful to train there, combining research and creativity. Then we can say that I left university, set up my workshop and here I am today.
Your work is characterized as a fusion of ancestral techniques with a very contemporary language. What is your creative process? Where does a piece start? Or what inspires you in your day-to-day life away from the workshop?
I’m lucky enough to live in the middle of nature, in the Miño River Biosphere Reserve. I leave the house and go to my workshop walking, and I have the river nearby… I think that all of that, the nature surroundings, the climate, the greys of the mist, the cold helps me create.
ABOUT HER WORK
For the Moments Festival, you created a piece for INDI&COLD which combines design, art, and contemporary craft. Can you tell us what this installation is about and how the idea came about?
The inspiration came a little bit from the colors of my collections, as the fact that I am from San Sebastián as well. I used to experience your surroundings, your way of designing collections… And I wanted something clean, neutral. I also liked the idea of playing with light, which is something that I miss in the North.
So when you told me that you wanted it in the Malaga’s store, I did not hesitate, I wanted to play with light, transparency, and the sea, because it is a collection that is also a bit inspired by fishing traps. And well, I find it very beautiful being able to play with different sizes, volumes…
What attracted you in this collaboration with INDI&COLD? What values do you think that we are sharing as a creator and a brand?
Craftmanship. Taking crafts to excellence. It is a brand that also cares a lot about the quality of embroidery and garment finishing. I felt very identified with the brand.
ABOUT FASHION
What does fashion mean to you? How does it influence your daily life and in which way does it intersect with your profession?
Fashion is an important part of my life because I also work with other brands creating accessories. I continuously work with designers, and it is true that, even if in the rural world you can’t really enjoy fashion as much as in the city, I love it and I like attending fashion shows.
If you could define your personal style, how would you describe it? Which pieces do you think are essential to your day-to-day life?
Well, the truth is my personal style can be a little bit chaotic from time to time. I have a collection named Chaos. Black is a basic color, and I adapt a bit to events or occasions.