DROP 6: AGUEB
Zoe, AKA 'Agueb', is an artist whose ethereal style transcends tattoos, jewellery, ceramics, home prints... and now underwear.
Hi Zoe! Tell us about ‘Agueb’ - your nickname, and brand that spans tattoos and a product line. How did it start?
"To put it simply Agueb is just a shortened version of my surname Aguerreberry. My account actually mainly started a small art account which I used to post my artwork for my friends and family to see, it then suddenly took off and before I knew it it had become my brand.
I have always had such an interest in any artistic medium that could be used to push my vision further, whether it be jewellery, artwork or tattoos. I find it so nice to also be able to make something that allows for so many different types of people to somehow support the artwork and allow me to keep making it."
What do you personally look for in underwear ?
"Comfort above all, I find that I will still wear my oldest underwear as long as it truly feels like I’m wearing nothing. So if it comes with a cute design too that is the ultimate new favourite."
Tell us more about your personal style and colour palette.
"I like to create a world with my motifs and drawings . The colour schemes I use slowly developed into more pastels and light shades the older I’ve gotten and the more positive I’ve felt about my life and my situation.
I like to create images that to me feel like a nostalgic lens into childhood, as sad and upsetting as its been to grow up with a chronic illness I like to create images that portray the lens that I wish I had looked at my life in rather than the sadness. The joy of springtime, seeing bunnies and blooming flowers."
Being an independent artist comes with a lot of freedom, but also a lot of weight. What are some of biggest challenges you have experienced?
"I would say the challenge is the fact that every single day can feel like a grind. To stay relevant, to create good work, to make enough of an impact. It’s hard for this type of job where there is so much emotion and love behind the work to not be all consuming.
I used to struggle a lot more at the beginning but I am slowly getting better at switching off and actually taking time to rest on my days off rather than do more work."
You describe your art as celebrating vulnerability and honouring moments of intimacy. How do you want people to feel when engaging with your work?
"A lot of people attach their own meanings to my work, I hear this a lot with my tattoo clients especially and I love this, it’s what art is supposed to exist as.
I love that I can create something so personal to me yet that can evoke such a human response in someone that might have no idea. I feel thats what truly connects people together. The fact that even though I could have intended something one way once it’s out there, it can mean just as much to someone else in their own story. "
Lastly, what's your favourite thing about working in this world you have created?
"I would honestly say it’s the amount of connections I’ve made and how this job allows me to meet so many different people. Whether its clients or other tattooers, artists or creatives it’s created a whole bubble of the most interesting, dynamic, creative and caring people I have ever met in my life.
Almost every single one of my best friends to this day are people I have me through doing this job and I love that. And collaboration is I believe such an important part of existing in a creative community."