2o questions with Zoe
20 questions is a fun short interview with our artists this week features Zoe
Zoe has been working at Union for over a year now, she probably has the funniest story about how she ended up here. One morning when going for a walk with her daughter she dropped a toy animal outside Craigy Lee’s house, Craigy left for work a few minutes later, finding the toy on the pavement, and picked it up to return it. He drove down the road to return the toy only to realise he had already met and knew its owner. They had a chat and Craigy learnt the shop Zoe was previously working at was closing down, the universe had aligned and the rest as they say, is history.
When she’s not tattooing she’s taking care of her daughter Evie. Originally from Newcastle, England. She moved to Wellington after travelling around New Zealand and falling in love with a kiwi boy (awwwwww). Your probably familiar with her delicate fine line tattoos, which are extremely popular with our customers, now you can get familiar with her favourite things about tattooing and wellington, here is 20 questions with Zoe:
1. How Long have you been tattooing?
Almost 9 years.
2. How old were you when you got your first tattoo?
18! My mum would have kicked my ass if I was younger than that.
3. Where did you get it?
A proper old school studio, typical of the early 2000s. It was a dingy little studio in Newcastle, Uk. It was literally underground, and fucking freezing cold. I’m not gonna mention the name in case it’s still there haha
4. What’s your favourite style to tattoo?
I love tattooing intricate and delicate line tattoos, that’s a recent thing though, I’m constantly evolving.
5. Who are your favourite tattoo artists?
I really admire a Korean artist called Ziwah. I’m not sure if she is super well known in the western world but her delicate organic style is rad. Keegan Sweeney is another one, I love his strong large scale symmetry. Oh and Kelly Violence and of course the local legend Roger Ingerton, his work was and is so ahead of its time.
6. Who are your favourite artists?
Kent Williams, I love his dreamlike ethereal paintings. He has also animated one of my favourite graphic novels (aesthetically speaking) called “The Fountain”. Alex Grey, all of his work portrays love, the universe and the higher self. It’s just magic to look at, it’s always been a dream of mine to visit his gallery “the chapel of sacred mirrors” in New York.
7. What’s your favourite thing about working at Union?
I can’t choose one thing, so I’ll list a few. The atmosphere is one, professional yet welcoming. The artists I work with, we are like a little family. And lastly the fact that I get to tattoo things, styles and themes that I really enjoy, because Union is so trusted by our clients it means clients trust me to just let me do my thing.
8. What’s the most common question your get asked everyday?
Not really a question but a demand from my daughter Evie “Up please mum” ha ha ha there you go.
9. Who do you look up to?
Cliche, but my mum. She’s a an amazing strong woman.
10.How do you stay inspired?
I see beauty and art in things around me. I think of my daughters future.
11.What’s your favourite brunch spot in wellington?
I don’t do brunch but I do dinner (ha) and it’s Oaks noodle house on Cuba Street. Shady little place but seriously the best.
12. What are your favourite things to do on a day off?
Yoga, sleeping, spending time with my family.
13. What’s you favourite movie?
Totally mood depending but I’m gonna say it’s a battle between “gentlemen prefer blondes” and “gone with the wind” I like my oldies.
14. Favourite book?
The end of Mr. Y
15. Favourite Album?
Man can I choose more than one?! Pink Floyd – the wall. Tool 10,000 days.
16. Pineapple on or off pizza?
Always off pizza, pineapple on pizza is the devil.
17. Are you a cat or dog person?
Cats all the way, furry little pumpkins.
18.Long black or flat white?
Long black. Too much milk makes me fart.
19. Indian curry or thai curry?
Indian curry! Much more complex flavours and more fun to cook.
20. What would your last meal be if you were on death row?
Indian curry followed by my partners homemade banana pancakes. He makes them so goood.