Q and A with Artist Zoe Buckman

by Jenna Von Oy | Last Updated on: June 25th, 2021 at 1:45 pm

I felt so strongly about Zoe’s work reflecting the recent revelations surrounding Dr.Dre‘s history of violence, prompted by the release of movie Straight Outta Compton, that I felt it deserved a post all by itself.

Her ongoing project Every Curve explores the contradictory and complimentary influences of Feminism and Hip-Hop on her upbringing.

She reminds me of Sam Taylor Wood – and the unique growth of modern artists (Schnabel, McQueen) whose artistic expression takes root in every concieveable medium.  I can’t wait to see what Zoe does next.

1. What is your earliest make-up memory?

Watching my grandmother apply mascara with a hand mirror. I was probably 2 years old.

 

 

2. I feel most beautiful when…

I can feel the warm sun on my cheeks.

3. When you were a child, what was your Mother’s beauty routine?

My mother’s beauty routine involved a lot of criticizing herself in front of the mirror. As a result the word “fat” is not allowed in my home– in front of my daughter. I try to really check myself to make sure I don’t talk disparagingly about my appearance or that of other women too. (The word “Phat” is allowed in my house though!)

 

4. Is make-up a chore or a delight?

It can be either depending on my mood. It can bring out my sass and provide some fun artistic expression (usually in the evening), or it can be a frustrating task that brings me closer to my flaws.

 5. Did your father refer to your Mother’s beauty, and how?

He would say, “Jennifer Buckman you are beautiful”. He would say it like it was a fact and not an opinion, which I think is dope.

6. What’s been your worst beauty mishap?

I once used an under-eye concealer that gave me a hideous rash. It was such an unexpected and noticeable place to have one! I looked like a disease-ridden zombie.

 

 7. If you could give one beauty gift what would it be?

Freckles!

8. Where’s the craziest place you’ve done your make-up?

The boy’s toilet.

 9. What would you like to see more of in the beauty industry?

I would love to see a perpetuation of the female face and form that is more reflective of real society and more diverse in terms of age, ethnicity, weight, race, gender and general vibe. That’s “beauty” in my opinion.

10. When was the last time your mascara ran, and why?

A week ago at a wedding. I didn’t know the couple very well but whenever I see two people taking that leap of faith together I get incredibly moved by their vulnerability and their hope.

Jenna von Oy began her professional acting career at the age of six, when she landed her first big break in a Jell-O Pudding Pop commercial with Bill Cosby. Von Oy has made her mark in television, having been a series regular on three network sit-coms.