Ines Ybarra
Ines Ybarra
This past December we were lucky enough to interview one of our favorite artists from Spain. A photographer and art director, her work is bold, dynamic, captivating and always elegant. Ines is an inspiring example of how far authenticity goes.
Where did you grow up? Do you think that place made any impact in your personality?
My first years of childhood I grew up in Neguri, Bilbao. Later we moved to Madrid. It's so hard to say how far certain things impact us. But I guess both cities had an impact, especially Madrid
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Who did you admire growing up?
Bob Dylan, Beirut, Jean Cocteau, Dalí, Magritte
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Did you always know what you wanted to do professionally?
No and I still don't know it.
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Did you go to college? If so, what was the best part of that experience?
Yes, I went to UAL ( University of the Arts London). That I was stupid for not having taken more advantage of all the facilities of the college. When I finished university, I realized how difficult and expensive it is to get professionals and good workshops to work for a good price or free as it was in college. Basically, it taught me to stop missing out on opportunities.
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How would you define your work?
Wow, can't say. I guess it is in a constant evolution.
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I might be wrong, but I believe that your work as a creative director and photographer is very much influenced by the art world. How did you develop an interest in art?
I used to skip school to go to museums. I loved going to the Prado and The Reina Sofia for a walk to later finish at the Retiro to get work on my sun tan. Now I hate getting tan and my favorite museum in Madrid is the Thyssen.
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How or where do you find inspiration?
Everywhere and nowhere. I guess I normally take a point of reference and from there I mix it and change it for other things that I like.
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What is your favorite part of your job?
To think of something and then see that what you had in your head can be produced, and if not it means you still have loads to learn which is also exciting!
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What artists do you admire?
Irving Penn, Pierre Cardin, Stephanie Di Giusto, Krzysztof Kieslowski, Xavier Corbero, Picasso
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Anybody you would like to work with?
David Hockney and Pierre Cardin
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How do you approach the creative process?
I investigate for days. Then I try to put what I want to learn into practice.
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What would your dream project be?
To build a house in a forest or in an impressive environment.
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What does success mean for you?
Peace with yourself. You can have success at 7 years old and maybe never again if you are someone that is never satisfied.
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How do you disconnect when you need to?
I meditate. Self-taught. But it's meditation.
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Favorite city and three things to do there?
Rome. Enter every church and palace. Rent a golf cart to go around the city and go to the Pantheon on a rainy day! Also bring someone you want to piss off next to the river at sunset to get some birds shitting on his head, you, wear a hat!
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Best art galleries to visit right now?
Galleries are like individuals. It depends on your interests and taste! I like the National portrait gallery in London, Galería Javier Lopez and Fer Francès in Madrid, The Saatchi Gallery and White Cube!
