If you know Karen, there’s a good chance you’ve read the same thing over and over – she’s a single minded, trail blazing, creative woman from Scotland (the Black Isle), that loves life, laughs a lot, enjoys fizz and used to be caught behind the bike shed, fag in hand. We’ve known each other for a wee while, bumped into each other at parties, shows, openings, that sort of thing.
So naturally I thought, when we chat, I’m asking questions most are unlikely to ask.
CG: What’s the talent you have that most people don’t know?
KM: Onion gravy, if I do say so myself, it’s spectacular, no, it’s actually really good.
CG: Ok, so I definitely was not expecting that! Now tell me something you’re really bad at.
KM: Dexterity, clumsiness, patience with people who are disorganised, who over promise, or like, they say they’re coming to something and send a message at the last minute pulling out, that drives me mad.
CG: Totally get that, can see why that might drive you mad, although I took you to be a very patient person.
KM: Yea well, not with idiots that waste your time.
CG: Let’s take a different tack – who would you trade jobs with for a week?
KM: Oh, an office job, like a receptionist for a vet; just check in 9 to 5, not have a phone and a regular pay cheque (wistful sigh on the phone).
CG: What’s the funniest thing you’ve read about yourself on the internet?
KM: Oh yes, yes, yes – I’m like this old woman in her 60’s.
CG: Wait, what – that’s weird, there’s like a million photos of you on the internet. What’s your all time favourite food?
KM: Ceviche or Suviche, you know the raw fish covered in lime juice, actually any kind of it, totally love it.
CG: You’re an international traveller, where’s your favourite place to visit?
KM: Has to be L.A. – actually if I could go back in time, I’d like to be there in the 1970’s
CG: What’s your definition of the perfect day?
KM: The day would start something like, breakfast at home in London, go for a run, pick up a paper, lounge around for a bit, go out for lunch with pals, go to a big old art gallery where there’s hardly anyone about, go out for dinner, get absolutely steaming and be poured into into bed.
CG: There’s a lot I could ask about the details of that answer, but let’s move on – who has made you the most star struck?
KM: This happens a lot, lately it’s been David Gandy and Annie Sloan.
CG: I know David Gandy (that is to say I know who he is, not actually know the guy) but Annie Sloan? Is she the paint lady?
KM: Yes, she’s lovely
CG: Aside from people letting you down, what else makes you angry?
KM: Oh god, it’s these fashion people, the posh, privileged, white women, with a total lack of awareness and so much insensitivity to problems in the world. They just don’t get that they are killing the planet with their ridiculous big cars, over heated homes, buying products that will forever need unrecyclable plastics. It’s not just that, it’s their disdain for anyone that is not them, huge chips on their shoulders, desperately protecting their little bubble while stepping over anything or anyone else.
CG: If you could take lessons from any expert, what would you learn and from whom?
KM: Pottery, I don’t know from who, I just love the idea of physically making my own dinner set.
CG: Ok, right, come on, what’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
KM: Luck doesn’t visit the lazy.
CG: Oh, good one, liking that a lot. What “Game Show” would you like to be on?
KM: Has to be the ‘The Apprentice’.
CG: Shit, really? Wow, ok, that’s another answer I’d love to dive into – we’re running out of time. When do you feel your most creative?
KM: Typically when I’m on holiday, L.A. I’ve mentioned, I love Rome, Florence, the Gucci museum, listening to music, away from a screen, somewhere warm, where the colours are bright, the skies are big and I’m relaxed.
Karen and I talked for 45 minutes and this is very much a toned down version of our Q&A conversation. What I will tell you is that her approach to textile and pattern design has a very clear signature, a timeless beauty with a lightness of touch. Her commissions and collaborations are building momentum and there are big things on the way, I could not be more delighted for her and her business. The image at the top is also a link to her website, please visit it or follow her on Instagram and join the other 18,000+ (https://www.instagram.com/karenmabon/) followers. Now very much London based, the sights are very much on building on an already recognised brand.
To sign off, all I will say is that Laura, you are sorely missed (you know who you are); and men, why didn’t you buy your mum a silk scarf for mother’s day this year?