6 THINGS WITH KAREN QUIRION

6 Things with Karen Quirion Founder of KQK

Karen Quirion is a Quebec-based artist whose journey spans from fashion design in Milan to sculptural mastery in ceramics. Fusing inspirations from nature's organic beauty and brutalist architecture, her works are a study in contrast, texture, and emotion. As the founder of fashion brand KQK, Karen's innovative approach seamlessly transitions between textiles and ceramics, each piece a unique canvas that whispers of her complex influences, from classical art to poetry. With an eye on the future, she aims to merge these diverse talents into artworks that defy categorization. Discover an exclusive collection of her work on our platform.

1. What started it all for you?

Moving back to my teenage years, I first started studying fashion design around the age of 16 in Quebec City. After obtaining my college degree, I moved to Milan, Italy, where I eventually obtained my master's in Fashion Communication and PR. These studies eventually led me to start my own fashion brand, KQK, back in 2012. Up until a few years ago, my focus was solely centered on building my fashion brand. However, I really began growing interest in other artistic fields over time, especially ceramics, and felt pulled to give it a try. I instantly fell in love with the medium, for the peace it brought and the way it allowed me to push my creative boundaries.

I feel very driven at this moment to keep on building my skills in ceramics. Although this now occupies most of my time, the passion and knowledge I have in textiles is also something I want to keep developing and include in some future artworks as well.

2. What drives your creative spark?

Nature and brutalist architecture have always been very inspirational to me. From very early on in my career as a Fashion Designer, they have held a huge influence on my collections, through color tones, textures, shapes and general aesthetics. Now, as a sculptor, the very same inspirations are reverberating through my work in similar ways. While it is a completely different medium, the pieces I create remain within the same walls of this creative realm.

I also love looking at old paintings and poetry; they really spark this touch of romance, poesy and mystery which I try to infuse into my work.

3. Most treasured home decor item?

I generally don’t get very attached to materials but, I’d say the items I’ve been consistent in keeping close to me over the years are family photos, although I’m not sure if these would count as home decor. For the memories and sense of tranquility they bring, these definitely are the most precious things I have.

4. What’s the best advice you've ever received?

To follow the path of my creative inspirations, where they are leading me, without constraining myself to invisible barriers.

5. It's 5 o'clock at home. What would you be pouring?

I've really gotten into mocktails lately - @olivianoceda is sharing a lot of beautiful and tasty recipes I'd recommend looking at! I also love the occasional glass of Prosecco.

6. What are your 6 favorite accounts that you follow for inspiration?

@thelocalproject
@charlottetaylr
@maison_trouvaille
@piecederesistance
@somewhereiwouldlovetolive
@wallpapermag

"Nature and brutalist architecture have always been very inspirational to me. From very early on in my career as a Fashion Designer, they have held a huge influence on my collections, through color tones, textures, shapes and general aesthetics. Now, as a sculptor, the very same inspirations are reverberating through my work in similar ways. While it is a completely different medium, the pieces I create remain within the same walls of this creative realm." -Karen Quirion

Karen Quirion is a Quebec-based artist who bridges the worlds of fashion and ceramics, drawing inspiration from nature and brutalist architecture.