LUCY MAHON
In celebration of Frieze Art Fair, we visited the artist and illustrator Lucy Mahon’s studio in East London. Lucy focuses on taking inspiration from the everyday, bringing ‘visual love letters to the world we live in.
Photographer: Nic Ford @nicfordphoto
LUCY MAHON
Ahead of Frieze Art Fair, we visited the artist and illustrator @lucyjmahon studio in East London. Lucy focuses on taking inspiration from the everyday, bringing ‘visual love letters to the world we live in.’
Photographer: Nic Ford @nicfordphoto
Q&A
How was Hackney Hooker born?
I was first taught how to make a granny square at a seniors coffee morning I volunteered at years ago, that’s the actual origin I suppose. But it was only in the last couple of years that I started making stuff for more than just immediate family and friends. TikTok coming along and making crochet popular again deffo played a part, and then it naturally evolved from there with people reaching out for bits I’d been sharing first on my personal insta and then on the Hackney Hooker one.
Where did the name come from?
It was a joke, I had a craft club at my flat every Monday night - everyone brought their own thing, painting, crochet, knitting, sewing, very East London - and one of the girls was laughing at the concept of stitch and bitch because she’d never heard it before. Then I threw out the idea of being called The Hackney Hooker, and it just stuck, there was no other name I could use after that, it still makes me laugh.
What do you take into consideration when
selecting your yarns?
Ultimately, it’s about what the product is being used for, how breathable it needs to be, how sturdy, how malleable etc, and that largely dictates my choices.
Like most things handmade, it’s tough when you try to be more mindful of the materials you use, as this often comes at a cost, and when people can buy a crochet dress on ASOS for £15 or less... it’s hard convincing people to spend that on raw materials alone.
What’s next in the pipeline?
Project wise? So many things! I’m getting married in a couple of months which has absolutely inspired me to put together some playful bridal pieces.
I’m working to get stocked in a local shop which is mad and fab in equal measure.
In terms of dreaming big, I’d love to collaborate with some of my favourite brands or host some fun event in one of the many wine bars around this way.
Tell us about the ALIGNE pieces you’re wearing and how you’ve styled them?
I like clothing items that are fuss free, so I chose pieces that I feel are chic, are easy, are versatile. Then I can inject some more playfulness with the accessories if I want.
There are some days I love getting ready, and others where I just need to thrown on a uniform without thinking. Incorporating pieces like these into my wardrobe means no matter how I wake up feeling, I’m able to feign a bit of effort.
Where do you go for outfit inspiration?
People on the street, social media also plays a part, consciously or unconsciously.
What's your approach to curating a wardrobe?
Slow and steady. I used to be way more impulsive, but I feel like it’s only now I’m in my late 20s that I actually get what I like in a way that lasts beyond a season.
I also love second hand/consignment shopping, so living East means I’m spoiled for choice.
How was Hackney Hooker born?
I was first taught how to make a granny square at a seniors coffee morning I volunteered at years ago, that’s the actual origin I suppose. But it was only in the last couple of years that I started making stuff for more than just immediate family and friends. TikTok coming along and making crochet popular again deffo played a part, and then it naturally evolved from there with people reaching out for bits I’d been sharing first on my personal insta and then on the Hackney Hooker one.
Where did the name come from?
It was a joke, I had a craft club at my flat every Monday night - everyone brought their own thing, painting, crochet, knitting, sewing, very East London - and one of the girls was laughing at the concept of stitch and bitch because she’d never heard it before. Then I threw out the idea of being called The Hackney Hooker, and it just stuck, there was no other name I could use after that, it still makes me laugh.
What do you take into consideration when
selecting your yarns?
Ultimately, it’s about what the product is being used for, how breathable it needs to be, how sturdy, how malleable etc, and that largely dictates my choices.
Like most things handmade, it’s tough when you try to be more mindful of the materials you use, as this often comes at a cost, and when people can buy a crochet dress on ASOS for £15 or less... it’s hard convincing people to spend that on raw materials alone.
What’s next in the pipeline?
Project wise? So many things! I’m getting married in a couple of months which has absolutely inspired me to put together some playful bridal pieces.
I’m working to get stocked in a local shop which is mad and fab in equal measure.
In terms of dreaming big, I’d love to collaborate with some of my favourite brands or host some fun event in one of the many wine bars around this way.
Tell us about the ALIGNE pieces you’re wearing and how you’ve styled them?
I like clothing items that are fuss free, so I chose pieces that I feel are chic, are easy, are versatile. Then I can inject some more playfulness with the accessories if I want.
There are some days I love getting ready, and others where I just need to thrown on a uniform without thinking. Incorporating pieces like these into my wardrobe means no matter how I wake up feeling, I’m able to feign a bit of effort.
Where do you go for outfit inspiration?
People on the street, social media also plays a part, consciously or unconsciously.
What's your approach to curating a wardrobe?
Slow and steady. I used to be way more impulsive, but I feel like it’s only now I’m in my late 20s that I actually get what I like in a way that lasts beyond a season.
I also love second hand/consignment shopping, so living East means I’m spoiled for choice.
How was your career born?
I’ve always drawn and painted but never studied it formally. I worked in advertising for about eight years after graduating from Leeds and started making art on the side, initially drawing houses and architecture. I made the jump to work for myself (and travel) in late 2019.
I used to draw everything in black pen but just before lockdown I got given a packet of cheap colourful pastels as an art shop ‘gift with purchase’. In lockdown I started my experimental ‘pastel a day’ project which I pasted up on the walls of my kitchen. I drew anything that was going on that day - what I ate for lunch, words from phone calls, acts of neighbourhood kindness, the random highlights. It really evolved my work and those pastel pieces became some of my first prints. That led to a project with Fortnum & Mason and since then I’ve been mixing my time between gallery shows, brand collaborations and print projects.
Why is London such an important place for art and design?
You can’t move an inch for things to get inspiration from - the mix of architecture, the people, the free galleries and libraries. I just discovered the Barbican library and it’s such a gem. I love having my studio in London. In my neighbourhood alone I’ve met so many artists, designers and small business owners who are talented, kind and want to work together. One recent project was the painted knife collaboration with ALLDAY Goods.
What do you take into consideration when designing?
In terms of inspiration it’s usually somehow rooted in the day to day. I try to make things that will last and be treasured.
What does Frieze mean to you?
Mostly intrigue - this year will be my first going. I’ve heard mixed things but I’m keen to see it for myself.
Why is London such an important place for art and design?
You can’t move an inch for things to get inspiration from - the mix of architecture, the people, the free galleries and libraries. I just discovered the Barbican library and it’s such a gem. I love having my studio in London. In my neighbourhood alone I’ve met so many artists, designers and small business owners who are talented, kind and want to work together. One recent project was the painted knife collaboration with ALLDAY Goods.
How was your career born?
I’ve always drawn and painted but never studied it formally. I worked in advertising for about eight years after graduating from Leeds and started making art on the side, initially drawing houses and architecture. I made the jump to work for myself (and travel) in late 2019.
I used to draw everything in black pen but just before lockdown I got given a packet of cheap colourful pastels as an art shop ‘gift with purchase’. In lockdown I started my experimental ‘pastel a day’ project which I pasted up on the walls of my kitchen. I drew anything that was going on that day - what I ate for lunch, words from phone calls, acts of neighbourhood kindness, the random highlights. It really evolved my work and those pastel pieces became some of my first prints. That led to a project with Fortnum & Mason and since then I’ve been mixing my time between gallery shows, brand collaborations and print projects.
What does Frieze mean to you?
Mostly intrigue - this year will be my first going. I’ve heard mixed things but I’m keen to see it for myself.
What do you take into consideration when designing?
In terms of inspiration it’s usually somehow rooted in the day to day. I try to make things that will last and be treasured.
Do you have a favourite piece?
I’m really looking forward to seeing the sculpture garden.
What're you watching right now?
I just finished Bad Sisters and I’m finally watching the joy that is Derry Girls. I also just bought a Curzon membership as the cinema is one of the places I properly switch off.
What's your approach to curating a wardrobe?
Classic pieces that I can wear year after year. I love second hand and vintage clothes to inject some fun, texture and colour. In the studio I’m mostly in overalls but I try and get 'dressed' each morning even if it’s just for the journey in; I usually keep a couple of smarter jackets and shirts in the studio to throw on.
Wardrobe staple?
Old Levi’s.
Where do you go for outfit inspiration?
Vintage shops always give me ideas. Finding a new staple item also usually unlocks a whole lot for me in terms of wearing what I already have, like a bright pair of trainers or a fun jacket. My friends are a good source in terms of what actually wears well and they always have good recommendations.
Tell us about the ALIGNE pieces you’re wearing and how you’ve styled them?
I got these clogs new from a second hand store in Margate and they’re actually really comfortable! I love them with the wide leg jeans and classic jumper.
I love the navy on navy jumper and cords with the cream Converse. They’re a go-to for me as I’m usually running around carrying too many things.
Do you have a favourite piece?
I’m really looking forward to seeing the sculpture garden.
What're you watching right now?
I just finished Bad Sisters and I’m finally watching the joy that is Derry Girls. I also just bought a Curzon membership as the cinema is one of the places I properly switch off.
What's your approach to curating a wardrobe?
Classic pieces that I can wear year after year. I love second hand and vintage clothes to inject some fun, texture and colour. In the studio I’m mostly in overalls but I try and get 'dressed' each morning even if it’s just for the journey in; I usually keep a couple of smarter jackets and shirts in the studio to throw on.
Where do you go for outfit inspiration?
Vintage shops always give me ideas. Finding a new staple item also usually unlocks a whole lot for me in terms of wearing what I already have, like a bright pair of trainers or a fun jacket. My friends are a good source in terms of what actually wears well and they always have good recommendations.
Tell us about the ALIGNE pieces you’re wearing and how you’ve styled them?
I got these clogs new from a second hand store in Margate and they’re actually really comfortable! I love them with the wide leg jeans and classic jumper.
I love the navy on navy jumper and cords with the cream Converse. They’re a go-to for me as I’m usually running around carrying too many things.