Women in 4W Driving

BY CHRIS MORTON Karen Morton

The subject of this edition’s Women in 4W Driving is someone very close to my heart. The artistic brains behind Western 4W Driver, Karen Morton, has been bringing the magazine together since edition #111 hit the stands.

Karen’s involvement with the magazine started at the same time as mine, when we purchased the brand from Nick Underwood. She has quickly made her mark within the pages of Western 4W Driver.

What do you like the most about Western 4W Driver?

For me it’s the destination stories. Before we started with the magazine, I had no idea how diverse our state was and the sheer volume of destinations there are to see. Knowing that there are so many opportunities to have a great adventure without going to the popular tourism spots is liberating. I now have a long and growing list of places I want to travel to. I also enjoy reading about WA’s history, in particular Phil Bianchi’s articles which make me want to get out into the desert and explore.

Did you find taking over the artistic reins of a then 30-year-old publication daunting?

Not so much daunting, but it’s difficult to come into something that’s been going for 30 years and want to change and modernise something that has been the same for so long. Our readers are so used to seeing the magazine look a certain way that changes need to be done slowly so it stays recognisable. There is a fine line of ensuring that we treat the brand with respect while ensuring its relevance.

What has been the effect on you when going away on family holidays?

In the past I always preferred beach holidays, and while I do still love the beach, now I’d much rather head for the red dirt and explore inland locations. Jo Clews' articles have me trying my hand at camp oven cooking, Bob Cooper’s articles have me building shelters with the kids or weaving my own cord, and I know so much more about 4W driving techniques than I used to. When we’re away on holiday, we’ve often had readers who see our vehicles come up for a chat and it’s great to hear what they enjoy about the magazine.

I have it on good authority that you wield a pretty mean paint brush. How has working on the magazine affected your style and subject matter?

Our travels have provided me with a lot of inspiration, so I make sure I take lots of photos whenever we’re away. I love using turquoise and ochre colours which suit WA landscapes perfectly. We came across an

artist on Cheela Plains Station last year who was camped up and producing some beautiful paintings. We chatted to him for quite a while and he gave me some wonderful tips which has really helped me with my watercolours. Seeing those paintings in a gallery setting after the fact meant so much more, having watched his process and the story behind their creation.

Do you think that your involvement with the magazine has helped change long held attitudes within such a maledominated industry?

I haven’t really had any issues and find that our readers are just as likely to chat about their 4WDs to me as they are to Chris ... even if a lot of the time I have no idea what they’re talking about!

Karen with her painting at the recent City of Bayswater Community Art Awards.