The Ruggist invites you to revisit so-called ‘noteworthy’ articles and blog posts from the past which retain not only their insight and observations, but also remain relevant to the world of today; they are featured below. Please note that unless indicated otherwise in the specific article itself, the information is accurate as of the original date of publication. Enjoy!
Crafting Exceptional Carpets in a Changing World
If we are to thoughtfully reflect on the evolution of the handknotted rug and carpet industry, to seek insights shaped by experience and historical context, then we must likewise critique the superficial marketing narratives and socioeconomic imbalances inherent in the trade. Ultimately, if we are to free ourselves from past absurdities, we must advocate for and enact transformative change towards sustainability, transparency, and genuine appreciation for craftsmanship to ensure the industry's survival and relevance.
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Brave Conversations Over Coffee
In May 2018 as I was preparing to travel to Portland, Oregon for observational (and participatory) field work, I was browsing the titles available for download on Netflix when one documentary quickly caught my attention: 'Coffee for All,' or 'Caffè Sospeso' as originally titled. I downloaded it partially out of sincere interest, partially out of the serendipitous nature of traveling to a renown coffee mecca: Portland, Oregon. The short film proved to be the entrée which has refocused my life.
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In Consideration of Copyright
In many ways the creation and success of a supposedly new rug or carpet design is a result of serendipity with the artist or designer creating something perceived as new as a result of the careful and equally serendipitous work of those who have come before. But is this purported originality worthy of copyright protections?
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Silence | Nasser Nishaburi
When choosing to discuss a particular topic or specific rug, one has to decide not only one's own thoughts on the matter, but also the approach and tone of the article. Is the discussion serious or irreverent? Yes! Does it examine carpets with an eye toward pure design, a faux reality of aestheticism in which meaning is lost in favour of the ephemeral and obsolete, planned or otherwise? Sometimes, but not today!
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‘Make Rugs Not War’
Calling as art the vast majority of rugs and carpets made today is intellectually dishonest and in truth no different than calling mass produced paintings from China that have 'just the right hint of blue that ties the room together' art as well. There are of course rare exceptions but in a world driven by design and trends, precious few carpets elevate themselves above the fray into the exalted world of art, or perhaps to best distinguish: Art!
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Ras El Hanout
Pierre Marie sees himself as an ‘artist-ornamentalist,’ which is it say, as Pierre Marie does, he is ‘Someone that has the talent and the knowledge to decorate any surface with a story, a pattern, a frieze. I would just say that some media are more hungry for drawing than others. And textile is definitely one of them.’
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Born in the Purple
Like many topics related to the esoteric world of handmade rugs and carpets - and indeed of civilization broadly - different perspectives, different attitudes, different life experiences, different perceptions of the one true reality all influence how one reacts. Art, specifically the notion of carpets and rugs as art is by no means an exception, and it is this idea which routinely finds its way into the marketing and sales of rugs and carpets. 'Art for the floor!' Or is it?
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Noteworthy
Ideation | Handknotted Nylon Part 1 of 5
In collaboration with Aquafil, makers of ECONYL® regenerated nylon yarns; Sarawagi Rugs, makers of fine Nepali-Tibetan carpets; and Isobel Morris, designer of textiles and carpets, The Ruggist is contributing expertise to the making of the first handknotted carpet to be made of ECONYL® regenerated nylon.
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Context | Handknotted Nylon Part 2 of 5
Humanity does not, and likely will not ever know precisely when weaving and knotting of handknotted carpets first started. Certainly Persia played a role, as have other regions of the world, including of course Tibet. The latter being the origin of the technique now being employed by Sarawagi Rugs of Kathmandu, Nepal to create the first handknotted carpet made of ECONYL® regenerated nylon. Designed by Isobel Morris, it is a prototype which begs the question: ‘What more can be done to improve the environment of the planet, while satisfying the needs and wants of rug and carpet consumers?’
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Impetus | Handknotted Nylon Part 3 of 5
‘As a new rug designer I was excited by the challenge that this project brings — ocean inspired pieces that don’t damage the earth,’ says British designer Isobel Morris about her involvement in this project. ‘I have a passion for eco-friendly solutions for wildlife and the environment, I’m dedicated to a better quality of life for myself, society and future generations. Econyl offers a versatile solution for the rug and carpet industry [amongst many] and I’m proud to create designs with what I believe is the future of textiles.’
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Crafting | Handknotted Nylon Part 4 of 5
On 10 November 2019 Peter Goudeseune and Sergey Burattin of Aquafil, makers of ECONYL® nylon, Shally Sarawagi of Sarawagi Rugs, and myself traveled to the north-east outskirts of Kathmandu, Nepal in order to ceremoniously remove the prototype handknotted carpet made from ECONYL®, now named ‘Nylon Engulfed,’ from the loom.
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Fruition | Handknotted Nylon Part 5 of 5
To explore the creation of a new product is to take a step away from what has been into the unknown, the perhaps unfathomable, the hitherto unrealized. It requires a degree of modernism and a progressive mindset insomuch that conservatism simply tends to favour the status quo. With that comes a degree of irony!!
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That was then; this is now!
Begun as a lark in the summer of 2008 the website of ‘The Ruggist’ has had many iterations. First as highly irreverent blog, then as a professional website for insightful commentary about rugs and carpets; penultimately it languished as a reflection of times past. If you’ve come looking for past articles, they can be found in the Archive section; however please note they are no longer updated nor maintained and many are out of date.
What you find here today is a more accurate reflection of not only me, Michael Christie the man behind the nom de plume of The Ruggist, but also my passion for forward looking modernistic views on the handknotted and handmade rug and carpet trade. Through various services such as Production Consulting, Weaving Demonstrations, Editorial Writing, and Speaking Engagements I work to more directly connect carpetry* to consumer while fostering an appreciation of handwërk in the 21st century.
Michael A.C. Christie
Also known as 'The Ruggist,’ Michael Christie is a well-known figure in the world of handmade rugs and carpets. He is an influential writer, blogger, consultant, and advocate for the craft of handknotted and handmade rug and carpet making; carpetry as it were.
Contact Me!
Please feel free to contact me via the method with which you are most comfortable, but know I prefer to conduct the majority of business, communication, et cetera, either in person or via email, telephone, or video call.