I’ve never been overly interested in personally owning one of the very abstract, pixelated, knot-by-knot with no real discernible patterning sort of television-staticesque carpets best described – by me – as Jackson Pollocks for the floor. Don’t get me wrong, many of them are superbly made with a range of colour palettes sure to complement any interior one can imagine, but at the end of the day none have ever really spoken to me the way I feel a carpet should. That being said, the work of Mr. Pollock, while colourful and mesmerizing is not likely something I would own – if I were so well monied, which I’m not. My personal taste notwithstanding both the work of Mr. Pollock and indeed the aforementioned style of carpet enjoy wide critical and commercial success that should not be ignored.
If people would just look at the paintings, I don’t think they would have any trouble enjoying them. It’s like looking at a bed of flowers, you don’t tear your hair out over what it means. – Jackson Pollock
As I recently used this quote in reference to a carpet that does resonate with me, it remains top of mind as someone who – admittedly – over thinks rug and carpets, as well as most other subject matter. Thus, when Moonscape Malachite from Tufenkian came across my idiomatic radar, I was caught off guard as its beauty, colour, and depth struck me instantly. I wasn’t tearing my hair out trying to make sense of it, I was merely enjoying it for what it is to me: reminiscent of one of my favourite places.
From Tufenkian: Woven by hand using handspun wool, linen, and bamboo silk, the otherworldly beauty of Moonscape Malachite draws you in. The play of light on the different fibres give the appearance of a textured surface, while the hand-cut and hand-looped knots give the carpet a striking amount of depth further brought to life by a complex, rich palette which keeps the carpet decidedly modern as well.
As someone who has revelled in living life his way or the highway – often at great price and cost (those things are different) it may come as a surprise to learn I enjoy walking on the tidal beach near my home. Something about the rhythm of the tides dictating when I can, and cannot, hike is oddly appealing to me. I may hold the constructs of man with great irreverence, but the power and laws of nature command reverence with their ability to provide and to famish, to create and destroy, to bring life so delicate while allowing it to slip away in but a moment.
Nature also provides inspiration to me and a means to meditate away the stress of this human world. Often while hiking I will stop and look at the seaweed living on the foreshore and marvel in its colour so varied. It too, without cumbersome overanalyzing thought, is peacefully at home here in the littoral, dependant upon this unique place for its survival. Moonscape Malachite reminds me not only of the verdant seaweed texture but also of the calm and uniqueness each place can bring in an otherwise chaotic and harsh world. Perhaps I am too intellectual in my thoughts on carpets, but would it not be so wonderful to fill your life and your home with beauty that speaks to you, not that which is simply trendy, en vogue, or popular with the neighbours? This carpet, like the ones already in my home, fulfills that wish for me; now to figure out if there is room for one somewhere… .
Tufenkian will be showing Moonscape Malachite at The Rug Show at New York’s Javits Center from 10-13 September 2016. The Ruggist will see you there and wherever beautiful carpets can be found.