<span class="vcard">Michael Christie</span>
Michael Christie
Monologue

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.

Speaking Engagements

NCMEA Annual Meeting 2023

These extemporaneous remarks were originally delivered to honoured guests, attendees, and the Executive Committee of the Nepal Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters’ Association (NCMEA) during the organization’s annual meeting in Kathmandu, Nepal on Wednesday, 29 March 2023. They have been automatically transcribed by artificial intelligence and lightly edited for syntax and clarity.

Editorial

Transcending the Kathmandu Valley

The production of carpets in Kathmandu has had a transformative effect on both the Tibetan refugee population and the native Nepali people. It is an industry which during its ascent, golden years, and decline – in volume – provided much needed foreign exchange for a country dependent upon such transactions. It created wealth both in Nepal and abroad, and it has undoubtably contributed to an increased standard of living in the country of Nepal.

In Print

Plastic Fantastic

Inspired by a circa 2019/2020 consulting project with Aquafil, makers of Econyl® regenerated nylon which resulted in a series of five (5) articles here on theruggist.com, I wrote a brief article for COVER Magazine discussing the imperatives required for the use of plastics (and in truth any synthetic) in rugs and carpets.

Monologue

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.

Archive

The Handmade Carpet | A Review

The nearly three-hundred pages of text and imagery of ‘The Handmade Carpet’ contain a wealth of knowledge accumulated over the long and storied careers of the authors Fritz Langauer and Ernst A. Swietly. The assertive authors undoubtably put forth superior and exhaustive efforts in compiling what amounts to multiple lifetimes of experience, information, expertise, commentary, and so forth as they attempt to explain, as the subtitle of the tome – ‘A Comprehensive Guide to Contemporary Rugs’ – purports, contemporary rugs and carpets. In the final analysis however, it must be stated that while the volumn is indeed comprehensive in regard to certain aspects of contemporary carpetry, it likewise lacks in its treatment of contemporary as the word has come to be employed in the colloquial of today.

Noteworthy

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.’

Noteworthy

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?’