‘If you want for nothing, then that is what you shall receive.’ One could argue the successes and innovations of this era of carpetry have brought with them great indulgences and luxury, and indeed they have, yet at what cost? Twenty-five years ago I began selling rugs and carpets and at that time a customised rug was a rarity reserved for only special clientele. A fully bespoke carpet?
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It’s a check, plain and simple; or is it… …simple? With its delightful colouration, this interpretation of a classic motif brings together myriad cultures, techniques, and materials into beautiful form. Called ‘Shomick’ by Odegard Carpets when the firm first introduced their version of the design to Western eyes, the checkerboard is a motif well known not only within Tibetan weaving communities from which the design was then ‘adapted,’ but also the world over; in short, it’s ubiquitous.
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As the fanciful appreciation of craft and handwork ebbs and flows with the currents of economics, history, and taste, we, as both civilization and those of us who work, design, and toil in carpetry, must create and accept new models for our craft so that everyone benefits. That my friends, is de luxe.
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If the handknotted and handwork rug and carpet industry truly cares about craftsmanship and artistry, which is to say carpetry itself, I posit that it should then supplant egocentric marketing and advertising with that which truly honours those who craft the rugs and carpets we so love and appreciate. Isn’t it time that we truly meet our maker(s)?
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In apparent reaction to the redeveloping tone and stance of The Ruggist, I was asked recently what things I think are imperative for the rug industry to change during these times of Covid. After the paramount and equal concerns of humanity and environment, foremost is that we must embrace honesty. Advertising and marketing, salesmanship, and yes of course my own critique of rugs and carpets must not only welcome the truth, but must also champion it above what is often not-so-politely called ‘bullshit.’ That era my friends has past; unfortunate as that may be as I myself have been know to write some great bee-ess.
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