Monologue

Crafting Exceptional Carpets in a Changing World

Michael Christie 27 February 2025 27 March 2025

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.

Monologue

Brave Conversations Over Coffee

Michael Christie 3 January 2020 27 February 2025

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.

Monologue

In Consideration of Copyright

Michael Christie 2 July 2018 27 February 2025

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?

Editorial Monologue

Silence | Nasser Nishaburi

Michael Christie 5 February 2018 27 February 2025

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!