The collection also includes ‘ Ice ’, a hand-tufted New Zealand wool carpet inspired by an upcoming trip to Antarctica . And ‘ Slanted ’ was inspired by Kazimir Malevich ’ s painting ‘ White on White ’, but instead of the usual squares that the artist loved so much , my carpet has the shape of a rectangle . They are easier to place in rooms . I usually end up customizing these designs for clients . For example , I made a 427 x 610 version of ‘ Italiano ’.
I had been thinking about creating the Klimt collection many years before I decided how these carpets would look . I draw completed designs in my head , and when I think about them , I suddenly find that my right hand is involuntarily moving , as if drawing a sketch on paper . I do all the sketches by hand , and then I add colours , which creates the feeling of texture , as well as the horizontal lines typical of handmade carpets .
►This issue of the magazine is dedicated to ornament in carpet art . You create carpets inspired by American patterns , Art Deco motifs and classic Oriental geometry . Which designs are the most popular ? - In addition to my American designs , my most popular works have been inspired by Islamic motifs . I admire the Iznik pottery of Turkey and the designs of the Seljuk from Iran . ‘ Garden ’ and ‘ Chrysanthemum ’ were inspired by the tiles of the Rustem Pasha Mosque in Istanbul . I designed two limited edition carpets for the exhibition of Turkish Seljuk Artifacts for the Metropolitan Museum of Art . I also created 14 Islamic carpets for the Henrietta Spencer Church project at the Anjum Hotel in Mecca .
►How do you combine different patterns and textures properly ? - The trick to combining various patterns and textures is to create a deep , unified theme . For example , when I was designing twelve carpets for one home , I chose common colours within a given design . Therefore , most carpets were based on orange and blue . I have also used black lines in some works , creating design unity . Also I have created a set of carpets which included circles , and such motifs were sustained in all the components of the set . It is always good to vary textures in different rooms . Typically dining rooms have very flat surfaces , so they lack texture . Therefore , a nettle or hemp rug will be appropriate . Moreover , I also try to vary pile height for additional interest , using different materials and combining them .
►You create your carpets in Nepal , Thailand , India , Portugal ... What is the difference in the approach of weavers in different countries ? - I choose the place where a particular carpet will be produced based on the desired effect and the budget of my clients . My finest hand-knotted carpets are woven in Nepal : I I have been working with the same manufacturer for 18 years now . Weavers produce my 300 knots per 6.5 square centimeter silk carpets . When I show these carpets at trade events , carpet makers from Iran always approve of the quality of my work . For example , it was Nepalese weavers who produced my ‘ Firenze ’ carpet .
I also work with Thai manufacturers when it comes to creating tufted carpets like ‘ David Wright ’. The tufting in this carpet is random , horizontal , vertical , concentric and curved ... It all depends on the design . They also tufted the ‘ Deco Sun ’ carpet , which I presented at the Maison & Objet exhibition . The lines are carved in such a way that they seem to undulate when the rug is placed on the floor .
►What materials and technologies do you use ? - I have orders for carpets woven on looms , tufted carpets , hand-knotted carpets , and so on . Again , everything depends on the design and the desired effect . For me , the most important thing is to use only natural fibers . Such carpets will last a long time , they are environmentally friendly and do not harm the floor . Moreover , natural materials are easier to keep clean , so there is no need to use chemical treatments . New Zealand wool , pashmina , silk - all these materials can be cleaned without any problems , while maintaining their beauty .
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