Carpet Sculpture Training Weblog

By Russell Webb

Some would argue that the appreciation of fine art, like beauty, resides within the eye of the beholder, and their point is well taken and duly noted. If this same rule applies for rug design then I suppose that a cheap, discount, machine made rug reflects some artistic qualities… barely.

There is a different feeling surrounding a well crafted handmade object of art. It’s an energy that vibrates from the object itself. This energetic quality is what makes people react in different ways to art. The energy can be light and whimsical, or it can be heavy, moody and dark. Either way it’s this very same energy that creates that Wow! effect that grabs the attention of art and rug collectors.

Creative rug art designs are not just about color, the best designs integrate shapes and textures that capture a unique style. While there are many intriguing styles and themes that influence rug design, the ultimate question remains: What does it take to reach that illustrious level of Rug Art?

The answer to that would undoubtedly lead us into the realm of carpet sculpture. The techniques used for modern rug making now surpass the ancient tradition of rug hooking on a loom. Now there are custom inlay processes and high speed sculpture / beveling hand tools that are used to create stunning rug art pieces. The rug designs can be as intricate as a fine tapestry or as simple as a beautiful piece of modern art.

This new age of rug making is not only speeding up the production times, but more importantly it’s paving the way to more affordable yet personalized rug designs. This in turn opens doors to a broader marketplace that is craving unique and artistic styles that match the buyers style and taste with precision.