By Russell Webb
* Bas-relief - [bah-ri-leef], French for “low relief” is a method of sculpting which entails carving or etching away the surface of a flat piece of stone or metal creating a sculpture portrayed as a picture. This expression is probably derived from the Italian basso rilievo, the literal translation meaning “low contrast”.
rɪˈlif, The advances I’ve seen in rug making technologies are nothing short of amazing. Innovative carpet sculptors are now applying ancient Bas-relief sculpture techniques in thick plush broadloom carpet!
This is the ‘creme de la creme‘ of carpet carving and surprisingly straightforward to accomplish. The best way to start is with simple patterns and eventually graduate to more detailed patterns like this piece I carved several years ago.
This technique can be integrated into a rug design in myriad forms. A simple design integrated within the border of a rug is virtually guaranteed to generate that ‘WOW!‘ effect.
Other applications:
- Add relief effects to each corner of the rug. This can be integrated with inlay techniques as well.
- Feature bas relief sculpture as a centerpiece in the field of the rug.
- Create a stunning Fine-Art Broadloom Tapestry
Yes, this technique requires some practice and a little patience, I admit, yet it’s well worth the efforts when you see the results. Your customer comments will be nothing short of amazing… and your swollen head will need occasional deflating from all the compliments… You’ve been warned!
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1 Exquisite Tapestries Made From Broadloom Carpet - Carpet Sculpture Training Weblog // Jan 15, 2008 at 9:23 pm
[...] The 3-D effect is only established when the details of the tapestry are carved and beveled by a well trained carpet sculptor who uses a special high speed carving tool. This carving style can reflect simple clean lines or more advanced bas-relief like effects. [...]
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