169483-280x194 copy.jpg

172514-300x203

172429-297x288

TREE OF MY LIFE

I have always been fascinated by the numerous renditions of the Tree of Life in all qualities of rugs. The design of this rug is my interpretation, and I like to call it "The Tree of My Life". My life begins from an unknown infinity and will end in another beyond my senses and thus outside the parameters of the rug. In between, life twirls, dances, and bears fruits of different sizes and colours. I want to believe in life as the tree I have depicted here; a happy one with meaningful achievements. I commissioned the carpet to the weavers in Nepal, where they are respected and enjoy much better working conditions than the neighbouring countries. This carpet wouldn’t have been as attractive if not for the tree sisters; The weavers of these rugs are This Rug was three sisters, Shanti, Kamala and Sunita, from The Tamang Clan in Nepal made the rug with care and love. Shanti, Kamala and Sunita, from The Tamang Clan in Nepal We used natural wool, silk, and cotton to make this carpet. Preparing the yarn and dying the yarn is done in the most traditional ways and small lots with a minimum undesirable environmental impact.

"Khersak" in Farsi means the little bear. However, in the carpet world, it refers to shaggy and fluffy rugs of low density that one can find in tribal and even city weavings. Some of these rugs are amazing for their minimalistic beauty and their resemblance to contemporary art.

The second picture is of one of such rugs. The Lori girl who has woven this rug circa the 1920s never saw any work of Mondrian or Kandinsky. Most certainly, she probably didn't even go to school. Yet her work could remind one of the pioneers of modern art. Seeing such incredible beautiful rugs makes me think of all the brilliant minds whose talents could have flourished and multiplied to make them great artists and more had the world been kinder to them.

This Lori girl's and others' like her creations remain and still lives for those who can see.

Inspired by "Khersak" rugs, I directed a Qashghai weaver to create the carpet in the first picture for me about 20 years ago.

IMG_1689.JPG
1NN_7838 copy.jpg
DSC_5859.jpg

800604 193 x 310

DSC_5903 copy.JPG
1NN_7841 (1) copy.jpg
167910-373x310 copy 2.jpg

HOPE

It's remarkable how even a small splash of colour amid a neutral palette of black, white, and grey can breathe life into a rug and elevate it to a sophisticated and uplifting carpet. The vivid red hue woven into this rug represents hope and a spirited drive to beautify our world. While the subdued colour scheme lends versatility to the piece, it's the red accent that sets it apart. The rug exudes optimism and vibrancy and can transform any space into an exquisite and distinct environment. Crafted from natural Himalayan wool and silk, the rug features an array of undyed shades ranging from white to black. The red hues are dyed using traditional and artisanal techniques exclusively for this piece. Expertly woven by Tibetan weavers in Nepal, this rug is a testament to their skill and artistry. 

1NN_8704.jpg
PICT0449.JPG
1NN_8567.jpg
IMG_1404 copy.jpg
19 copy.jpg
167914-295x196 s.jpg
bird.jpeg
PICT0024.jpg
1NN_8708.jpg
IMG_1332 copy.jpg
800840s.jpg
800054 302x196.jpg
167917-287x235 copy s.jpg
71684 copy.jpg
PERSIAN CARPET LOOM.jpg

850253-300x210

Beyond the wall of negativity lies an infinite horizon of possibilities.

1+%282%29.jpg
168220-278x195.jpg
IMG_1696 copy 2.jpg
167363-222x183 s.jpg
1NN_8571.jpg

THE DANCE

The outflow of emotions can imbue words with a sense of movement and dance. After only a few strokes of the pen, writing becomes a form of meditation, allowing the pen to take control and create abstract forms of emotions with each new word. Words flow easily, culminating in curvilinear shapes that glide gracefully across the page, ultimately taking on circular forms that evoke the twirling dance of the dervishes. This state of meditative writing provides a pathway to a deeper level of consciousness that allows for a connection with the innermost self. To free myself from the constraints of formalism and tradition, I made a conscious decision to omit the dots that are an integral aspect of Farsi letters. This led to the creation of a more abstract and less legible work of calligraphy, a visual diary of emotions expressed in a non-traditional way. The hypnotic effect of the twirling lines and forms in the calligraphy intrigued me to translate a segment into a rug. The creation of this rug was made possible by the exceptional perseverance and craftsmanship of Tibetan weavers in Nepal, who painstakingly and precisely transformed the design into a magnificent carpet. The result is a stunning piece of art that captures the essence of the original calligraphy, with its swirling forms and abstract expression of emotions. 

162745+240x166.jpg
PICT0433.JPG
PICT0020.JPG