Reflections: A Masterpiece of Textile Art by K.Michelle Evans

Handknotted Rug Inspired by South American Landscapes Wins Prestigious Design Award

Evans' travels to Brazil and Argentina served as the primary inspiration for "Reflections." The stunning landscapes, vibrant colors, and abstract forms she encountered on her journey led her to reimagine these elements in a rug. The result is a piece of art that not only serves a functional purpose but also inspires its users with its beauty and creativity.

What sets "Reflections" apart from other designs is its unique three-dimensional design achieved in a two-dimensional form. The rug, made from hand-spun silk using the Tibetan Knot technique, combines art, beauty, and comfort. The objective was to create a texture that was not easy to construct by hand, which presented a challenge to the weavers.

The creation process of "Reflections" involved a unique technique of hand spinning silk yarns of various thicknesses. These yarns were then twin dyed twice to achieve a double tone, adding a three-dimensional tone to the rug before weaving. This innovative technique had never been used before and posed some difficulties for the weavers, who had to maintain tightness while hanging yarns simultaneously.

"Reflections" measures 2500mm in width and 3000mm in height. The design process began in March 2013 and took five months to complete in India. The rug's three-dimensional surface hides dirt and extends the life of the rug, adding to its functionality.

Evans' extensive experience as a hospitality designer in London, Los Angeles, and Dubai, coupled with her artistic understanding, led her to create "Reflections." The rug is part of the "Textures" collection, which is inspired by the landscapes of South America. The hand-spun yarns create a three-dimensional texture on a flat woven surface, and the contrast of the tight loops combined with the hanging yarns creates a unique pattern.

Evans' innovative design did not go unnoticed. "Reflections" was awarded Silver in the A' Furniture Design Award in 2015, a prestigious accolade given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation. This recognition is a testament to Evans' remarkable level of excellence and her ability to evoke positive feelings, amazement, and wonder through her designs.