EXPLORING ARTISANAL RUG MAKING EXCELLENCE IN NEPAL AND INDIA
Creative Matters’ Creative Director, Sandra Ciganic-McKinney, with an artisan at our Nepal Mill. Photography by Narendra Shrestha.
Remarkably talented artisans handcraft our artistic floor covering designs. They are masters in traditional weaving methods, turning our designs into beautifully crafted rugs and carpets.
In December 2023, Managing Partner Ali McMurter and Creative Director Sandra Ciganic-McKinney explored our mill in Nepal, immersing themselves in the artistry of traditional weaving methods and hosting an Art Day.
In January 2024, Director of Design Development Anna Panosyan and Logistics Specialist Suhindhar Raveendiran Santhi ventured to our mill in India, observing techniques firsthand and strengthening relationships.
Frequent trips to our mills deepen our understanding of production methods and capabilities and allow us to communicate through our shared language of crafting custom-designed rugs. The time spent with our artisans also fosters stronger connections and builds relationships beyond the business.
An artisan in our Nepal Mill. Photography by Narendra Shrestha.
THE ARTISTRY OF THE TIBETAN KNOT AND EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY OF HIMALAYAN WOOL
Ali and Sandra immersed themselves within the Kathmandu weaver community and spent the majority of their time on-site at our Nepal mill. Here they saw Creative Matters’ most complex pieces on the loom. “The level of craftsmanship is unparalleled,” says Ali, reflecting on her experience watching Nepali weavers work with the traditional Tibetan knot – a technique symbolizing Budda’s endless wisdom and compassion.
“Tibetan wool, also known as Himalayan wool, is one of a kind due to its long staple, a result of Kathmandu’s unique climate. We feel very lucky to use it in our rug designs,” added Ali.
During this trip, Ali and Sandra also spent time researching natural fibres. They connected with a manufacturer of Himalayan Nettle, locally known as “Allo” - a sustainable indigenous material grown at high altitudes. It is a durable, smooth, lightweight bast fibre with a silk-like feel. Traditionally, it is used for sacks, mats and bags. We look forward to exploring how we can work with it in the future.
An artisan in our Nepal Mill. Photography by Narendra Shrestha.
CREATIVE JOURNEY TRANSCENDING THE MILL’S BOUNDARIES
Creative Matters’ Ali McMurter and the Nepal artisans during Art Day. Photography by Narendra Shrestha.
One of Ali and Sandra’s ultimate trip highlights was the Art Day they hosted for the artisans and their families. Sandra shared, “It was a beautiful experience to exchange with our artisans, sharing the artistic processes we use to inspire our designs before we deliver the final result to them for production. They were immersed in the process, each interpreting the mark-making exercise differently. They expressed themselves using India ink, charcoal, and coloured pastels.”
Ali and Sandra also had the opportunity to give something back to the weaver community at the Buddha Academy. A donation was made on behalf of Creative Matters which funded items like school supplies.
“We were very lucky to connect with the local community. We spent time at the Buddha Academy, a boarding school for rural families. Many pupils' families are weavers, so connecting with the wider weaving community was wonderful. We were captivated by the harmonious coexistence within Nepal. The feeling of openness and respect for others communities is beautiful. The Nepali culture is very collective,” shared Sandra.
Finally, while in Nepal, Ali and Sandra met with our partners at Label STEP, an international organization fighting child labour, improving carpet weavers' working and living conditions, and promoting sustainable production methods. As we continue to champion ethical practices, our partnership with Label STEP is vital to ensuring a brighter and sustainable future for skilled artisans and the entire carpet industry.
Anna Panosyan, Director of Design Development examining custom samples in India.
INNOVATION LIKE NO OTHER: DISCOVERING WHAT SETS OUR INDIAN MILL APART
Anna and Suhindhar visited our partner mill in Bhadohi, in the province of Uttar Pradesh in India. There they observed firsthand a variety of expertly honed techniques including handtufting, handknotting and flatweave carried out by our impressive artisans.
The artisans at our India mill are also open to innovation and willing to experiment with new methods and materials. “They help us to push the boundaries and broaden the possibilities of what can be created,” says Anna. “The artisans’ textile expertise is remarkable. This mill is such a valuable partner to Creative Matters.”
An artisan in our India Mill. Photography by Anna Panosyan.
CONTINUOUS LEARNING AND COLLABORATION
Regardless of how often we visit our mills, the learning never ends. “Our production process continuously evolves to meet our clients’ desired outcomes. This is why each trip to our Indian mill is invaluable and endlessly insightful,” says Suhindhar.
“From the mill managers to the dyers, weavers, spinners and washers, every person plays a vital role in creating each carpet. My highlight of the trip was connecting with individuals contributing to each of our carpets. Collaboration is a cornerstone of Creative Matters, and this trip signified that,” says Anna.
Creative Matters’ Anna Panosyan colour matching custom samples at our India Mill.
Ali, Sandra, Anna, and Suhindhar have returned to our Toronto studio feeling rejuvenated with new ideas, ready to design and collaborate with our talented global artisans. We look forward to continuing to work side by side with these exceptional mills.
Learn more about the exceptional production methods carried out by our global artisans here.