OUR RAVEN RUG TAKES FLIGHT
The Creative Matters Raven rug completed in
January 2020.
We were delighted to debut our Raven rug at the Maison&Objet design show in Paris last month. Raven is the first in a series of rugs from our new Storytelling Collection. Each of the rugs will be based on the artwork of a Canadian artist and recreated in a handtufted or handknotted technique.
While this new collection style is a first for us, Creative Matters is not new to interpreting artworks as handknotted rugs or wallcoverings. In 2014 we had the pleasure of reworking Métis artist Christi Belcourt’s work for wallcoverings at a Toronto birthing centre. In 2015 we interpreted the designs of a range of contemporary Canadian artists for 27 handtufted floorcoverings for the Canadian High Commission in London. And in 2018 we completed a major project with Inuit art when we translated small felt-based artworks to enormous handmade wall hangings for the Iqaluit airport in Nunavut.
To date, all of our 11 rug collections have been of our own designs, and 10 of these have been in the handknotted style. Our experience working with fine artists over the last several years, and the enthusiasm of our custom clients for such collaborations, inspired us to pursue this exciting new collection.
PREVIOUS PROJECTS INTERPRETING ARTWORKS FOR FLOOR AND WALL
For the Raven rug, Creative Matters has translated a drawing by Inuit artist Ningiukulu Teevee. One of the most celebrated graphic artists to emerge from the Kinngait Studios in Cape Dorset, Nunavut, Canada, her work is inspired by Inuit myths. "We scrolled through hundreds of beautiful artworks in the Cape Dorset collection to choose this piece,” said President Carol Sebert. “We finally selected the raven drawing because of its dynamic imagery with simplicity of design. This rug will sit on the floor with furniture as well as being a potential wall piece.”
The original artwork by Inuit artist Ningiukulu Teevee.
The Raven rug’s theme originates from a tale about an owl and a raven. In Ningiukulu’s words, “This Raven took someone’s kamiks [footwear] from a drying rack, and it is taking the kamiks to its nest for decoration.” Raven is a major figure in Inuit storytelling and is particularly important in the Inuit creation story. "I am so thrilled to have my drawing made into this fantastic rug,” said Ningiukulu.
Ningiukulu Teevee’s drawing of a raven reimagined as a Creative Matters rug.
Our interpretation of the artist’s drawing uses an intriguing variety of textures and materials. The golden straw background is constructed in loop pile generating a feeling of Ningiukulu’s drawn line - the energy of pencil on paper. In stark contrast, the raven is defined in tight wool cut pile giving the opulent appearance of dark grey velvet. Note how the kamiks on the raven’s back are rendered in both cut and loop pile adorned with violet silk laces. And finally, to create the splendid feathers, we loved using luxurious raised silk to add lustre to the imposing matte raven.
The Creative Matters interpretation has the kamiks on the raven’s back rendered in both cut and loop pile, and
adorned with violet silk laces.
Art Director Leah Phillips led the creation of the Creative Matters rug. “The main challenge was capturing the hand drawn feeling, especially in the yellow background which had such a great texture with so much movement and energy,” she said. “We ordered several different samples from the mill in Thailand experimenting with different techniques until we found the one we liked best.”
Raven is an 8’ x 10’ rug. We envisage that the next rugs in the series will also be handtufted or handknotted in this size, although customization of our designs is always possible.
Ningiukulu Teevee’s signature is included in the corner of the Creative Matters rug. She signs in Inuit syllabics.
Due to the rave reviews Raven received at the Maison&Object show, we are planning the second and third rugs in the Storytelling Collection as we speak. Watch this space!