Article Number : 2874 |
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| Date | 1/21/2008 9:56:08 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=2874 |
| Abstract | Boston, MA- Color and texture meet sustainable materials, socially responsible design and comfortable luxury in Silk Road Weaves, the new line of hand-crafted Tibetan carpets from Medfield, Massachusetts color consultant and artist/designer Barbara Jacobs... |
| Article | Boston, MA- Color and texture meet sustainable materials, socially responsible design and comfortable luxury in Silk Road Weaves, the new line of hand-crafted Tibetan carpets from Medfield, Massachusetts color consultant and artist/designer Barbara Jacobs. Since 1986, Jacobs has applied principles of the human response to color to create comfortable, supportive environments for the home or workplace. An accredited color consultant of the IACC (International Association of Color Consultants/Designers), Jacobs is an ASID Industry Partner and a member of RugMark. Through frequent, unscheduled inspections of weaving facilities RugMark, a non-profit organization, certifies that there is no illegal child labor being used. Barbara realized that her rug designs could be achieved with artistry, integrity and the assurance that no child labor would ever be a part of its creative process. This realization gave her the confidence to pursue her long-held dream to create fine rugs of her own design. Now, ten years later, it is a reality. According to Jacobs, all Silk Road Weaves carpets are “made to the highest ethical standards and carry the RugMark Certification of having no child labor used in their production.” Other points about Ms. Jacobs’ collections are that “the weaving company in Nepal, where these rugs are made, is unique in the rug industry. It’s a woman-owned business, and in fact the owner is the recipient of awards for her high standards and ethical business practices. Not only can I assure my clients that there is no child labor used, but also that through the owner’s vision, her company provides a healthy working environment and a way for employees to participate in education, child day-care, and medical care. I see this as a way to expand my philosophy of supportive color design to both sides of my business; supportive of the people who make the rugs, and supportive to the people who enjoy them in their homes.” According to Jacobs, each rug in the Silk Road Weaves collections is made 100% handmade from start to finish using the traditional Tibetan cross-weaving technique. Only very experienced skilled artisans use this technically demanding, more complex weaving style that is known for creating the most durable Tibetan rugs available. “Early correspondence with the weaving company,” states Jacobs, ”encouraged me to go forward knowing that they are very selective in the people they hire, not just hiring weavers ‘off the street,’ as it was described to me. They only want reliable and highly skilled people working for them, and that is a good thing for everyone, down the line—all the way to the people who enjoy the rugs in their homes.” For people who want to “go green,” Jacobs describes her collections as being “made of sustainable and renewable products.” Selected materials include wool from high-mountain Himalayan sheep (noted for its luster and quality); Allo, a plant fiber harvested in the wild of the Himalayan mountains; and silk from China. States Jacobs, “the fuel for heating the water used in dyeing is natural gas. A vegetable-dye series is in the works, and since sheep come in a variety of beautiful colors, undyed materials can also be used for extraordinary elegant designs.” Jacobs can also work with architects and designers, or other customers, to create artistic commissioned works. Silk Road Weaves collections are currently available by appointment through Ms. Jacobs’ studio in Medfield, Mass., and she is actively seeking representation for other ways people can see and order her rugs. Barbara views the rug-design and production process—from inspiration to installation—as a means of creating functional art that is used and enjoyed on a daily basis, part of the fabric of her client’s lives. Barbara’s unique perspective as an artist, her vision as a colorist, and her interest in integrating a variety of materials and textures result in rug designs that explore an eclectic range of color and emotional appeal. Her designs range from the “painterly” to more structured, sometimes including historic or inter-cultural design references and whimsical motifs. While Barbara’s artistic expression has a distinctive contemporary and abstract direction, her rugs beautifully enhance many styles of décor including both antique and contemporary furnishings. Barbara is able to offer a range of customization options for individuals, designers, or corporations. For more information call 508-359-5753 or visit www.silkroadweaves.com . |