“The first time I saw a hand tufted rug I was smitten. It was beautiful, sumptuous, intensely coloured, wonderfully thick and heavy.
I made my first rug over 25 years ago. It has moved house with me several times and is still on my living room floor looking great. I use a Hoffman hand tufting gun that injects the threads through the backing fabric which is stretched tightly on a substantial wooden frame. The designs are drawn onto the backing fabric, this gives great flexibility with form and shape. The pile height can vary from 16mm to 45mm by changing the needle through which the threads are fed.
Energy, colour and movement are my driving forces. I am also rather fond of seeds, pods and fruits. All these elements find their way into my work. I work quickly – sketching gestural marks and fluid lines. When I am happy with a composition I transfer it onto the backing fabric then refer to my large palette of wools for colour inspiration. By using different threads, from thick hairy rough wool to fine natural silks and isla wool, a wide variety of lines marks and textures can be achieved. Once the rug is finished the threads are held in place using latex glue and a backing fabric is added.
Each piece of floor art is individual and handmade by me.”
[ANNETTE TURNER]
