Renowned artist Jerry McLaughlin, celebrated for his evocative works inspired by light, texture, and the human experience, has ventured into a groundbreaking collaboration with Ruggism. The result is Silent Depths, a range of hand-knotted rugs which break away from the ordinary lines of textile design, turning interior spaces into spaces of artistic discovery.
The collection showcases an innovative blend of wool, nettle, linen, and silk, each material meticulously selected for its sensory and visual attributes. The rugs, all in striking black tones, reflect Mr. McLaughlin’s signature style of layering, which brings an interplay of light and shadow to life.
Nettle introduces an earthy, organic texture, while wool offers warmth and softness. Linen lends crisp definition, and silk adds a luminous sheen, creating dynamic pieces that are as visually captivating as they are emotionally resonant. The unique blend of fibers creates layered textures that encourage interaction and exploration.
Mr. McLaughlin’s artworks frequently incorporate raw materials like ash, dirt, wood, and cold wax, adding emotional depth and resonance. In the same way, the Silent Depths rugs delve into the connection between materiality and emotion, using texture to evoke light, shadow, and a feeling of space. The physicality of each rug, paired with dynamic weaving techniques, makes it functional and immersive works of art.
Mr. McLaughlin is a celebrated artist renowned for his minimal, abstract works that delve into themes of vulnerability and resilience, reflecting his personal journey from pediatric medicine to full-time artistry. His deeply intuitive creative process draws inspiration from the poetic works of figures like Federico Garcia Lorca and Edna St. Vincent Millay. Their explorations of beauty and imperfection inform his approach to art.
As a recognized authority on the cold wax medium, Mr. McLaughlin co-authored the award-winning Cold Wax Medium: Techniques, Concepts & Conversations, a comprehensive guide that has become an invaluable resource for artists around the world.
His work has earned international acclaim, with exhibitions across the globe and inclusion in prestigious collections such as the Ballinglen Museum of Art in Ireland and the Encaustic Art Museum in New Mexico. A similar exploration was seen in the new rug collection.
Hand-knotted with precision, the Silent Depths collection bridges the gap between Mr. McLaughlin’s fine art practice and functional design.
