Geaya and Maria, what types of rugs do you create?

My partner, Maria Feigin, and I specialize in crafting handmade shaped rugs for both floors and walls.

Photo courtesy of Geaya Blory

What are shaped rugs?

Shaped rugs are rugs that break away from their traditional square or round shapes; instead, they are turned into surprising pop-design items.

What technique do you use to create the rugs? 

The technique we use is called tufting. This technique involves using a machine called a tufting gun. We start by constructing a frame over which a special fabric is stretched. Then, using the tufting gun, we draw the rug onto the stretched fabric. This technique allows us to have full control over the shape of the rug, enabling us to create both amorphous shapes and rugs shaped like specific objects.

Photo courtesy of Geaya Blory

How did you become a rug maker?

 In 2020, my partner and I stumbled upon this technique online. It was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we found ourselves returning to Israel after nearly a year abroad. At that time, returning to normality wasn't really appealing, and reality didn't seem to allow it either. So, we decided to start experimenting. We ordered a tufting gun and created our first rug. We researched adhesives, wools, and various materials until we reached a point where we were proud of the rugs we were creating and happy to sell them. 

Where do you find inspiration? 

On the whole, we find inspiration in everyday life. We love creating rugs featuring unexpected objects. We also dive into various fields through research, usually when working on submissions to open calls. It leads us to explore new ideas and worlds we wouldn't normally think of. For example, we're currently working on a project inspired by Kintsugi, a Japanese technique for repairing broken ceramics with a special material mixed with gold. We're researching the concept of breaking a topography and piecing it together into a rug.

Are there any trends from around the world that you like?

We like the interplay between 2D and 3D design. The transformation of rugs, inherently two-dimensional objects, into illusions of three dimensions, and vice versa. This is achieved through manipulating perspective, shadow, and colors.

Like the design of the chair?

The design of the chair also involves a form of manipulation, but from a different perspective. Shadows are intangible, influenced by various factors and are highly dynamic and ever-changing. Creating a shadow that becomes an object in itself, possessing weight and presence within a room, is also an interesting direction we like practicing.

Photo courtesy of Geaya Blory

Do you also create custom-made rugs?

Yes, we create custom-made rugs. But, there is a limitation on how small the items that appear in the rug can be. Since the wool itself also has thickness and presence, achieving a resolution of thin and precise lines is something that can't be done with this technique. 

In what directions are you developing your work?

We are pursuing several directions in our work- creating custom-made rugs, selling rugs with our designs, running workshops, collaborating with interior designers, and submissions to open calls. We really enjoy taking on projects we don't know how to deal with. There is something very satisfying in finding out how to crack the solution. One project we are currently working on, which will be presented at Hansen House (Center for Design, Media, and Technology in Jerusalem), involves building a stage for our rug. We purchased all the equipment and wood and built it ourselves. It's something we never thought we would face. It's very nice to have challenges that contribute to our personal growth. 

How did you start working with Maria?

Maria and I met nine years ago when we were students, and we worked in the same bar. After we became friends, we also became a couple. Working together as a couple can be challenging, but we discovered that we make a really, really good team. We are on the same page, and it helps us move forward.

Do you have similar characters?

We have a lot in common, but we also have a lot of different qualities. Maria is less grounded; she has a long-term vision and dreams big, and this is something that brings a lot of inspiration. On the other hand, I am a little more connected to the ground, tending to analyzing things in a practical way, and being more of a 'to-do' type. It works quite well for us because each of us brings her own uniqueness to the studio, but our general line of thought and approach to things are very similar.

Photo courtesy of Geaya Blory

Is there a project you particularly remember?

There are two projects that stand out the most. The first one, which also gave our studio a push forward, was the design for last year's "Jerusalem Design Week". The theme was "Lies and Falsehood". Initially, we submitted an idea that, in hindsight, wasn't good, but the curators continued with us. We focused on manipulating the floors in the exhibition space, and after several approved sketches, we chose the shadow of the tiles. It was a challenging and complex project, but the result was so good that it amazed even us.

The other project is located at the "Imperial Hotel" in Tel Aviv, which has transformed all its rooms into works of design and art by Israeli artists. We created a huge rug from wall to wall, inviting visitors to write down a problem they have on a note and then sweep it under the rug, symbolically eliminating it from their lives. We felt this work to be both clever and humorous, aiming to address problems that we all experience and can relate to. I believe that following October seventh, when the exhibition was already running, our room, the rug, and the entire concept became more intense. I truly believe we all have really big and heavy problems right now, that we would really like to see disappear completely.

Do you also sell online?

 Yes, we have a website where the works are available globally.

Contact Studio Yarnatak

Website: www.yarnatak.com

Instagram: @yarnatak