Walking on Art

Book excerpt: A practical introduction to the techniques of contemporary carpet design Walking on Art explores contemporary carpet design from a practitioner’s viewpoint, describing through techniques and illustrations Deirdre Dyson’s fourteen-year journey from figurative painter to carpet designer. A foreword by Professor Sir Christopher Frayling contextualizes Dyson’s award-winning work within discussions about art and design, and then Dyson herself reflects on her long experience of designing exquisite luxury carpets. The chapter “Techniques" introduces the traditional methods that create these carpets including hand knotting, hand tufting, and carving, and how these conventions can be manipulated to create stunning effects. “Process" then explores the steps—from inspiration to making—that lie behind any design. These chapters are followed by colorful illustrations of Dyson’s extensive collections. Here are fanciful butterfly motifs alongside geometric patterns and floral designs, brought together in one stunning collection.