Timeless elegance - exploring the craftsmanship of Dena Lawrence luxury rugs

During a trip to Kerala, southern India, Dena Lawrence’s creative spark was unexpectedly ignited when during her daily visits for Ayurvedic treatment, she was invited to have tea with a local rug seller. She left the shop with two exquisite rugs and an invitation to visit the seller's family home in Kashmir. 

Lawrence was captivated by the Kashmir region's stunning landscape and artistry, which contrasted sharply with the ongoing violent conflict. Deeply moved, the experience led her to create an art collection ‘Perfume & Poison’ which expresses the paradoxes she witnessed.

“This journey changed my life and inspired my future creations, showcasing the power of unexpected encounters and the potential for art to shape our lives,” she shares. 

These concepts profoundly influenced Lawrence’s work and inspired her to establish an art therapy programme for youths suffering from trauma, using art as a tool for healing and resilience. While working with students, Lawrence was introduced to weavers who produced exquisite silk rugs based on traditional Persian designs, leading her to commission the first Dena Lawrence Rugs – the Firesun Collection – a series of dynamic silk rugs based on her exuberant artwork. 

“This collection, characterised by vibrant hues and dynamic patterns, is not just a series of rugs but a testament to my deep-rooted commitment to social responsibility and my unshakeable belief in the healing power of art.”

Since the first collection, Lawrence has collaborated with weavers in Kashmir and artisans in other regions to combine traditional rug-making craftsmanship with her contemporary artistic vision.

Initially, her free-flowing abstract works, characterised by curvilinear gestures, posed a challenge for Kashmiri weavers who were accustomed to traditional Persian rug designs with repeating patterns. However, the best weavers in Srinagar, with their unwavering dedication and adaptability, rose to the occasion, showcasing their mastery and commitment to their craft. 

“This is a testament to the weavers' resilience and adaptability, qualities that are as much a part of the rug's story as the artistry itself,” shares Lawrence. 

The process of making a Dena Lawrence rug 

Each rug is a masterpiece of precision and creativity using 22 to 40 colours, woven in high density with 576 knots per square inch. The pure silk's lustre adds a reflective glimmer that changes throughout the day and seasons, while the soft pile's intense depth of colour provides the ultimate tactile luxury underfoot. 

This combination of artistic expression and meticulous craftsmanship distinguishes Dena Lawrence rugs, piquing the curiosity of discerning luxury home decor enthusiasts. 

The design process begins with a spontaneous and experimental expression of emotions. Lawrence conveys her feelings by freely throwing, dripping, and pouring paint–an intuitive, therapeutic, and cathartic method.

“With decades of experience in music and visual arts, I view myself as an explorer of inner and outer landscapes. My artwork emerges from an intuitive search in a free-flowing state, reflecting an authentic spirit of self. This creative journey is about breaking habitual behaviour, celebrating the interplay of light and dark, the beauty of nature, and finding solace during challenging times.”

Once the initial artwork is created, it undergoes a meticulous translation process into a rug design. This involves a collaborative process with highly skilled weavers from Kashmir. The master artisans meticulously interpret Lawrence’s abstract gestures into intricate silk-on-silk carpets. Their expertise and understanding of the traditional Persian rug designs with repeating patterns, combined with Lawrence’s free-flowing abstract works, create a unique fusion of styles and techniques, ensuring each rug is a true masterpiece.

“Each piece is a unique work of art, reflecting my journey and the beauty of the natural and emotional landscapes it explores, offering its owners a therapeutic and expressive experience.”

Lawrence has participated in several significant exhibitions and projects that highlight the beauty and craftsmanship of her rugs. In 2014, she showcased her work at the Hong Kong Art Fair, and in 2016, she exhibited at DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR, the leading flooring exhibition in the Asian-Pacific region and the second-largest flooring show worldwide.

But her most notable achievement to date was at the Carpet Design Awards, 2024, held at Domotex in Hannover, Germany, where she secured the top position in the ‘Best Studio Artist Design’ category with her award-winning piece, Maschera, a captivating, carnival-inspired handwoven silk rug blending playful pinks, radiant mustard tones, vibrant purples, and soothing greens.

Looking to the future, Lawrence has many collaborations with other artists and designers in the pipeline, and she’s interested in engaging with weavers in Afghanistan for several new designs. 

“Traditional Afghan rugs are renowned for their high-quality, natural materials, and my latest creations will be woven using local wool and silk.

“I am also incorporating new trends and bold colours and introducing softer colour palettes into my collections – I am poised to bring fresh, innovative perspectives to luxury rugs by blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design trends.”

Explore stunning rug collections by Dena Lawrence Rugs