Knots Rugs x Stefan Heyer

German artist Stefan Heyer specialises in gestural abstract paintings which are multi layered as he drips paint and scrawls words with the use of mixed mediums including oil paints, photo-transfer, dried plants, emulsion, pencil and oil pastels on canvas, giving these abstract pieces their intriguing complexity.

Using a combination of intuitive physicality of highly energetic trance-like strokes and mark makings, along with a more highly conscientious process, Heyer’s works are an exploration of histories, both personal and shared, and are inspired by pop culture, esoteric and philosophical issues and nature.

Knots have worked with Stefan to bring these beautiful pieces to life as intricate, stunningly detailed hand knotted rugs. Awaken the Sprits Parts 1 & 2 were the first to be developed, followed by The Raw Earth, recognised with a Carpet Design Award 2024 for Best Rug. And then more recently, further additions, the delicate nucanced subtleties of The Sound of the Earth and The Path of Hollow Words. These aren't just rugs, they are conversations with the spirit of the earth.

Bonnie Sutton founded Knots Rugs in 2007, at a time when there were few women in what was a very male dominated rug industry. Bonnie fought her way to putting Knots on the map, creating collection after collection that has captured the imagination of the industry and brought her many admirers along the way. Initially with the help of her father Bernie, and later her aunt Linny, the first Knots store opened in Battersea in London, before moving to the more fitting Kings Road design district. But it is the commitment not just to the creative aspect of her work, but also the relationships built up with production houses she works with in Nepal, that define what Knots Rugs really is. 'Some people don't understand' says Bonnie, 'the work, the life, the history that goes into making these rugs. The entire process is handmade. What you see at the end, this amazing modern artwork, is an ancient handicraft, the expression of which involves around 25 people, from the spinning, the balling, the knotting, the drying. There are so many stories to share. Our heart and soul goes into every one of these pieces'.