Studio News
Designing Rug Wall Hangings in Greece
The crystal-clear blue Aegean Sea, golden sunsets, and rugged coastlines have been a source of inspiration for artists and designers for centuries. Among these creatives, is rug designer Sonya Winner, who recently embarked on a five-week retreat across Greece, seeking fresh inspiration for her Vibrant Contemporary Rug Studio.
For Sonya, Greece is a land where the vibrancy of nature meets the serenity of ancient landscapes. In 2024, she travels to her favourite place once again during the months of October and November, when Greece is quieter, yet still bathed in sunlight and warmth. The slower pace of autumn allows her to immerse herself in the surroundings, capturing the seasonal shifts in the land and sea, and reflecting those experiences in her designs.
Greek Wall Hangings
Earlier this year, Sonya Winner released her first collection of rug wall hangings, named Island Sunset, Island Sunrise, Fish in Greece, and Shoal of Fish. Each piece within the collection was inspired by her previous visits to the Ionian islands of Greece, where the natural beauty and serene landscapes left a lasting impression on her artistic vision. An enduring source of inspiration, the following wall hangings are a love letter to the Mediterranean Islands and its enchantment which Sonya is continuingly drawn too.
Island Sunset Rug Wall Hanging
Island Sunset Wall Hanging (Rectangle) by Sonya Winner
The Island Sunset Wall Hanging is a powerful tribute to the breathtaking sunsets Sonya Winner witnessed during her time in Greece. This piece reflects the warmth, intensity, and beauty of dusk as the sun descends over the Aegean Sea.
Island Sunset Wall Hanging (Square) by Sonya Winner and it’s inspiration
Capturing the sky’s famous vivid sunsets which are seen across the Ionian islands, the Island Sunset Wall Hanging is inspired by the rugged Ionian coast and crystal waters. A turquoise colour palette is punctuated by a tonally nuanced rocky Greek landscape and its lush greenery with a backdrop of bold purple, pink, orange and red tones which blend to capture the picturesque sky.
Island Sunrise Rug Wall Hanging
Island Sunrise Wall Hanging (Square) by Sonya Winner
The Island Sunrise Wall Hanging is a tranquil celebration of the early morning light that bathes the Greek islands in soft pastels and delicate hues. Inspired by the quiet moments just before the sun rises, Sonya uses a blend of soft yellows, oranges, and pinks, with layers of blues and greens to represent the lush foliage and still-cool tones of the sea.
Island Sunrise Wall Hanging (Square) by Sonya Winner and its inspiration
Hand-tufted by skilled artisan weavers, what truly sets these wall hangings apart is the intricate 3D carving technique that gives the Island Sunset and Island Sunrise depth and dimension. The texture adds a tactile quality to the rug wall hangings, making it more than just a visual experience—it invites touch, allowing viewers to feel the contours of the rolling hills or rocky cliffs of Greece.
Island Sunset Wall Hanging by Sonya Winner
Shoal of Fish Wall Hanging
Shoal of Fish Wall Hanging by Sonya Winner
The Shoal of Fish Wall Hanging is a vibrant and dynamic piece of art that captures the fluid motion of fish swimming in unison through the crystal-clear waters of Greece. Inspired by the mesmerizing sight of fish moving together in perfect harmony, this luxury wall hanging brings the energy and rhythm of marine life into a stunning visual form.
Shoal of Fish Wall Hanging by Sonya Winner and its inspiration
Unlike traditional rectangular wall hangings, this artwork mimics the organic, free-flowing form of a school of fish gliding through water. The irregular edges are carefully crafted to follow the natural, undulating paths of the fish, giving the impression that they are swimming through the wall hanging, beyond the wall it is hanging upon.
Fish in Greece Triptych
Fish in Greece Triptych Wall Hanging by Sonya Winner
The Fish in Greece Triptych Wall Hanging is a mesmerizing work of art that elegantly captures the beauty of fish gliding through sun-dappled Grecian waters. Composed of three individual wall hangings which come together to form a flowing, interconnected triptych. The use of organic, overlapping shapes and calming colours mimic the shimmering effect of light on water, as it dances across the spines of the fish in motion.
The rich interplay of blues, turquoises, and greens reflect the iconic, dazzling waters of the Ionian Sea. Flecks of purple and dark emerald mirror the bodies of the fish as they swim amongst each other, their shadows darting and scurrying within the water.
Fish in Greece Inspiration
This sophisticated use of colour captures the fluidity of fish in motion, where nature and light intertwine in a dance of endless charm. The wall hangings bring coastal tranquillity into any space, transforming it with the soothing, sunlit essence of Greece’s crystal-clear waters.
Fish in Greece is also available as a rug, runner and a dark colourway, featuring deep navy blues.
The Beauty of Grecian Nature
The Aegean Sea, central to Greece’s history, has long been revered as a cradle of civilization and a route for ancient sailors. Its vibrant blue waters, glistening under the Mediterranean sun, have inspired countless myths—home to gods, goddesses, and creatures of legend. The turquoise sea still holds the mysteries of the past, making it a symbol of both adventure and tranquillity. From the island of Paxos to Santorini, the shores of Greece pulse with a history as rich and deep as the waters themselves.
Above this, the Grecian sky unfolds in a brilliant expanse of endless blue, merging with the sea at the horizon. The same sky that once inspired the likes of Homer and Socrates remains breathtaking today, casting a celestial light that shifts with each hour, from the soft pastels of dawn to the fiery hues of sunset. This interplay of sky and sea creates an almost dreamlike environment that fuels creativity and contemplation.
For a designer like Sonya Winner, Greece provides the perfect retreat, a sanctuary where the mind can wander freely amidst breathtaking landscapes steeped in history and natural beauty. The quietude of Greece’s coastal villages, where whitewashed buildings cling to cliff sides above azure waters, offers a haven for creative exploration. The rhythmic sounds of waves, the soft whispers of the wind, and the ever-changing light on the sea provide an ideal backdrop for Winner’s designs. Immersed in the tranquillity of these surroundings, Sonya reflects, experiments, and creates, drawing inspiration from the harmony of nature and the layers of history that make Greece such a compelling place.
Stay tuned – Until Sonya’s next release of original and unique rugs, runners and wall hangings, which are sure to reflect the inspiration she’s found during her trip.
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