Art and Design Inspiration
The Art and Colours of The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon has had enormous influence in art and design, here we will put David Hockney in the spotlight.
The Grand Canyon’s Artistic Influence
People consider the Grand Canyon one of the most amazing natural wonders on Earth.
Image taken by Sonya on her trip in 2020.
David Hockney’s Bold Interpretation of The Grand Canyon
“A Bigger Grand Canyon” was painted by Hockney in 1998. It is an oil-on-canvas painting that measures 7x14ft (2.15×4.25m). Although this painting is an ode to the Grand Canyon, Hockney’s take on the landscape is anything but traditional.
Hockney created the iconic piece using 60 separate canvases, each measuring 36×48 inches, arranged in a grid to create a panoramic view. He arranged the canvases in no specific order, creating a sense of chaos and confusion. Hockney likely did this to reflect how small you feel when looking at the Grand Canyon. He described it as having “no focal point,” with expansive conditions making it difficult to take in your surroundings.
‘A Bigger Grand Canyon’ (1988) by David Hockney
One of the first things that strikes you about “A Bigger Grand Canyon” is the vibrant colors. Hockney’s use of color is bold and expressive, with bright pinks, oranges, and yellows dominating the canvas. The colors don’t aim to realistically represent the Grand Canyon; instead, they interpret its emotional impact on the artist. Hockney said he wanted to capture the “spiritual” quality of the Grand Canyon, not its physical appearance.
Color is key to Hockney’s work. Rather than using traditional perspective techniques, he opts for flat planes of color to suggest depth. The painting is almost abstract, with different canvases creating a sense of movement and energy. As you look at the painting, different parts draw your eye, capturing the awe Hockney must have felt when visiting the Grand Canyon.
In 2023, the painting became part of an immersive exhibition, ‘Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away),’ at Lightroom in London. To find out more, read our previous blog post, ‘Top London Art Exhibitions of 2023’.
David Hockney’s Exhibition, ‘Bigger and Closer’ 2023
Sonya Winner’s Antelope Canyon Inspiration, The Grand Canyon
Much like David Hockney, Sonya Winner was inspired by natural beauty when she visited Antelope Canyon near the Arizona-Utah border. During a trip in early 2020, Sonya became fascinated with how the Canyon connected with the landscape and people. This sparked the popular ‘Antelope Canyon Rug Collection’ and the 2023 launch of the ‘Antelope Canyon Runners’.
The Antelope Canyon luxury rug and runner series features a range of colorways, each capturing a different aspect of the Canyon’s beauty. The ‘Mist’ colorway offers a neutral rug reminiscent of the early morning haze at the Canyon. The design balances warm greys and satin whites, establishing a peaceful, sophisticated atmosphere.
The ‘Twilight’ colorway draws inspiration from the setting sun, glinting off walls, casting long shadows, and creating dramatic highlights. The red rocks deepen with the sunset glow, while purples and oranges echo Hockney’s vibrant works.
Finally, the ‘Pool’ colorway captures the tranquil image of after-rain light and water pools gathering inside the Canyon. The green and blue colors, combined with organic shapes, recreate the peace of nature.
If you desire a more colourful rug, the ‘Colour Canyon’ Rug and Runner are a playful spin off from the Antelope Canyon Rug Series. This complex luxury art rug celebrates the union of vibrant color and calming organic shapes. The soft dynamism within the design echoes the way in which the Canyon has been shaped by the elements for millions of years, creating an elegant flow of natural forms. Being one of our most ambitions colour mixing projects to date, the Colour Canyon rug is composed of 85 hand dyed 100% New Zealand Wool colours. This colorful rug is sure way to bring refreshing in any interior.
The Colour Canyon Runner by Sonya Winner
Bringing Nature Into Your Home with Vibrant Rugs
Many artists and designers like Sonya Winner and David Hockney look to nature as their muse because of the endless source of visual and sensory stimulation. Natural landscapes can evoke a range of emotions and feelings, from awe and wonder to tranquillity and peace. The patterns and textures found in wildlife can be abstracted into new forms and designs, creating fresh and innovative expressions of beauty. Furthermore, nature provides a respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life, offering a space for reflection, relaxation, and renewal.
It is for this reason and many others that an increasing number of people choose to incorporate art and furniture inspired by the natural world into their homes, as studies have shown that it can help to reduce stress. By surrounding yourself with nature-inspired art, you can create a peaceful and inspiring home environment that promotes wellness and enhances your quality of life.
Sonya at the Antelope Canyon in 2020, next to her inspired Runner Collection.
Now that you know a little bit more about what inspires our Vibrant Contemporary Rugs, bring a piece of the outdoor in and discover our full luxury colourful rug collection here.
If finding the perfect rugs is a time-consuming task, we’re here to help you. Make the right choice with our free Digital Visualisation service. Just send us pictures of your space and we will digitally drop in a variety of our contemporary rugs to find the perfect one for your room. To find out more about this service, click here.
