GoodWeave

Spotlight On: Barbara Jacobs / Silk Road Weaves

Medfield, Massachusetts

Since 1986, Massachusetts color consultant and artist/designer Barbara Jacobs has used the human response to color to create comfortable, supportive living environments. In early correspondence with a GoodWeave-inspected facility, Barbara realized that rug weaving could be achieved with artistry, integrity and the assurance that no child labor will ever be a part of its creative process. This realization gave her the confidence to pursue her long-time dream to create fine rugs of her own design. The Silk Road Weaves rugs are made by weavers in Nepal, who produce her hand-knotted designs of the finest Himalayan wool and Chinese silk in myriad vibrant and subtle colors.

Barbara’s artistic perspective, vision as a colorist, and interest in incorporating a wide variety of materials and textures create a unique look in rug designs that explore an eclectic range of color and emotional appeal. Designs range from the “painterly” to more structured works, sometimes including historic or intercultural references and whimsical motifs. While her artistic expression has a distinctively contemporary and abstract direction, her rugs beautifully enhance many styles of décor, including both antique and contemporary furnishings. Her experience in fine art, textile print design and color environments allows her to offer a range of creative customization options for individuals, designers and businesses.

In creating the collections for Silk Road Weaves, Barbara continues her family’s tradition of commission-based work in helping architects, designers and other clients realize their own visions in a collaborative creative process. Her father, a well-known painter, sculptor and stained-glass artist, provided a home environment steeped in artistic processes. In this environment, with access to materials and inspiration, Barbara developed an affinity for color and texture and has enjoyed exploring artistic expressions in many forms.

While all work from Silk Road Weaves is made of sustainable materials—an integral part of any “green” built environment—Barbara is exploring materials beyond the most familiar ones. She views the rug design and production process, from inspiration to installation, as a way to create functional art that adds value and enjoyment to the fabric of her client’s lives.

To learn more about Barbara Jacobs Color and Design, visit her website www.silkroadweaves.com.