Kilim Artwork
Kilims are hand-woven flatweaves originating from Central Asia and a traditional handcraft still wide-spread throughout Turkey. The symbols and motifs used in the kilims each have meanings, some to wish for protection, some to reflect the personage of the weaver, some that comprise tribal symbols, such as those still common in Turkmenistan. It is said that each kilim thus represents a message, and that kilims possess their own language. In my travels in different parts of Turkey I have been facinated by the unique motifs as well as many common themes present in the kilims. As a hobby, to pass the time I started sketching the designs I saw in my notebook. Later, I took to coloring these sketches in fantastic colors offered by gel pen collections. When back in the U.S., I found kilim designs over the internet from website selling kilims online. Later, as I learned the meaning of various motifs, I began to draw my own designs, using the symbols to decorate holiday cards, photographic murals, or meaningful sayings.
