Nanna Wensaas - KANVAS

KANVAS

Handwoven rugs
130x175 cm
100% Norwegian wool
2023

As much as 70-80 percent of wool produced in Norway is currently classified to the lowest grade and sent abroad as a cheap raw material, often due to being coarse, short-fibred, and pigmented. To create greater value using local recourses, my goal was to develop a product of this overlooked material, without compromising on the requirements for usability and beauty. My research led me to Selbu Mill in Trondheim, who produces a thick yarn of downgraded wool. I decided to explore and highlight its unique properties by weaving rugs.

The rugs are modern interpretations of plain weave. The natural pigments and texture of the coarse wool are enhanced by thinner threads in complementary colors. It forms a tactile and decorative pattern with fields of overlapping colours that give the rugs two different sides – one light and one dark.