Fiber Art vs. Rugs

My work lives in the space between sculpture, tapestry, and textile art. Each piece is hand-tufted, hand-carved, and designed to be touched, admired, and experienced. Yes, some pieces can be used functionally, altar mats, meditation pads, desk or altar decor, but at its core, this is art.

Every tufted piece is crafted slowly and intentionally, not for mass production or heavy floor traffic, but for presence, beauty, and meaning.

It’s NOT a RUG. It’s Functional Fiber Art.

What Makes It Fiber Art

Here’s what sets my pieces apart from traditional rugs:

• It’s dimensional. Each piece is sculpted, carved, and layered with texture and depth, never flat.
• It’s intentional. Designed for altars, walls, desks, sacred corners, and creative spaces, places where art belongs.
• It’s handmade. No factories, no shortcuts. Every line, curve, and contour is hand-tufted and hand-finished by me.
• It’s hypoallergenic. I use ultra-soft, hypoallergenic yarn that’s plush, vibrant, and made to last.
• It’s multi-purpose art. Hang it, sit with it, pray with it, or display it; it’s designed to live with you, not just underfoot.

The heart of each piece is the story, intention, and energy woven into it; that’s what makes it fiber art.

What Traditional Rugs Are

Traditional rugs have a different job and a different purpose:

• Made for heavy foot traffic. They’re built to be walked on all day.
• Often mass-produced. Many are machine-made or produced at scale with limited uniqueness.
• Flat by design. Typically woven or tufted without sculptural carving or deep texture.
• Utility-focused. Materials often prioritize durability over softness, comfort, or artistry.
• Primarily functional. Rugs are usually created for floors, not as stand-alone artworks or sacred objects.

There’s nothing wrong with rugs; they just aren’t what K.A.T creates.

Can You Use It Like a Rug?

Yes, some pieces can function like rugs, but that’s not their primary purpose.

If you choose to place a piece on the floor, it’s best suited for:

• Low-traffic areas
• Meditation or prayer spaces
• Bedrooms or creative studios
• Sacred corners or special spots in your home

These pieces are fiber art first, every time, created to be seen, honored, and experienced beyond the floor.

Why Calling It Fiber Art Matters

Words matter. Calling this work “fiber art” instead of “just a rug” honors the craft, labor, and identity woven into every piece.

It reframes textile work as:

• Sacred, not disposable
• Art, not just decor
• A reflection of culture, community, and care

This isn’t something you simply walk on. It’s something you live with.

These pieces are created to be loved, respected, and cherished, not treated like throwaway decor.