Cynthia Downs

Soumak on Metal

Soumak is a textile technique which is commonly found in the weaving of rugs in the Middle East. The technique has been around for a couple of thousand years and primarily has been used in cloth. As I learned various techniques of weaving in gold and silver, I adopted soumak as my most successful method for creating or enhancing my designs. Some of my creations are totally woven wire, with very little stone work, and others are integrating the weaving with the placement and setting of gemstones.