Ruggism – Silent depths by By Jerry Mclaughlin
16 Apr. 2025
A series of hand-knotted rugs that explores texture, depth, and emotion through an innovative interplay of materials. Inspired by McLaughlin’s artistic practice of layering raw elements, the collection transforms interiors into immersive spaces of discovery, blending form, texture, and artistic expression seamlessly.
About the Artist
Jerry McLaughlin, an abstract artist based in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, draws inspiration from the rugged high desert landscape and his profound
connection to the human experience. Known for his minimal, abstract works, McLaughlin’s practice centers on the physical and emotional resonance of
his medium. Using beeswax, pigment, and natural elements like ash and dirt, he builds layered surfaces that echo the interplay of light, texture, and shadow, inviting viewers to explore their tactile depth.
McLaughlin’s work often reflects themes of vulnerability and resilience, shaped by his personal journey from practicing pediatric medicine to becoming a full-time artist. His creative process is deeply intuitive, integrating poetic influences such as Federico Garcia Lorca and Edna St. Vincent Millay, whose works enrich his understanding of beauty and imperfection.
A recognized expert in cold wax medium, McLaughlin co-authored the award-winning book Cold Wax Medium: Techniques, Concepts & Conversations, a definitive guide to the medium that has become a resource for artists worldwide. His work has been exhibited internationally and is included in esteemed collections, including the Ballinglen Museum of Art in Ireland and the Encaustic Art Museum in New Mexico.
Ruggism is proud to present Silent Depths, an innovative series of hand-knotted rugs created in collaboration with renowned artist Jerry McLaughlin.
This collection celebrates the dynamic interplay of materials and textures, bringing McLaughlin’s exploration of depth, emotion, and light into the
world of textiles.
The Silent Depths collection features a carefully curated blend of Wool, Nettle, Linen, and Pure Silk, each chosen for its distinct tactile and visual qualities. Wool provides warmth and softness, while Nettle brings an organic, coarse texture. Linen adds crisp structural definition, and Silk imparts a lustrous sheen that shifts with the light, creating a rich, sensory experience. The innovative
combination of these fibers results in multi-layered textures that invite engagement and discovery.
McLaughlin’s paintings often use raw materials such as Ash, Dirt, Wood, and Cold Wax to create emotional resonance and depth. Similarly, the Silent Depths rugs explore the relationship between materiality and emotion, using texture to evoke light, shadow, and a sense of space. The physicality of each rug, combined with fluid weaving techniques, transforms these pieces into works of art that are both functional and immersive.
