**[Lamis Kanaan](https://www.cohart.com/lamis/profile)** is a Jordanian-born artist and designer based in San Francisco. With a background in interior design and a degree from Ringling College of Art + Design, she has led creative direction on large-scale commercial projects, including hotels and multi-family residences. 

In 2022, Lamis began exploring rug-making as a creative outlet, merging her Eastern heritage with Western influences. Her work is characterized by intuitive interpretations of subconscious patterns, organized chaos, and fluid geometric forms, all imbued with a playful spirit. Named after her Bosnian grandmother, Lamis’s attraction to the art of textile making is as serendipitous as it is meaningful. Her name — meaning “soft to the touch” — holds rich heritage from its Arabic origins and beautifully relates to her passion for textiles.

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##### Can you describe your artistic process? What materials and techniques do you typically use?

My artistic process is a fluid, intuitive journey that begins with an exploration of color and motion. I’m deeply inspired by the interplay of subconscious energy and how it translates into physical form. I don’t start with sketches or mood boards; instead, I embrace spontaneity, letting the canvas and my tufting gun guide me to see what emerges.

Music often helps shape my mood and energy, influencing the direction of each piece. I’ve noticed that my work evolves with the seasons, reflecting my current state, surroundings, and emotions. Each piece is connected by an underlying language, yet it’s also a snapshot of where I am in that specific moment—a reflection of my inner world translated into form.

For materials, I typically use monk’s cloth for the canvas, working with a mix of fibers such as acrylic yarn, cotton yarn, and wool yarn.

##### What themes or concepts are you most passionate about exploring in your work?

I’m passionate about exploring the energy and emotions that color and motion carry. My work often feels like a translation of my inner world—an intuitive process where color serves as a language. I have a consistent way of pairing colors, like pink and red, purple and green, or purple and red, which feels instinctive and shapes the energy of each piece.

Hilma af Klint’s approach to using color and form to convey spiritual energy has been an inspiration to me, but my work is deeply personal, reflecting my subconscious state and the rhythm of the seasons. It’s about capturing a moment in time—my emotions, surroundings, and the unseen energy—and letting that flow into vibrant, tactile forms.

##### How do your personal experiences influence your art?

My personal experiences are intertwined with my art, making each piece a reflection of my inner world and life journey. Growing up in Jordan, surrounded by rich cultural traditions and vibrant landscapes, has greatly influenced my sense of color and texture. That foundation, combined with my current surroundings and state of mind, shapes the energy of my work.

Every piece I create is a response to where I am emotionally and mentally in the moment. The spontaneity of my process allows me to channel the energy of the present while also weaving in subtle echoes of my heritage. Whether it’s bold, joyful colors or softer, introspective tones, my work becomes a visual snapshot of my life and emotions, grounded in both my past and present.

##### Who are some of your biggest artistic influences, and how have they shaped your practice?

My background in interior design has been a significant influence on my artistic practice. Designers and architects like Eero Saarinen, Anni Albers, Carlo Scarpa, and Mies van der Rohe have shaped the way I think about form, materiality, and space.

I’m especially inspired by Albers’ exploration of textiles and how she pushed the boundaries of her medium, as well as Scarpa’s attention to detail and his ability to make materials come alive. Their work inspires me to create pieces that balance spontaneity with intention, always grounded in a thoughtful connection to material and form.

##### Does collaboration play a role in your work? Have you collaborated with other artists or disciplines?

While much of my work so far has been focused on my personal artistic practice, I see collaboration becoming a larger part of my process in the future. In addition to my hand-tufted pieces, I design and manufacture hand-knotted rugs in Egypt, working closely with skilled artisans who use traditional techniques to bring these designs to life. This collaboration not only highlights the craftsmanship behind the work but also strengthens my connection to my heritage, which plays an important role in my creative vision.

I’m particularly interested in bridging the gap between decorative art and interior design, envisioning how my pieces could be integrated into architectural spaces. Whether it’s custom-designed door panels, rugs that anchor a space, or even creative applications like statement staircases or furnishings, I want to explore how my work can transform interiors. Collaborating with architects and designers would allow me to take my practice in exciting new directions, creating spaces where art and design come together seamlessly.

##### How do you define success as an artist? What does it look like for you?

For me, success as an artist is about creating work that resonates—both with myself and others. It’s not just about the finished pieces but about the journey of exploration, growth, and expression. If my art can evoke emotion, spark curiosity, or inspire connection, I feel I’ve succeeded.

Success also looks like finding harmony between my creative vision and the spaces where my work lives. Whether it’s seeing my rugs integrated into an interior space or knowing that a hand-tufted piece brings someone joy every day, it’s about creating something meaningful that has a life beyond the studio.

##### How do you engage with your audience, and what do you hope they take away from your work?

I engage with my audience through the energy and emotion embedded in my work. My process is deeply personal, but I think that authenticity resonates with others, inviting them to connect with the piece in their own way. Whether it’s through the movement of the lines, the interplay of colors, or the tactile quality of the materials, I hope my work creates a sense of curiosity and reflection.

What I really hope people take away is a feeling—whether it’s joy, calm, or even intrigue. My goal isn’t to dictate what someone should see or feel, but rather to create a moment of connection between the work and their own experience.


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##### Have you faced any challenges in your artistic career, and how have you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in my artistic career has been navigating imposter syndrome. It’s easy to fall into the trap of questioning whether your work is “good enough” or comparing yourself to others. For me, the key has been to trust my intuition and stay connected to the reasons I create in the first place.

Another challenge has been resisting the pressure to create for external validation. It’s important to me that my work remains authentic and deeply personal, which means focusing on what inspires me rather than what’s expected. I’ve learned to prioritize creating for myself, which allows the work to feel honest and true to my vision.

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Lamis Kanaan explores colors and emotions to translate and reflect the energy of her inner world, via the language of textile art. 

Spotlight: Lamis Kanaan on Evoking Emotions through Vibrant Textile Art

Spotlight: Lamis Kanaan on Evoking Emotions through Vibrant Textile Art

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