We are delighted to launch a new series of articles and interviews on our website, dedicated to discovering artists who specialize in tufting. Through these publications, we will showcase the creators who make tufted pieces that are unique in their technique and concept. To kick off the series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Samia Hilal, an artist whose creativity and passion for tufting transform ordinary objects into unique works of art.
Born on November 24, 1999, in Paris, Samia Hilal has always been passionate about the arts. From a young age, she immersed herself in various artistic fields, including painting, drawing, and dance. This exploration naturally led her to pursue art studies after high school, earning a degree in Object and Spatial Design and a master's degree in interior architecture. Today, Samia Hilal specializes in tufting, a technique she has mastered.
A promising artistic start
Samia discovered the tufting gun during her first year of art school. "I painted large colorful canvases using various tools, including rollers, which created a rough texture that I loved. This exploration of textures led me to tufting," she says. She has been perfecting this technique for four years.
The creative process: from drawing to textures
Creation always starts with a drawing. "The design phase is essential to me. I love imagining the world that will surround each piece," explains Samia. Then comes the hands-on work: the tufting itself, followed by meticulous finishing touches, such as trimming and sewing on the fringe. Although she loves every step, she admits that applying glue to the back of the rugs is the least enjoyable part.
The art of repurposing: giving objects a new lease on life
One of Samia’s most original projects is creating tufted pieces from reclaimed chairs. “A friend and I found an abandoned chair by the roadside and wanted to bring it back to life. Tufting was the obvious choice for transforming this piece of furniture,” she recalls. Today, Samia continues to create unique pieces from abandoned objects, combining her colorful world with an eco-conscious approach.
Collaborations and artistic exchanges
For Samia, collaborating with other artists is a constant source of inspiration. “These exchanges open up new perspectives and enrich my work. Every collaboration is an opportunity to grow and meet wonderful people,” she explains.
Artistic evolution: from the “Thomas” rug to “The Liliputian Fluffy Set”
Among her early pieces, the “Thomas” rug is a standout example. Three years later, she created “The Liliputian Fluffy Set,” a set of chairs and a table for children. This evolution shows not only her growing mastery of the technique, but also her constant desire to innovate.
The “Thomas” rug
“The Liliputian Fluffy Set”
Meaningful project: a rug called “Baba”
“Each creation is unique and dear to my heart, but the rug I made for my father, titled ‘Baba,’ is especially meaningful to me,” Samia confides. The colors and patterns of this rug have deep personal significance, making the project all the more special.
The “Baba” rug
Inspiration and staging: the art of capturing the eye
Samia’s inspirations are as varied as her creations. “The landscapes I’ve seen on my travels, as well as the works of Georgia O’Keeffe and Paul Cox, have a great influence on my work,” she explains.
Georgia O'Keeffe and Paul Cox
Staging her pieces for social media is especially important to Samia. “For me, staging and photography are almost the most interesting part of my work. Most of the time, when I create a piece, it gets sold, and the only thing I have left is the photograph. So I put a lot of heart and care into showcasing my creation and keeping a lovely memory of it.”
This staging process is crucial not only for her personal archives, but also for the public. “It helps inspire people and lets them imagine themselves in a world. Usually, when I imagine a piece, I picture it in a world, as part of a scene; it’s all connected. So when it comes time to take the photo, it’s quite simple and fluid because I’ve been thinking about it since I created the object itself,” she adds.
Her most ambitious rug: “The Ants’ Dinner”
When asked which rug had taken her the longest to make, Samia replied: “The rug ‘The Ants’ Dinner’ probably took the longest to make. Its size and intricate details took me a whole week, from design to finishing.”
The Ants’ Dinner
Tips for beginners
Getting started with tufting can be difficult. When we spoke with Samia, she told us: “For beginners, I’d say: don’t get discouraged by all the steps, and have fun. The possibilities are endless, just like with drawing or painting,” she advises.
Samia’s studio: a creative space
For anyone wondering what a tufting studio looks like, Samia gives us a glimpse into her workspace. It’s a practical and inspiring place, filled with colors, textures, and tools, where she creates all her pieces.
Conclusion
Samia Hilal is an artist whose passion for tufting and creativity shine through in every piece. From her early days in painting to her most ambitious tufting projects, her journey is a true source of inspiration. Follow Samia Hilal’s work to discover her exciting upcoming projects.
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