Rubber Carpet
Sculpture / Installation • Cal Lane

Style & Movement
Contemporary Art; Industrial Feminism
Medium & Technique
Hand-cut recycled rubber (tractor tire inner tubes) combined with traditional lace-making patterns
Creation Period
Circa 1995-2010
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 8-10 feet in length; long vertical/curved format
Subject Description
A large-scale sculptural rug made of black rubber, featuring intricate, filigree Lace patterns. The work contrasts industrial, 'masculine' materials with delicate, 'feminine' domestic crafts, exploring themes of gender, labor, and the transformation of waste.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the material is durable and appears well-maintained as an installation piece
Estimated Market Value
$15,000 - $35,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$10,000 - $25,000 USD
Provenance History
Likely part of a museum exhibition or private contemporary collection; image indicates association with the Art Gallery of Ontario
Art Historical Significance
Cal Lane is renowned for her ability to manipulate heavy industrial materials like steel and rubber into delicate lace. This piece is a signature example of her exploration into the 'shunning' of industrial utilitarianism through domestic ornamentation.
Notable Features
The piece utilizes the natural curve of the tractor inner tube to create a three-dimensional form that transitions from the floor to the wall.
Condition Issues
Potential for rubber oxidation or dust accumulation within the fine lattice work; no visible structural damage.
Conservation Recommendations
Display in a climate-controlled environment away from direct UV light to prevent rubber brittleness; use non-invasive mounting for its weight.