Heasoon Arzberger Rhee creates one-of-a-kind textiles that focus on vibrant color, clean design, and true craftsmanship. For Heasoon, weaving is about the entire journey--from the first spark of an idea to creating patterns and carefully weaving on a loom. Her goal is always the same: to create pieces that bring beauty and fulfill the work's purpose with great craftsmanship.
From Science to Art
Born and raised in South Korea, Heasoon moved to the US in 1980 to continue her studies. She eventually earned a Ph.D. in textile science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and spent years working as a textile chemist for research labs and chemical companies. During these years, she learned the nature and interplay of fibers and developed her passion for weaving.
Blending Tradition with Tech
Her journey involves working on both a traditional shaft loom and a modern digital Jacquard loom, each offering a unique creative experience. With the shaft loom, she focuses on precision and geometry, carefully weaving intricate designs on a canvas of meticulously prepared warp. To achieve the desired color palettes, she blends hand-dyed yarn with commercially dyed ones, adding a special touch to each piece. Since 2018, she has also worked with a digital Jacquard loom, translating sketches and photographs into woven form using Photoshop. The process opens up new possibilities — challenging but deeply satisfying.
A Meaningful Craft
One of her most personal projects was weaving 50 yards of silk fabric for her mother’s burial shroud, typically prepared by Korean children while their parents are still alive. That experience gave her a deep appreciation for silk, which remains her favorite material because of how it feels and catches the light.
Today, her work is featured in galleries and museums across the country. As Rob Sidner of the San Diego Mingei International Museum puts it, her work is "beautifully designed and well made for purpose."
Visit the Studio
Heasoon works out of her studio at the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, VA. She loves meeting new people, so feel free to stop by and say hello.
