Sonha Mason was born and grew up in Korea. She studied Visual Arts in college and worked as a graphic designer, librarian and currently as a translator. When she visited Korea after 30+ years in US, she found the beauty of Korean Traditional Arts known as Gyubang Arts and Crafts. Korean Gyubang Arts are traditional crafts created by women in the Gyubang (women’s private quarter) during Joeson Dynasty (1392-1897). With limited freedom to go outside, Women gathered to sew, share stories, and express creativity using leftover fabric. 

As an emerging Korean Gyubang artist, she aspires to create a community where women can come together to make, to share their stories, and to support one another. 

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Artist Statement

My work begins with fragments—scraps of Korean natural fabrics such as Oksa (silk), Ramie (linen), and thread. I select and prepare these remnants carefully, guided by their texture, weight, and the humble yet vibrant colors. I cut and fold them precisely and start hand stitching. With each stitch, I connect small pieces into new forms, allowing discarded materials to be reborn as functional and beautiful objects. 

This process is rooted in the traditions of Korean Gyubang Arts (규방공예), where women once gathered in private chambers to sew, share stories, and transform fabric scraps into everyday objects such as jogakbo (wrapping cloths), pouches, pin cushions, and mobiles. 

What captivates me most are the humble yet vibrant colors of natural materials—scraps of silk, linen, and thread—reborn from discarded textiles. Stitch by stitch, quiet moments are connected at my fingertips, transforming pieces of fabric remnants into beautiful yet useful everyday items. These items carry my heritage and its long history.  

Though I now live in America, I wish to revive the community spirit of the Gyubang: a space where women gather, share stories, and nurture creativity while reimagining a beautiful tradition. Through the art of storytelling and sustainable creation, I hope to cultivate a community that bridges past and present.