Joan Weissman’s handmade rugs are noted for refined aesthetics and impeccable craftsmanship. Inspired by sources ranging from ancient textiles to 20th century sculpture, Joan Weissman Custom Rugs reflects her distinctly modern approach to timeless design.  Joan’s rugs are known for their rich color, and lush textures. Asymmetry and abstraction are hallmarks of the rugs, and restrained understatement characterizes her artistic approach. Her early membership in RugMark reflects her commitment to fair labor practices. 

From her studio in New Mexico, Joan’s work finds its way into fine residences in the United States and abroad, as well as hotels, corporate offices, and public institutions.  She recently designed rugs for the new Galleries of Neiman Marcus in Seattle and the Chief Judge’s chambers in a federal courthouse. In addition, she carpeted a Lear Jet, and created rugs for a women’s health clinic, a private yacht, and two London flats. 

Coming from a background in the fine arts, Joan continues to paint all her designs by hand. Her concentration on original artwork gives her rugs a personal signature that a computer can’t recreate. Her vision is best expressed when she has a brush in hand, she explains. She creates each rug first in gouache on paper, and then chooses the weaving processes that will most effectively bring out the qualities of that design. She insists on the finest wool and sometimes adds detail in silk.

Joan sees her work as a collaborative process. Close relationships with her weavers are essential. The painstaking communication involved with a work in process begins with a detailed rendering of her original gouache. It continues with fundamental decisions about color and texture, assuring that every line in a leaf or delicate arabesque is faithfully reproduced. Collaboration is also essential as she works directly with architects and designers to develop self-specific rugs for unique spaces.

Joan’s relationship with her weavers is enhanced by her participation in RugMark. Every exclusive Weissman carpet from Nepal bears the RugMark label and a unique identification number – the best possible assurance that no child had a hand in its making.

For more information on Joan Weissman, visit www.joanweissman.com.

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