Making baskets isn't something I
"want" to do, it is something I
"have" to do. The elemental nature
of baskets, thinking about what can
be placed in the basket, what gives
life to the inanimate object of the
basket, informs my work. the basket
is the container of things needed to
maintain my life. memories, mementos
of my own life process, are kept in
the baskets that I make.
I earned a Bachelors of Fine Art,
with an emphasis in fiber, from the
University of Washington in 1997. I
originally started making paskets
with pine needles and raffia, and
moved on to color by using waxed
linen coiling. While in school,
experimented with lots of different
materials and eventually discovered
wire. Wire adds a new feeling to my
work, the way light reflects off it,
the color and glitter of it all
excite me. The materials have new
limitations for me to explore, and
as I continue in my life process, I
am continually thrilled at the
possiblities.
