Introduction to FibersBasketry

Contemporary Basketry

Basketry is widely accepted as the oldest known form of craft. Since ancient times people have constructed baskets to fill

specific needs: to collect, carry, display, or store. Through the centuries, the basket has

remained an integral part of daily life in many cultures.

Ferne Jacobs, Tides, waxed linen thread,

26” x 17” x 17.”

Orange Zipper Teapot by

JoAnne Russo, made from wax linen and other

fibers

Pine Needle Baskets by Lynn & Sue Van Couvering Antler Handle Basket, spiral wheat stitch with contrasting band of needles with

caps around center. Approximately 7" dia. x 7" high

This pine needle basket is hand woven by Ida Z. Gordon of Anderson, CA ( Native American Shasta Indian). The basket is made of pine needles, raffia, and decorated

with coastal redwood pinecones. The basket measures 8" in diameter and 2.5" tall.

Hana HighwayPeggy Wyman Sculpture using

pine needles waxed linen

thread and wood13" x 10.5"

Teri Thomson Pine needle basket 10" x 8 1/2" x 1 1/2"

Wiktor Szostalo and Agnieszka Gradzik

create environmental art

pieces that are literally tree

huggers. Their sculptures are twigs,

vines, sticks and branches woven

together and entwined to create wicker people that

wrap their arms around tree trunks.

Joan is a contemporary basket maker whose work is firmly

rooted in traditional basketry. She celebrates the past

through her precise technique, obvious passion for beauty and balance, and homage to natural materials. Brink states “The shape of the vessel, the patterns that sing of spirit, the patience of the meditation that is weaving, each of these things invokes relationship to the beauty path.” Brink’s serene, full forms, speak of a quiet,

subtle, perfect beauty that few can attain.

"PEACE PRAYER #2"Joan Brink

Bleached, dyed and natural cane, reed and

yellowheart11.25" x 14"

Ferne Jacobs, Tides, waxed linen thread,

26” x 17” x 17.”

Jan BuckmanGUARDIAN II

waxed linen and hawthorne branches27" x 7.5" x 7", 2002

I continue to work with the concepts of

containment, nurturing and incubation, which

suggest an active participation. The

Guardian series suggests a more watchful

participation as in the role of a sentry or

perhaps the keeper.

"CHICKEN LITTLE"Jan Hopkins

cantaloupe peels, grapefruit peels, Alaskan yellow cedar, ostrich shell beads and waxed linen

7 1/2" x 11" x 10"

"TOLERANCE"Jan HopkinsGrapefruit

peel, cantaloupe peel, waxed

linen8 1/2" x 10" x

3"each

"DONO"Polly Adams Sutton

Cedar bark, wire14" x 24 " x 20 “

In order to create her sculptural baskets, Sutton uses western cedar bark

because of its manipulative qualities. She allows the

natural curve of each piece of bark help determine the form of a completed piece.

Sutton works intuitively, relying on her background in

sculpture and painting to give rise to the unlimited

potential of basketry. “I am satisfied when the cedar has

taken on a new shape, yet recalls the serenity of the

forest.

Mary Jackson (b. 1945) is a basket maker who lives in Charleston, South Carolina with her

husband, Stoney. She makes sweetgrass baskets that come out of a tradition that has been passed down to her from her ancestors. It originated in

West Africa, and then was brought to America by slaves.

  Zoe Morrow Rippled Twill (Back View)

Vessel Woven From Shredded Money 4.75" x 2" x 6.5“

"Years ago I saw a bag of shredded money in a coin

store, and into my head popped the line, 'unable to spin straw into gold - she wove money

instead.'"In addition to being my

inspiration, my material is part of my statement. I want the

viewer to rethink his/her relationship with money. Is it a goal in life or merely a material

to build that life with.While I want my artwork to

engage the mind of the viewer, I also first and foremost want my baskets to please the eye,

to be both interesting and enjoyable to behold.

Clay Burnette created this pine needle basket which he calls "Tribal".

Introduction to FibersBasketry

Student Work

Introduction to FibersBasketry

Final Projects