Melinda West | West Gardens Basketry

Growing, gathering, and weaving with plant fibers from the Pacific Northwest

Gratitudes For the Cedar Exhibit at Heronswood

By

I am overwhelmed with gratitude for every person here. Hannah Jones who made this exhibit so beautiful & Deb Sweet who helped build the weaving programs at BARN. Dan Hinkley, one of the original Heronswood Founders, who now offers his guidance and expertise as the Port Gamble S’Klallam Foundation breathes life back into the … [Read more...]

2019 Basketry Program Workshops at BARN

By

2019 BASKETRY WORKSHOPS AT BAINBRIDGE ARTISANS RESOURCE NETWORK March 2, 2019 - CHASING BEAR GRASS WITH POLLY ADAMS SUTTON https://bainbridgebarn.wildapricot.org/event-3116631 Those of you who have had the good fortune to take a basketry class with Polly Adams Sutton at BARN, know that she is a master basket weaver and phenomenal teacher. … [Read more...]

Peeta Tinay Teaches The Art of Twining With Reed At BARN

By

After the snow has melted, the bulbs are up, Daphne is bloomed and even Trillium dare to expose themselves, it was time to gather for a workshop at BARN, (Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network), with Peeta Tinay. Students came from as far as north as the Gulf Islands in Canada and as far south as Astoria to spend two days learning multiple … [Read more...]

Polly Adams Sutton teaches “Chasing Bear Grass” Basket at BARN

By

On the West Coast of North America, where I live, it is hard to complain about the mostly mild weather, but after several weeks of snow and freezing temps, it felt good to get out and gather with others at the Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network, BARN, and spend a fun day weaving together under the steady guidance of Polly Adams Sutton.  Polly … [Read more...]

Carrying On Traditional Knowledge Through Weaving With Plants

By

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be together with a community of learners at IslandWood. For seventeen years the dedicated people at IslandWood have welcomed and supported my teaching/artist work, helping me learn to share my passion for making art with plant fibers. Anytime in life is the right time to learn new skills, or hone the skills we … [Read more...]

About Melinda

Thirty years ago, while sitting on the beach playing with my young children, I made my first basket out of a pile of willow trimmings someone had tossed there. The experience of weaving with the materials at hand while being together with my sons on a beautiful Pacific Northwest shoreline, kindled a passion for creating art from natural plant materials. I thank my family, my community, and all my teachers for cultivating this gift in me.
Read More
Melinda West and basket, Indianola WA