Melinda West | West Gardens Basketry

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

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    • Art Resume
    • Artist Statement – Land Acknowledgement
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  • Galleries
    • Functional Ribbed Work
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Welcome to My Blog

As a contemporary visual artist I've been exploring the traditional art of weaving with plant fibers since 1985. I gather materials respectfully, recycling bark off of trees that are being cut down, pruning selectively to encourage the growth and health of plants, and replanting at every opportunity. I enjoy sharing the lessons I've learned from my generous teachers.

Being a hands-on, low-tech type person, I will do my best to make weekly (or at least monthly) posts. I like writing about the making process, worthwhile community projects, and sharing practical ideas of what the seasons have to offer those who are longing to live creatively within the rhythms of the natural world.

Art in The Woods Studio Tour – Nov 13, 14, 15, 2026

I’m grateful for another opportunity to exhibit my basketry and plant-fiber art along side of Syd Sterling’s incredible paintings, in her light-filled studio in Indianola, Washington.

Blog Categories

Summer 2014 Exhibit of New Work

May 24, 2014

August 8 -10, 2014, Next exhibit of new work in Indianola, Washington.

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Clam Shell Rattle Necklaces

May 24, 2014

Clam Shell Rattle Necklaces with 1st + 2nd graders from Odyssey Program.

Read More about Clam Shell Rattle Necklaces

Gratitude for Winter Projects

April 26, 2014

Grateful for winter projects now into the garden we go.

Read More about Gratitude for Winter Projects

Students Visit From Japan

March 24, 2014

There is no language barrier when it comes to making art!

Read More about Students Visit From Japan

Western Red Cedar-Tree To Pouch

February 21, 2014

Experience the generous attributes of the Western Red Cedar.

Read More about Western Red Cedar-Tree To Pouch

Remembering Fireweed

February 21, 2014

How about a demonstation of cordage-making using the bast fibers of fireweed?

Read More about Remembering Fireweed

Coiled Cordage Pendant

February 20, 2014

Cordage is an ancient universal technology still useful today.

Read More about Coiled Cordage Pendant

Woven Cedar Bark Satchel or Purse

February 18, 2014

Learn the basics of the traditional art of weaving with Cedar.

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A New Years Greeting

January 28, 2014

Greetings and welcome to a new year. Perhaps the year I catch-up on blogging?

Read More about A New Years Greeting

Map to Bainbridge Working Studios

December 3, 2013

Here is the map to the Bainbridge Working Studios.

Read More about Map to Bainbridge Working Studios

New Wall Pieces

December 3, 2013

Gifts from the Landscape. Art, Baskets, Jewelry and More!

Read More about New Wall Pieces

Bainbridge Working Studios Exhibit

November 24, 2013

Fine art in clay, jewelry, encaustic, glass, wood, and fiber.

Read More about Bainbridge Working Studios Exhibit
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About Melinda

Forty 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. It looked wildly made like a crazy bird’s nest. While being together with my two sons on a beautiful Pacific Northwest shoreline, this simple experience of crafting with the natural materials at hand kindled a passion for creating forms using plant fibers. I thank my family, my community, and all my teachers for cultivating this gift in me.
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Melinda West and basket, Indianola WA

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