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
    • Teaching, Exhibits, Projects
  • 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

Next Exhibit, Dec 6 – 8, 2013

November 17, 2013

Two Studios, Seven Artists. Fine art in Wood, Glass, Encaustic, Ceramic, Jewelry, and Fiber.

Read More about Next Exhibit, Dec 6 – 8, 2013

Images of Recent Work

November 12, 2013

Some images of recent work.

Read More about Images of Recent Work

Art In The Woods Studio Tour 2013

November 11, 2013

Art in the Woods is an annual self-guided studio tour.

Read More about Art In The Woods Studio Tour 2013

Salmon Return Festival Sept 7, 2013

August 30, 2013

Salmon Return Festival, Family-Friendly Free+Fun at Olympic Sculpture Park, Seattle, 10am to 3pm

Read More about Salmon Return Festival Sept 7, 2013

Togetherness (Formed Cherry-Bark)

August 28, 2013

One of my favorite pieces found a new home this July, sold at Sydni Sterling’s Studio in Indianola.

Read More about Togetherness (Formed Cherry-Bark)

Asha Gives an Origami Lesson

May 24, 2013

My seven year old grandson, Asha, love to fold paper. Here is his first lesson.

Read More about Asha Gives an Origami Lesson

IslandWood Graduate Students

May 22, 2013

Every person I’ve met at IslandWood has sweetened my life.

Read More about IslandWood Graduate Students

Making Red Osier Dogwood Pouches

May 13, 2013

Gordon Elementary K-2nd graders made Red Osier Dogwood pouches today.

Read More about Making Red Osier Dogwood Pouches

Art Sale Sterling Gallery July 19-21

April 23, 2013

July 19-21, 2013 Art Sale, Sterling Gallery, Indianola

Read More about Art Sale Sterling Gallery July 19-21

Lushootseed Speakers

April 23, 2013

Last weekend I had the privilege of teaching Cordage-Making to participants of the fourth annual Lushootseed Speakers Conference, held at Seattle University. I don’t know the words yet to describe what it was like to be in a room filled with with speakers of an ancient living language. My best attempt would be to imagine […]

Read More about Lushootseed Speakers

April 20, Lushootseed Conference

April 14, 2013

Flowering Red Current, a favorite for Hummingbirds! I’ll be offering a workshop at this conference: Cordage Making – How to Transform Local Plants Into Bracelets, Necklaces or Rope. For more information: http://www.lushootseed.org/

Read More about April 20, Lushootseed Conference

Two Eagles Greet The Morning

April 13, 2013

Bald Eagles young and mature have been very active lately.

Read More about Two Eagles Greet The Morning
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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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