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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    • 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

Pond Kids Prepare For Earth Day

April 11, 2013

Pond Kids at Suquamish prepare for Procession of the Species

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A Moist March Day in the Woods

March 12, 2013

Students made Coiled Cordage Pendants this year at IslandWood.

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Fan Installed

March 9, 2013

Cedar and Iris Pod Fan, with ornamental plum branches and New Zealand Flax. This winter project is done, now time for a spring filled with teaching and learning.

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Cedar and Iris Fan Is Done

February 15, 2013

This large Cedar and Iris Fan is ready.

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Old Kitchen – New Counters

February 14, 2013

Local Artisans Upgrade Kitchen Counters With Wood and Cement.

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Working on a New Wall Piece

January 6, 2013

I’m excited about a wall piece I finally got started for a friend.

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Welcome to 2013

December 31, 2012

Love, hope, and peace be with you especially through lifes’ struggles. Happy New Year.

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Farewell to 2012

December 31, 2012

Pondering 2012

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The Harvest Baskets Are Available

December 27, 2012

Every year I’m able to weave about a dozen Harvest Baskets.

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The Faering is Launched

December 6, 2012

After two years of carving and building, Duane Pasco and Spencer West launch their Faering.

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How do You Measure Learning?

November 18, 2012

Gordon Elementary Options Program inspires a short essay.

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Sydni Sterling’s Gallery

November 14, 2012

It was a delight to exhibit my work at Sydni Sterling’s Studio.

Read More about Sydni Sterling’s Gallery
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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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