Melinda West | West Gardens Basketry

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

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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

Artist in the Woods Residency at IslandWood

April 11, 2017

Some thoughts about my recent Artist in the Woods Residency project.

Read More about Artist in the Woods Residency at IslandWood

June 10 & 11, 2017, Cedar From Tree To Pouch

March 7, 2017

Back by popular demand, a Cedar From Tree to Pouch Workshop will be held at the new Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network, on June 10 & 11, 2017.

Read More about June 10 & 11, 2017, Cedar From Tree To Pouch

Ed Carriere Culture Carrier, June 9, 2017

March 6, 2017

Ed Carriere Suquamish Master Weaver will give a program June 9, 2017 at 6:30pm at BARN.

Read More about Ed Carriere Culture Carrier, June 9, 2017

Spring Project at IslandWood 2017

February 22, 2017

I am excited to have a dedicated time to document some useful plant fiber projects.

Read More about Spring Project at IslandWood 2017

Sydni Sterling’s Studio

February 14, 2017

Painter, Sydni Sterling, with her husband, Poet, Mike Dillon, have inspired me for decades.

Read More about Sydni Sterling’s Studio

Exhibit Opening, Nov 4, 2016, 6-8pm

November 2, 2016

If you can please come to the opening, Nov 4, 6-8pm, for refreshments and art!

Read More about Exhibit Opening, Nov 4, 2016, 6-8pm

Art in the Woods Nov 11-13

September 22, 2016

Come out to the 2016 Art In The Woods Studio Tour! My work will be on display at Sydni Sterling’s studio in Indianola.

Read More about Art in the Woods Nov 11-13

Grateful for Wonderful Students

July 31, 2016

I am grateful for this Cedar tree and for these students!

Read More about Grateful for Wonderful Students

Suquamish Elementary Students

June 4, 2016

Thoughtful, bright, 5th graders from Suquamish Elemenatary.

Read More about Suquamish Elementary Students

Lessons Learned Through Weaving

March 27, 2016

Dawn Walden teaches us a thing or two about Mad Weave.

Read More about Lessons Learned Through Weaving

IslandWood Artist Residency 2016

March 27, 2016

I met some awesome 4th + 5th graders this year at IslandWood.

Read More about IslandWood Artist Residency 2016

Ichi-go ichi-e: IslandWood 2-7-2016

February 15, 2016

A Japanese concept of treasuring meetings with people.

Read More about Ichi-go ichi-e: IslandWood 2-7-2016
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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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