Melinda West | West Gardens Basketry

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

  • About
    • Art Resume
    • Artist Statement – Land Acknowledgement
    • Teaching, Exhibits, Projects
  • Galleries
    • Functional Ribbed Work
    • Wall Pieces
    • Woven and Folded Bark
    • Sculptural Blends
    • Community
  • Workshops
  • Weaving Knowledge
    • Workshops
    • My Teachers
    • Resources
  • Blog
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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

Cedar Workshop June 18+19, 2016

January 18, 2016

Registration open for the June 2016 workshop.

Read More about Cedar Workshop June 18+19, 2016

Gifts from the Landscape – 2016

December 11, 2015

Melinda’s 2016 class offerings.

Read More about Gifts from the Landscape – 2016

Indianola Holiday Fair Nov 21

November 15, 2015

Saturday, November 21, 9am -3pm

Read More about Indianola Holiday Fair Nov 21

Community Support For Artists

November 9, 2015

Thank you for your support. Hope to see you again next year!

Read More about Community Support For Artists

Art In The Woods Studio Tour 2015

November 8, 2015

One more day for the Art in the Woods Studio Tour!

Read More about Art In The Woods Studio Tour 2015

Art In The Woods, Nov 6,7,8

November 3, 2015

Visit many artists in their unique studios for gifts and art.

Read More about Art In The Woods, Nov 6,7,8

NW Fine Craft, Opening 6-8pm

October 27, 2015

Opening is Friday, November 6, Bainbridge Arts and Crafts.

Read More about NW Fine Craft, Opening 6-8pm

Passing Skills to Others

September 20, 2015

Knowledge is lost unless it’s passed on.

Read More about Passing Skills to Others

Suquamish Museum Presentation

September 17, 2015

Katie Jennings, filmmaker, presents her films.

Read More about Suquamish Museum Presentation

Gathering Cattail

September 13, 2015

Gathering Cattails for Rushing Chairs.

Read More about Gathering Cattail

The Woman With A Bird On Her Hat

September 10, 2015

Lauren Silver writes a great blog!

Read More about The Woman With A Bird On Her Hat

Art In The Woods Studio Tour 2015

September 7, 2015

Come visit and see our new work!

Read More about Art In The Woods Studio Tour 2015
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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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