Melinda West | West Gardens Basketry

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

Season for Dreaming and Making

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The shortening days are sneaking up on us now. We've been eating well out of the garden, putting plenty of food up for winter, and now I'm actually delighted with the rains and the darkness.  The weather is helping me focus on weaving and  making art.  In the cozy studio I'm coming face to face again with materials that I've had the opportunity to … [Read more...]

A Fun Weekend – Many Thanks

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I'd like to shout out a big thank you to Sydni Sterling and Mike Dillon, who opened up their garden and studio for a twice annual exhibit of new work. Thanks to all the guests, friends, and visitors who stopped in. It was wonderful to see everyone! One of my grandson's, Asha, shared his origami.  His work definitely brightened up the … [Read more...]

Indianola Days Aug 8-10th, 10-4

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Sydni Sterling and Melinda West would like to invite you to the first of our twice–yearly studio shows in Indianola. Sterling Studio will be open for Indianola Days August 8-10 from 10-4. Indianola Days is a huge community festival: The best choices for art and parking will be on Friday, August 8. Hope to see you and share our new … [Read more...]

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