Melinda West | West Gardens Basketry

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

Olympic College & BIMA Winter & Spring 2018

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I am honored and delighted to have two of my favorite pieces in this group exhibition, among 24 outstanding artists from this region, whose works in this show reflect some aspect on the theme of “Home”. There will be an opening tonight, January 26, 2018, at the Olympic College Art Gallery in Bremerton, Washington, from 5:00 to 7:30, where there … [Read more...]

Sculptural Weaving With Polly Adams Sutton

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https://bainbridgebarn.wildapricot.org/event-2525482 Above is a link to more information about the upcoming August 5-6 workshop with Polly Adams Sutton at the Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network, BARN. There are many artists I've been influenced by. When I see a shape in space that I like, or materials that draw me in, or a brilliant idea … [Read more...]

Woven Cedar Mail Basket

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It has been lovely to find time to work on commissions that have been waiting on the back burner. This Woven Cedar Wall Basket was created as a mail-catching basket for a wall inside a home by the main door. We also have a basket of similar shape just inside our door which I wove thirty-some years ago. It certainly has helped us from misplacing our … [Read more...]

Sydni Sterling’s Studio

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I'm fortunate to live in a community filled with artists and skilled artisans, people who work incredibly hard to create a nurturing place, who generously share their knowledge, tools, encouragement, advice, and in this case, also their studio space. For countless years, Sydni has cleared out her painting studio, transformed it into … [Read more...]

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

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Ready for a night of gallery hopping after all the rain? Why not drop by Bainbridge Arts and Crafts Gallery for the opening of an exhibit of artisans works by BARN members. Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network, or BARN, are a group of passionate artisans who will be moving into an amazing building in Spring of 2017. I can't wait to see all the … [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