Melinda West | West Gardens Basketry

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

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Art in the Woods Nov 11-13

September 22, 2016 By Melinda

Giant Hearth Basket by Melinda West

Hi friends and fellow artists. I am working on commissions and creating new work with Pacific Northwest plant fibers which will be available this November 11,12,and 13 at Sydni Sterling's Studio and gallery, in Indianola, Washington, as a part of the 2016 Art In The Woods Studio Tour. In 2017, I will be writing a workbook/resource for … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Artwork, News Tagged With: art, Art in the Woods Studio Tour, culture, IslandWood, new work, residency, science, small plant fiber project, students, teachers, teaching, website upgrade, young people

Indianola Holiday Fair Nov 21

November 15, 2015 By Melinda

I'll be here next Saturday with handmade jewelry, tiny cedar baskets, and other small gift items.   … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Artwork, News Tagged With: Holiday art sale, Indianola

Community Support For Artists

November 9, 2015 By Melinda

Many thanks to all who visited us during this Art In The Woods Studio Tour. We hope to see you again next year.  Please watch for Sydni Sterling's new website to be launched in 2016, and for my new contemporary work and traditional woven pieces to be presented here on my website.  Every year infuses us with new experiences and life lessons that are … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Artwork, Resources Tagged With: cafnw, Cultural Arts Foundation NW, Grateful for support, new work, thank you

Art In The Woods Studio Tour 2015

November 8, 2015 By Melinda

It is a pleasure to see the many old friends, loyal customers, and to be introduced to new art appreciators from near and far, as Sydni Sterling and I exhibit our paintings and plant-fiber forms together. Sydni's attire (above) often matches her paintings. Filled with rich color, her paintings reflect the landscapes, details, and moods of the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Artwork, News Tagged With: Art in the Woods studio tour 2015

Art In The Woods, Nov 6,7,8

November 3, 2015 By Melinda

Sydni Sterling and I will have some of our new work displayed in her lovely studio November 6, 7, and 8th, from 10am to 5 pm each day. There are many wonderful artists participating in this tour. You can download the map and brochure at www.cafnw.org. Weaver/Artist Sue Skelly and I, also have some special pieces in a Fine Craft Show at … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Artwork, News Tagged With: Art in the Woods studio tour 2015, Sydni Sterling Studio

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Recent Posts

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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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