On the West Coast of North America, where I live, it is hard to complain about the mostly mild weather, but after several weeks of snow and freezing temps, it felt good to get out and gather with others at the Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network, BARN, and spend a fun day weaving together under the steady guidance of Polly Adams Sutton. Polly tutored us in the use of inner cedar bark, all which she had gathered and prepared for students, from trees that were scheduled to be cut down, and Bear Grass, a sharp-edged, but lovely white grass gathered with permits & permissions, from the nearby mountains.
It was fun meeting old weaving friends and making new ones, and especially to bring my ten year old granddaughter, Calla along to make a Polly basket. She actually finished her basket in class, unlike her grandma who needed an extra few hours at home. No matter, we all were pleased with our baskets. Polly is a patient teacher. She pushes students to embrace the irregularities in materials, and our weaving as we are learning, and to let them influence the basket shape. Each basket is a perfect reflection of our own character becoming familiar with the materials and techniques. Each basket unique. Each beautiful.
I look forward to Polly’s next one-day workshop at BARN on August 27th. “Waves on Cedar” is such a popular class that blends the beauty of inner cedar bark, with copper wire. The mixing of these two materials gives all kinds shape options to the woven vessel that are truely contemporary. Hope to see you there.
