Melinda West | West Gardens Basketry

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

Learning About Pollinators

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The Pollinator Garden Fence at IslandWood, by Melinda West As a plant fiber artist inspired by nature, learning the life stories of important native Pacific Northwest pollinators has been one of the most delightful aspects of making this fence, and is one example of how art and science are interwoven.  This fence defines a border for ‘a garden … [Read more...]

IslandWood Pollinator Fence

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After reinforcing all the connections on the fence framework on one of the rainiest days in December, I've decided to be a fair weather weaver in 2015. So this is a great day to make progress, weaving in the Black bamboo and Western red cedar limbs at the bottom edge of the fence. Weaving begins with cedar splints that my husband, and son … [Read more...]

Fence at IslandWood

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I am grateful for an opportunity to spend time at IslandWood, an environmental learning center on Bainbridge Island, Washington. I'm especially thankful for the generousity of many people who volunteer and contribute, sustaining the wonderful programs offered here, where young people can experience cultural and environmental lessons firsthand. … [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