Melinda West | West Gardens Basketry

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

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Weaving Knowledge

When we have opportunities to observe and experience nature even in simple ways, the rhythm of the seasons and cycles of plant and animal life can teach us about our own important connections to the Earth. Since the beginning, Indigenous cultures from every part of the world have gathered, refined, and passed forward this type of important knowledge about place. This Traditional Ecological Knowledge is passed from one generation to the next through the practice of all types of traditional arts.

The living traditional art form of weaving with plants, requires living plants, living teachers, and living students. Wherever you may fit into this continuum, welcome. I hope you will find some useful information here.

In this section you will find documentation of my core workshops, influential teachers, past students’ work, and a list of my favorite books, articles, links to movies, inspiring artists, and places to purchase materials, etc.

Workshops

Workshops

Browse past workshops I've offered and access teaching resources I've developed over the last three decades. Learn more.

My Teachers

My Teachers

My Teachers section is a documentation of those who have generously shared their knowledge with me. Learn more.

Resources

Resources

Here is a list of books, articles, blogs, links to cultural art films, and inspirations. Learn more.

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Recent Posts

  • Basketry Program at BARN-Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network
  • Living Teachers, Living Landscapes, Living Students
  • Hazelnut In Spring
  • Food For Thought – No Reconciliation Can Come Without Truth
  • Weaving Project With Periscope Woodcraft

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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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