Melinda West | West Gardens Basketry

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

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Workshops

For over three decades I’ve been enjoying the process of sharing plant fiber weaving with learners of all ages. My way of understanding the universe is through experience, by doing, by using all my senses, and that is the way I teach. I use the many-faceted discipline of plant fiber technology as a doorway to cultural awareness, creativity, academic learning, professional development, and environmental stewardship. My role as an artist not only involves creating art from the landscape, but includes building artisans programs, designing curriculum, and participating in artist residencies.

For now I'm shifting my focus from teaching to documenting, figuring out how to share my favorite lessons about “Weaving Nature” in a simple form, for those who embrace the idea that hands-on-learning is the best teacher.

For now, I hope you will visit some of the past workshops by clicking on the links below to see what fun we've had.

Teaching Resources -

Suquamish Museum -

Burke Museum -

Bainbridge Museum of Art -

Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network - An outstanding line-up of well known basketry teachers were scheduled to offer their workshops at Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network (BARN) in 2020. Unfortunate the Covid-19 Pandemic caused them to be cancelled. Check the BARN Fiber Arts Studio Calendar for information about many innovative workshops offered virtually.

Cultural art film of Suquamish Elder Ed Carriere making a Salish Clam Basket, Produced by Katie Jennings of New Canoe Media - Clam Basket A Story by Ed Carriere

Clam Basket – A Story By Ed Carriere

 

Weaving Nature: Projects Blending Culture, Science & Art

Weaving Nature: Projects Blending Culture, Science & Art

For teachers, or anyone wishing to be inclusive of diverse learners. These are hands-on plant fiber projects that immerse students into culture, science, and art. Learn more.

Weaving with Cedar

Weaving with Cedar

These workshops allow students to form their own relationship with a tree highly valued by the Salish Weaving Cultures of the Pacific Northwest. Learn more.

Weaving from the Wild

Weaving from the Wild

Twined Ivy Herb and Flower Baskets, and ribbed Harvest, Wall, and Potato Baskets, are shown in this sections, as well as Conical Trellises, Wattle Fences and Gates. Learn more.

Artistic Uses of Plant Fibers

Artistic Uses of Plant Fibers

These are workshops I’ve done which blur the borders of art and craft, merging plant fiber technologies with sculptural weaving and paper-making. Learn more.

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Recent Posts

  • A Space to Work and Meet
  • Cedar Bark – Useful and Beautiful
  • October 2020 London Craft Week at J&M Davidson
  • Land Acknowledgement 2020
  • 2020 Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network Workshops

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About Melinda

Thirty 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. The experience of weaving with the materials at hand while being together with my sons on a beautiful Pacific Northwest shoreline, kindled a passion for creating art from natural plant materials. 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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