Melinda West | West Gardens Basketry

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

Art in the Woods Nov 11-13

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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 teachers.  It’s time to pass on the best ideas learned about blending science, culture, and art, through the three decades I’ve been sharing small plant fiber projects with young people. I am committed to this documentation project, and am excited that IslandWood will be supporting this documentation project next Spring through a two week residency.

Thanks for your interest. Stay tuned!

Giant Hearth Basket by Melinda West, 16"t, 40"w, 22"d, Made with split cedar limbs, bonsai wire, willows, and plum branches.
Giant Hearth Basket by Melinda West, 16″t, 40″w, 22″d, Made with split cedar limbs, bonsai wire, willows, and plum branches.

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