My baskets are the result of creative exploration of materials found in nature and my knowledge of traditional forms and methods of basketry.
Not always containers, their purpose is left to the collaboration of the viewer. The meaning, nudged by the title, is left to the viewer's imagination.
An intersting piece of fiber in my hand can start an idea flowing; how the material responds, suggests a form, method or technique. The skilled work of basket makers, ancient and contemporary, beckons and eludes me.
I prefer to use matierial grown in this northern area, growing willow and sweetgrass (hierochloe odorata) myself; gathering bulrushes, cattails, sedges, iris leaves, whatever looks promising. Cedar bark, basswood and birch bark I strip from trees cut for other purposes, and dig roots. I have split black ash, but the pounding and splitting is difficult and time consuming so I purchase that now from another, younger basket maker. I will always use important material, rattan reed and splint, Irish waxed linen cord and beads.
From 1977 to 1997 I operated a cafe in Lengby, MN adding a natural foods store in 1981. I studied books on basketry, took classes with local artists and in 1990 began taking classes and learning from the work of artists such as John Mcquire, Judith Olney, Mary Hattmansperger, Christine Lamb and others. I am a charter member of Headwaters Basketmakers Guild.
