BEGINNINGS

My introduction to basket making  began in the late ‘80’s to early 90’s when I took a class in Torrey Pine Needle basketry from artist Pat MacGillis  at the UCSD Craft Center.

http://crafts.ucsd.edu/?go=classes#macgillis   Pat still gives basketry classes there, and I recommend them. I later took additional basket and gourd classes from her at her Del Mar studio.  I’ve lost track of my original class project but have a few early baskets to share—they all evolved out of these first classes. 

<< This coiled pine needle wall hanging is in my sister’s Santa Fe, New Mexico home as are many of my pieces. My sister Ann and I have been making gifts for each other for decades, so we both have pretty good collections of each others' work. A full-time bead artist, Ann has a beautiful website at www.annseverine.com

Below is one of my gourds with simple coiling around the rim and embellishments. 

 

I am always amazed, though,  at what real  artists are doing with gourds these days. Take a look at Kristy Dial's  work at http://www.geckogourds.com/

Woven objects and handmade textiles fascinate me.

Woven objects and handmade textiles fascinate me. I have been making baskets and tinkering with other fiber projects for about 20 years off and on, having taken a multitude of classes in various techniques, some from well-known artists. Also, I’ve learned a lot from books, kits, and from experimentation. Most recently I have been learning how to use a small loom. I work full time (nurse case manager), so I putter as time permits. As a result, my part-time weaving pursuits probably qualify as “hobby” or “craft” rather than “art.”  From time to time I will share photos of some of my efforts, past and current, and note some of the fiber artists and teachers whom I admire. For the last couple of years I have been honored to be president of the Misti Washington Gourd and Basket Guild in San Diego, California. My term just ended but I continue to manage the guild’s website and volunteer in other capacities.  Link to the website here:

   http://www.baskets-gourds.com

UNDER CONSTRUCTION!