We weave in tight spaces, in our homes, and on floors. We use what we have and work amongst kitchen counters filled with dishes, our dining room tables, and our children. We gather together and work on tables set side by side in community rooms or on the lawn outside. We share food and drink and stories and laughter. Our hands get tired and sore and strong. Basket work keeps it real and there is no Photoshop here.
Working with our hands, we visualize and cut wood into desired lengths and widths, and we lay out our elements in every direction. When our centers are balanced, we bring it all back in to make it strong. We turn those 2-D elements into 3-D vessels of every shape and size. We dry and pack down, rim and finish, and then fill our baskets with love and what matters most to us. Sometimes, what matters is just air, and sometimes, what matters is everything near and dear. Our baskets represent communities as the elements have certain roles, just like us.
We establish relationships both far and wide, with both wood and tools, with each other, and with ourselves. Through the process of harvesting and weaving, we take part in our history with our ancestors. We become part of creation, healing, and the future all at the same time. Each basket is different – just like us. Baskets are forgiving, and they belong to ALL of us, from every part of this earth.
We love our baskets. We kiss and hug our baskets. Our baskets make us smile.
Spending the last 25+ years sharing my working knowledge of black ash basketry and weaving baskets in and with communities has generated thousands of photos and videos.
This is but a taste. Enjoy.
