About the artist
I am a self-taught basketry artist based in Thomasville, Georgia, and I love creating with natural materials. My journey began in 2003 when I purchased a book on how to create baskets using longleaf pine needles and stitching the pine needles together, which is referred to as the coiled method of basketry. I have always been drawn to organic natural materials and just recently have started implementing additional natural fibers such as aloe yucca leaves and lily turf grass into my work by using the twined method of basketry.
What has drawn me to the different techniques of basketry, is that it allows me to combine several different fiber materials together and in return, it creates beautiful textures, colors and form. What I love the most about approaching basketry in this way, it gives me the freedom to use traditional materials and techniques to create untraditional works that can be a challenge at times but also allows room for continuous learning and growth.
I get asked often where I get my patterns from to create my work. I don’t use patterns, I simply choose which natural fiber I want to use, the color of thread if any, and the piece then starts to develop. The design is a constant process with adjustments, adding elements and sometimes even going into a completely different direction from what I had intended. I love to push myself and the matrerials to the limit to create in a more sculptural way instead of a traditional utilitarian way. By doing so, my personal style comes through which produces unique one-of-a-kind bodies of work.
Because I use natural materials to create with, a lot of prepping goes into my work before I can create a piece. I harvest and clean my own natural materials. Some materials are too soft or too hard to be used in my work therefore, I have to approach it accordingly. Due to the materials being exposed to the outside elements, they do get washed, dried and sometimes placed in my freezer to rid off any microscopic larva, eggs or possible remaining pest. This ensures that my work will last for generations. Depending on the season, some materials may not be available to harvest, and some materials will need to dry out for several months before using them. All of this is a trial-and-error learning process that I find gives me great satisfaction.
What appears to some as a nuisance to their property, I see nothing but beauty and endless possibilities. I love being able to take a natural material and give it a complete transformation into a beautiful piece of art.
