Blog
For every maker, it seems there’s some sort of visceral, even spiritual connection with their materials. They speak to you in ways others don’t always understand. They call to you, beckoning you to spend time with them and explore what could be. They fill your dreams and cause you to wonder what else you could create. They are woven into the fabric of your creative voice. For me, those…
Recently, I was commissioned by a new client to create one of my nature-inspired contemporary reliquaries for their home. After a home visit to see the space and collect dimension and decor details, I started the project as I always do, with a sketch. The initial sketch of this nature-inspired reliquary. The client really wanted something elegant and loved the way my textured cold wax and oil…
On a recent episode of Textiles & Tea, hosted by Kathi Grupp of the Handweaver's Guild of America, artist Matt Tommey shared the intricate tapestry of his journey into fiber art. From humble beginnings experimenting with invasive Southeastern vines to becoming a celebrated artist blending traditional basketry with modern aesthetics, Matt’s story is both inspiring and enlightening.From Kudzu…
As a visual artist, my work has always been deeply inspired by nature, and in this latest body of work, I’ve sought to explore that connection in a new and meaningful way. I’m calling this collection **"Contemporary Nature-Inspired Reliquaries."** Each piece is designed as a unique wooden box with niches filled with sculptural items that reflect the simplicity and sacredness of nature.…
The journey to becoming a nature-inspired sculptor was not one I could have predicted, but looking back, it feels as though every moment of my life has led me here. I believe that each artist’s journey is deeply personal, often shaped by forces far beyond their control, and mine is no different. My work, which weaves together bark, vines, and other natural elements into sculptural forms, is…
Each week inside my Natural Basketry School, we welcome new makers from around the world. And the exciting part is that most have never made a basket before, much less harvested or prepared their own materials. But with a little encouragement from our community and some simple video instruction from me, they start to create beautiful baskets they can be proud of. Baskets they can enjoy in their…
Basket base made with naturally wilted day lily foliage.Fall weather brings the changing of colors and seasons. Cool air wisps through the trees, flowers begin to fade, seeds drop for next years blooms and foliage wilts. It can seem like a really depressing time in the garden, but not for the basketmaker!While there's little to look forward to in fall garden cleanup, nothing is better than working…
After making baskets for over 30 years exclusively with natural materials I harvest in my local area, I've discovered there are 5 basket weaving techniques that lend themselves best to the process of making baskets. They include twining, plaiting, twill, rib basketry and random weaving. As you'll see in my work below, I prefer to keep my weaving techniques simple and allow the natural beauty of…
For years now, I've been asked by my students and followers alike to put together a simple guide for using natural basket weaving materials. Things like where and when to harvest, how to protect and store basket weaving materials and even common tools used in the process of making a basket. Well, I finally did it! And you can download it for free right here:…
Photo Credit: Leslee Mitchell Photo Credit: Leslee Mitchell I was privileged this year to be asked again for a sculptural work to be featured in the Cashiers Designer Showhouse to benefit the Cashiers Historical Society. My piece was featured on the front porch of this modern rustic luxury mountain cottage in Silver Run Reserve. The porch was designed by Ann Sherrill, owner and lead designer at…