Woven baskets
While versed in traditional willow basket weaving techniques, I find the greatest satisfaction in combining these methods with my pottery and with turned wood. This is an evolving process that has few antecedents and is still moving in unchartered directions. I find that the willow, which I grow as much of as possible, compliments both the wood and the fired clay. The wood speaks to me and largely determines the direction that the weaving takes. Up, down, in and out, the weaving branches off organically from the turned wood and colors of the willow complement those of the natural wood. The combination with the pottery is less spontaneous and every step from the creation of the thrown work to the nature of the joining and weaving must be anticipated. Hopefully, the end product is harmonious. Unlike my pottery, this work is purely decorative.
