So many art forms are created with a cornicopia of materials Mother Nature willingly provides. These materials, along with an artist’s idea envisioned in their minds eye, turns nature’s raw materials into the artist’s creative glory.
Cheryl Massey shared with us that her desire to create came as a result of marrying into a prolifically creative family. Although her artistic talents were seeded in the performing arts as an actor and a model, she wanted to try her hand at something with her hands. One day while relaxing on a beach on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia she found herself pondering the artistic possibilities of the ancient art of basket weaving as the raw material gently swayed in the soft Pacific ocean breeze all around her.
Cheryl Harvesting Tule Rush
Cheryl harvests plant material such as Tule rush, Bull kelp, Cedar bark from fallen trees, and even Daylilies from her own garden in Whistler, B.C. Some of her days are spent collecting and gathering using various types of water craft or just walking along the beaches of the Pacific Northwest. As part of her practise, she has created a little mantra that reminds her and teaches others the basic process of basket weaving; gather, dry, soak, weave. The gathered material remains unaltered except for the appropriate preparation, and Cheryl then skillfully weaves gorgeous functional items such as baskets, purses, backpacks and hats. The Tule rush provides a soft, supple, sweet organic smelling basket for a freshly baked loaf of bread, or perhaps an elegant purse for an evening out. Bull kelp is a strange sea plant that bobs around on the ocean’s surface. It’s characteristic buoyancy and unique long, whip-like shape are prime for making baskets and decorative pieces which are identifiably distinct. Cedar bark is durable, strong and comes in a deep red or yellow colour and can be prepared to make the tiniest of baskets. Those are the three main base materials used for the baskets Cheryl weaves but she continues to explore and experiment with the rich abundance of plants such as Daylily to use as accents for her various projects and to incorporate her own personal touch.
Tule Rush Hat, Bull Kelp Basket, Cedar Bark Purse
Click on each picture below to view a larger aspect.
Please join us with Cheryl as she walks us through the ancient practise of basket weaving; gather, dry, soak, weave. Also, we welcome you to leave a comment for Cheryl as well.