Baskets - Contemporary Vessels

 Baskets to hold all sorts of things and everyday use.  I love them in all shapes and sizes.  Most baskets for everyday use are the common rattan or willow type commercially made for use.  Quilters make rope bowls which are popular at craft booths.  But, what about the textile artist who creates art using basketry techniques out of all sorts of fibers, found items, discarded fibers and embellishments like beads, cork, bottle caps, twigs, and twisted paper.  They are using basketry construction, but it now becomes a contemporary vessel.  

I find this art form intriguing and makes me want to learn more about it.  About 14 years ago, I made a textile bowl using metallic threads and a stiff pelon to form the bowl.  It was a learning experience and after making that one piece, I never made another.  Not because I didn't like it, I actually love it.  So, maybe it's time for me to revisit some of the things I've made and learned on my journey but exploring the textiles or found objects to construct them.  

First steps to my creation will be to sketch some vessel shapes using pencils adding some texture and color just to see what direction I may want to go.  Acquiring found items and textiles to add by stitch, glues, wires, etc... I want to experiment with paint, stamping, or dying as well as knotting, stripping, and burning.  There are limitless possibilities and making samples are a valuable process.  However, I like creating as I go being serendipitous with fast decision making.  

Now to make time to put these creative thoughts into actions.  This is the most important thing to do even if it's only 30 minutes at a time.