My earliest recollection of weaving came in elementary school.  Before any holiday celebrations, we were given strips of colored paper, to weave individual table placemats. For me, it wasn’t so much the big party that excited me but being able to go through the process of choosing the right paper and seeing the magic of something come together with my hands.  Those early memories are what continue to inspire me to create and share my love of weaving with people of all ages.

In my work, you’ll see a great emphasis on the use of natural materials gathered and harvested in Oregon.  In my garden you’ll find honeysuckle, banana, NW sweetgrass, akebia and a variety of willows specifically to use in creations of my baskets, sculptures, and assemblages.  I gather western red cedar and roots in the traditional ways of the First Nation peoples of the North West.  In addition to gathering the raw materials used in my work, I also hand dye my materials.

Using tradition with a bit of a twist, I often very techniques, which I have learned from other cultures.  The best part for me when doing a show or an exhibit, is sharing my love fore basketry, not just by selling my baskets but demonstration and passing my knowledge to others.