My work is descended from lightship baskets which are descended from the work of barrel makers during the early whaling days on the island of Nantucket. The barrels used to hold whale oil had wooden staves and wooden bottoms held together with rims. The islanders made baskets using the same construction of wooden bases with staves but woven together with cane and rattan rims. Cane and rattan were brought back by the whaling ships from the far east. The originals were open baskets with handles used for gathering eggs, or for market days.
I first learned about making baskets was when I lived on Nantucket in the early seventies. Working as a carpenter gave me a foundation in woodworking which was very helpful later. Making baskets for friends and exploring other basket types and other materials provided more experience.
My baskets are woven over molds usually made of wood. Round molds I can turn on a lathe. Ovals have to be carved largely by hand. I am attracted to pottery shapes and Japanese and Native American baskets. Most of my baskets are woven of cane around rattan staves with wooden bases. Monofilament nylon (fishing line) is used in some vase and urn shapes. It provides an interaction with light.
Shows and Exhibits
Smithsonian Craft Show 2003 - Washington, DC Crafts at the Castle - Boston, MA
Gramercy Park Crafts- New York, NY Westport Creative Arts - Westport, CT
American Craft Council - Baltimore, MD American Craft Expo - Evanston, IL
West Springfield, MA Crafts at Rhinebeck - Rhinebeck, NY
Atlanta, GA Crafts Park Avenue - New York, NY
St. Paul Guilford Craft Show - Guilford, CT
San Francisco Westchester Crafts - Westchester, CT
DeCordova Museum Craft Show - Lincoln, MA Boston Center for Arts - Boston, MA
American Arts and Crafts - New Britain, CT New Hamphire League of Craftsmen - New Hampshire
Paradise CIty Crafts - Northampton, MA , Marlboro, MA Morristown Craft Market - Morristown, NJ
Southern Vermont Arts and Crafts - Manchester, VT Worcester Center for Crafts - Worcester, MA
Woodstock Crafts - New Paltz, NY Danforth Museum of Art - Framingham, MA
Awards and Museums
Award of Achievement -American Craft Council
Award of Craft Excellence Danforth Museum of Art
Permanent Collection - Danforth Museum of Art
American Craft Museum - Object for Use
Niche Magazine - Finalist 2000 and 2003
American Art Collector - Cover Artist Volume 1, Book 3
Crafts at Rhinebeck - Advertising Cover Artist
Memberships
Vineyard Artisans - Current
American Craft Council - Current
Boston Society of Art and Crafts
New Hampshire League of Craftsmen