Career Development Grant

I hope to study with a renowned basket artist so that I may learn the process of designing and creating baskets, from harvesting wood material to weaving wooden splints. I would like to be able to build on the skills I already have in the world of fiber arts by using a new fiber -wood- and making new designs. I will then be able to advance both careers, while beginning basketry weaving. This mentorship would allow me significant growth in both fields. The measurable outcome of this apprenticeship will be the baskets I create with April Stone Dahl, and then those I create on my own continued time of study in the 5 month period. I will take the traditional forms and create basketry for the time we currently live in. I will create those using a variety of techniques, such as plaiting, interlacing, hexagons and strand and strings. I will have some baskets with lids, handles, and rims, and some baskets will be made into backpacks, purses, and other types of containers. This project has a measurable outcome in the basket designs that I will produce. I will provide a detailed written account of the learned processes of procuring materials to make baskets, as well as that of creating baskets. Once I acquire these basic skills, I will work to create unique forms and designs. I will be able to weave according to different weaving styles and shapes. My goals of making modern and distinctive forms and designs is evaluable in the objects themselves.