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BASKETS NATURALLY by Judy
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Greetings from Ponderosa Country. My name is Judy Arledge and I would like to welcome you to my "Baskets Naturally" website. I have been creating pine needle baskets since 1980. My work has been accepted for museum shows in a number of major American cities—one piece was selected for a journey to Latvia, representing "Artists for Peace." Recently my signature basket "Spirit Bear" was chosen to be a part of a collection of special pieces of Montana art to represent Missoula in our New Zealand sister city, Palmerston-North. Several galleries have shown my work and I have been featured in Sundance Catalog. As an educator, I have presented programs for schools, to share the important history and tradition of basketry for all nations and people. My studio also provides an intimate arena for the gathering of students who come to learn coiling, one of the ancient methods of basket making. It has been an honor to share my passion for basketry as a staff instructor for participants in Family Summit events with the National Wildlife Federation at various international locations.
My home is in Missoula, Montana, the heart of Ponderosa Pine Country.
Our state tree is the mighty Ponderosa,
and it is from our native forests that I harvest my weaving materials.
The wooden center used in the creation of some of my baskets is also made of
pine. The designs on the
boards are the original work of artist (and beloved Aunt) Donna Walsh of
Washington State. I treasure the valued instruction of contemporary weaver and author Jeannie McFarland, who introduced me to basketry. Further inspiration evolved as I explored the world of reed and antler weaving with the expert vessel designer and author Bobi Harris. My studies deepened as I entered the world of Nancy Basket in South Carolina. With her Cherokee background, she introduced me to the more traditional, ancient methods of weaving. Her gift of storytelling touches the soul as she blends today with long ago. In Alaska my inspiration was Delores Churchill. What a privilege to enter the quiet forest with this teacher to learn the old ways of gathering root and bark for creating baskets. The further preparation of these materials involved many hours, sometimes over a smoky fire, other times with rainwater. As we worked, Delores would share her memories of growing up with the Haida people, however she was never distracted from her mission of insisting that I put forth my best effort. "Judy, take it 'undone' and do it again." Her high standards were then tempered by this wisdom from the old ways: "It is not for you to praise your own work--it is for others to do so or you will lose your gift."
So with a respect for the ancient craft of coiling, and a spirit of
gratitude for the blessing of our beautiful forests, it is my prayer that the
language of my work will be understood as I allow it to speak for itself.
Baskets Naturally by Judy 909 Gladis Drive Missoula, MT 59804 mailto:basketsnaturallybyjudy@msn.com |
