STATEMENT
Inspired
by natural shapes, structures, dimensions and palettes not evident to
the naked eye, Sally’s basketry gives macro expression to the
micro world. She seeks the odd beauty produced by the affects of light
and water on aquatic and terrestrial flora and fauna; in the diversity
of shapes and hues revealed by electromagnetic and microscopic photography;
in the lines of sea-, sky- and landscapes; even in the dimensions of
abstract mathematical concepts. From these, Sally extracts ideas for
simple and complex arrangements that exhibit nature’s unusual
color combinations.
"A
piece may begin as a response to a mood, the essence of a shape, or
a feeling about a material or color combination. The most successful
work comes when I am able to sustain that feeling and follow it, allowing
the piece to become what it needs to be. Certainly I look to create
beauty. More importantly, I look to evoke an emotional reaction within
the person viewing a work."
Each
basket is an original creation, designed and woven entirely by Sally
without assistance from employees, apprentices or helpers. She first
studies an idea through drawings and fashioning small clay models. As
she begins work on the actual piece, Sally enlarges the design to full
size. She does not use molds or armatures to form her creations. The
flowing shapes are deliberately formed during the weaving process and
are the direct result of her imaginative thinking and control of the
medium.
"While
following the artistic vision, each piece must be carefully thought
through. There are design and craftsmanship decisions to make every
minute."
Her
creations are made mostly of rattan, often with palm added. The back
of each piece is wood. Depending on the intricacy of the design and
the detail involved, it may take up to three months to complete a piece.
But the resulting finished basketry is a marvel of form, structure and
color designed to make a striking visual impact.
"My
goal is to continually challenge assumptions and stretch the definition
of what the ancient craft of basketry can be. As I seek new challenges,
my work becomes more complex."
COLLECTIONS
- Amoco
- State
of Michigan
- Odyssey
Marine
- Longmont
United Hospital
- Barnet
Bank
- MSI
Insurance
- Expert
Designware
- Morgan
& Myers
RECENT AWARDS
- Best
of Medium, Sedona, AZ; 2003
- 3-D,
Second Place, Peoria, IL; 2003
- Award
of Excellence, Baltimore, MD; 2003
- Best
of Medium, Sun Valley, ID; 2003
- Best
of Medium, Boca Raton, FL; 2003
- Award
of Distinction, Bonita Springs, FL; 2003
- Craft,
3rd place, Reston, VA; 2003
- Award
of Distinction, Bonita Springs, FL; 2002
- Best
of Show, Lafayette, IN; 2002
- Best
of Show, Sun Valley, ID; 2001
- Best
of Medium, Austin, TX; 2001 & 2000
- Best
of Medium, Milwaukee, WI; 1998
- Best
of Medium, Highland Park, IL; 2000
- Best
of Show, New Orleans, LA; 1999
- Best
of Show, W. Palm Beach, FL; 1998
- Artistic
Excellence, Pontiac, MI; 1999
- Artistic
Excellence, Atlanta, GA; 1998
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