Anne Bowers

Ribbed Basketry

The primary focus of my work is in ribbed basketry, an area few makers devote themselves to because of its degree of difficulty.  It is in this type of construction that I explore more artistic forms, although I am well versed in other kinds of basketry such as flat splint, twills, naturals, double walled and traditional basketry.  I weave primarily with reed, but incorporate an amazing variety of natural materials which I dye myself or are found outdoors.  Use of found objects, such as antlers, also play an important role in my work.  My artistic goal is to expand the limits of ribbed basketry and present that work in structural forms appropriate for art exhibits that would lead to a solo show of this type of work.

From my perspective, baskets have the ability to bridge the gap between a beautiful work of art and the functional woven vessel.  With every basket I create, my desire is to make an object that quickly becomes art-in-hand through its daily use.  The interplay of fiber, color, and shape has always intrigued me and left me with a feeling of urgency that almost demands a basket’s creation.  The personal satisfaction I have received from basketry through the past 26 years continues to evolve including a wide range of work styles.  It is my desire to get the viewer involved in this process through creating work that invites one to touch, linger and learn some of the process of the evolution of the woven art from we call basketry.