"Weavers Words" Vol. 1 Iss. 97 Compiled By: David Collins Snail Mail: 408 North Devon Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46219 Owned By: Weavers Everywhere Date Sent: March 02, 1998 Subscribers: 478 Back Issues: http://www.iei.net/~davidc/ Basket Biddin' Auction: http://members.tripod.com/~Basket_Biddin/ (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) ***IMPORTANT INFORMATION*** ***PLEASE READ BEFORE PRINTING*** 1.) Highlight entire issue. 2.) Click copy. 3.) Paste issue into a word processor of your choosing. 4.) Now Print. (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) <>------<> PICTURES SENT IN BY YOU <>------<> 1.) Ms. Brenda Johnson's Vacation Stop At Royalwood. http://www.iei.net/~davidc/basketshop.jpg 2.) Ms. Judy Mullins' Log Cabin Getaway. http://www.iei.net/~davidc/cabin1.jpg 3.) Ms. Joy Moody's Basket Sign. http://www.iei.net/~davidc/medusasignclose.gif 4.) Ms. Sharle Osborne's Cedar Covered Bottles. http://www.iei.net/~davidc/bottles.jpg 5.) Ms. Fran Steidel's Wax Linen Egg Baskets. http://www.iei.net/~davidc/waxlinenegg.jpg If anyone else has a picture, you can send it to me through email or snail mail. (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Re: IBA Convention Date: Fri, 27 Feb 1998 20:36:57 EST From: Bskcreed To: davidc@iei.net Thanks David for putting this note in Weaver's Words: I hope everyone is getting excited about attending the Indiana Basketmakers Association convention - Indy Weave '98 on March 26-29. Volunteers have been working hard to finalize all the details and we can't wait to see everyone arrive. The convention will occupy almost the entire Adams Mark Hotel - both in meeting rooms and in sleeping rooms. I hope you all have made your room reservations already - because they are almost to capacity. The shirts and goodie bags are in and the logo looks wonderful on them. So, pack your bags and tools - and come well rested for this fun filled four days of weaving, shopping, eating and visiting with friends. See you there! The IBA website has been updated with information on the convention - including a lecture schedule and visitor day schedule - check it out with this link: Official Web Site of the Indiana Basketmakers... We have contracted with the hotel to provide food buffet carts near the classroom areas for breakfast and lunch meals - for quick turnaround so you can get back to class quickly. There are two restaurants on site for sit down meals if you prefer, as well as the lounge, Quincys where they serve complimentary buffet hors d'oeuvre's Monday through Friday. Check in with the hotel is usually 3pm - earlier if the rooms are serviced and available. Any questions? Please feel free to contact me. Lynn Pawley Co-coordinator Indy Weave '98 Bskcreed@aol.com (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Guilty Lurker..delurking Date: Sat, 28 Feb 1998 08:30:45 -0500 From: "RON & ANN " To: Mornin' all Okay Joy you made me feel guilty and so you should. I've been sitting back for many weeks (maybe months??? oops) enjoying all the work that David puts into this forum and haven't contributed anything. As I read the comments made by all I never feel I have even a fraction of the expertise that you folks do and hence not much to add. But here's my two bits anyways. Bert and Joy--I always look forward to your comments such wit, wisdom, technical knowledge and a ready source of info on just about anything. Bert, you were once an educator were you not?? I teach high school (chem and bio) and it makes me proud to know you're out there holding high the banner of an educator. Basket sites--Joy and Linda Boyle-Gibson what fun I've had perusing your sites. They're creative and inspirational. Have I missed anyone else's? I'd love to bookmark some other great sites. Andrea--the basket you made for your dad is too much. What a terrific present that must have been for him. Just to know you actually paid attention to all those details in his life and found some way to express them in your art form is, as my students would say--awesome. I'll bet there were tears and laughter upon it's presentation Mold in stains--I wonder if copper pennies might not solve the mold problem. I use them on paint palettes that I want to save for an extended period and it solves the mold problem there. I place a copper penny on each corner of the palette , maybe half a dozen thrown in the pail might work. With the value of a penny up here it's not an expensive option LOL. Just a thought. Unfortunately my oly basket contact today will be to actually USE the laundry basket, best get to it. Have a good one weaving friends. Ann Moum Orangeville, Ontario Canada rjasiuk@headwaters.com (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Basket Sign??? Date: Sat, 28 Feb 1998 19:38:40 -0500 From: mbzaj@infinet.com To: David Collins References: 1 Joy: I am very intrigued by your Medusa Basket Sign Pattern. Could you please explain it to us or tell me where I could view it? Thank You! To all: Craft vs. Art. I went to Art class in High School under a teacher that called things "cute" to let us know it wasn't ART. "Cute" became an insult as far as critiquing homework. I don't think Mr. Handshoe would consider basket weaving ART unless it was totally designed by yourself. I'm sure he would like it to have other design elements such as composition, balance, "leading the eye" so to speak, and color scheme. Many design elements that would be considered in evaluating sculpture and other type works. Personally, I remind myself that I'm no longer in High School, and if I make something "cute", that's OK too. Whatever my "creative juices" are calling for. Happy weaving to all, Brenda Johnson in Darke County, Ohio where I saw a double rainbow tonight! (and also delivered 4 pigs at once while my husband left the barn!) (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Art or Craft Date: Sat, 28 Feb 1998 20:08:44 -0600 From: "weavers" Reply-To: "weavers" <@i-55.com> To: "David Collins" Hi: I'm interested in the question posed as to whether basketmaking is an art or a craft. Well, I think it is not only what you personally view it as, but also what the viewer of your baskets perceives it to be. I think my traditional baskets, whether done from a pattern or not, are examples of a craft. I am proud to work on improving my execution of the age-old techniques...I am proud to proclaim myself a technician, producing excellent quality traditional crafts. However, when a basket loses its functionality for a more sculptural effect, especially using non-traditional materials or other fibers, I believe it crosses into the art category. So basically, I think the end result determines whether it is an art or craft. I have heard discussions about this subject for at least 10 years now. I don't think it has one answer. I also find it interesting that when I am at an art guild meeting, my baskets are considered an art form, but when I am at a festival, the same baskets are advertised as crafts...It's all in the perception...mainly of the beholder. The maker can think whatever they like - art or craft - but the viewing public will actually decide what THEY think it is and if you are selling them, that will make the difference. I don't let the subject take too much of my time, I much rather be making something and not worry about whether its art or craft..As long as I'm happy doing it then it doesn't matter what it is....When you get caught up in the name, it puts undo stress on you and your art work can turn into a wad of stuff that will only serve as kindling.. The subjects the last few weeks have been interesting, I have fond memories of the dye pots in the back yard with pecans, walnuts, and chestnuts or whatever I could find and the age old question ---Vinegar or Ammonia...??? However, I have given up my purist tendencies for the luxury of Weaver's Stain...I love it and haven't brought a walnut home from up north in 3 years....I can't say I miss the pots of walnut, etc or the bodies of the suicidal lizards that used to occasionally show up at the bottom of the pot or all the neighbors whispering about me....ha ha Well this is getting too long...I appreciate David's hard work too...I have sent everyone I know a greeting card from your site...I never have to mail Birthday cards again...(or remember to buy them on time). Thanks a lot... Johanna Heller (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: art/craft Date: Sat, 28 Feb 1998 21:52:57 -0500 From: monast@iquest.net To: davidc@iei.net My opinion: art/craft? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Some people make "fantastic" creations, and I "MIGHT" think - that's the most obnoxious piece of doggy do do I've ever seen. Flamboyant does not necessarily translate into superlative. The Shaker quadrifoils are . . .what? A Bob Coker black ash biscuit basket is more than craft. I sense a "demeaning" of the term craft. yes. What makes "art" baskets a higher level just because someone makes it up as they go along. Have you ever seen a Dee and Dick Gregory white oak rib basket. There are many free style and original baskets that are exquisite. There are many traditional baskets that are exquisite. I don't think it's all that important that lines of demarcation be drawn. More important is to do the very best we can. Every basketweaver I've ever talked to or read about on this list says "I was hooked, I LOVE basket weaving". If what St. Francis of Assisi said is true "He who works with his hands and with his head and with his heart, is an artist" then it's not necessarily the basket that is the work of art, rather the weaver who is the artist. Then maybe, that is all idealistic bologny. If you are trying to compete in art gallery's and museums, then maybe you do have to high brow it a little/a lot. Whatever you guys decide is OK with me, cause I'll just keep on weaving. Sleepy in Yorktown, IN Kristin (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Weavers Words Date: Sun, 01 Mar 1998 07:39:05 -0800 From: Tracy Jenkins Organization: In-Motion, LLC To: davidc@iei.net Hello Everyone, My name is Tracy Jenkins, I am Quin Avery's sister. Yes, I am a lurker but since we just bought a new computer and got on the net, I decided to come out of hiding. Thank-you David for all your hard work. I have had fun looking at you "favorite links". I wanted to ask if anyone knew where I could find a pattern of one of Judy Wilson's rib baskets. I've heard she no longer makes the kits. I should of bought one several years ago, but I didn't think I would have the patience. I may not have the patience now but would love to try. Joy: I love your web site. I think I spent hours in there the other night. The Web is all-new to me. It' funny, my husband will come up behind me and say "Are you still looking at baskets" I'm afraid I have become addicted. About your question on "art or craft". I thought I was a basket artist until a recent show. A fellow basket maker told us that she didn't think our baskets were selling because they were functional not artsy. I think that statement upset me not because of what she said but, how it made me doubt my work. Yes, our baskets are functional but, I feel they are also a work of art. So I guess it is in the eye of the beholder, and it depends on how it makes you feel when you are creating. I also cut hair in my real job, and it is sort of the same. Sometimes I feel it is a skill and sometimes it is a work of art. Depending on the day, that is. Quin and I are just amazed at all of you very talented basket artist. What wonderful work you all do. We are looking for some place to take new classes in the Indy area. If anybody has any suggestions it would be appreciated. We will be going to convention but only on visitor's day. We couldn't come up with the cash this year for the classes but, we will enjoy all the venders. I plan on taking cash, credit cards and the check book, because you never know what you might fine. I hope to see some of you their. Thanks again !!!!! Tracy In chilly but dry Indy! (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 96 Date: Sun, 1 Mar 1998 12:34:29 EST From: JDDCNICK To: davidc@iei.net Hello Everyone, I have been one of those "lurkers" who has not contributed much to Weaver' Words, but who anxiously looks forward to each issue. Joy: The idea of posing a question so everyone might have a chance to answer it is a great idea. How about "a Question of Issue 97?" or whatever issue it might be? This could very well get some new interest. Nancy: I understand completely about using basketweaving as therapeutic. That is exactly how I began, over 15 years ago. I, indeed found wonderful therapy after my mother passed away, but also an art that I still enjoy to this day. For that, I am truly grateful. I have been interested in your comments about a "white" basket. My son is getting married in May, and I am going to make the basket for the flower girl. Does anyone have a pattern for this event. I would certainly appreciate any help I could get. As any mother, I want this to be "Perfect!!" Happy weaving everyone. (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: A Grateful Hello & Advice Date: Sun, 1 Mar 1998 14:33:34 EST From: DKallner To: davidc@iei.net Just a quick note. Wanted to let you all know the outline of the story and some of the lessons I learned. I got hit by a drunk driver a week ago Friday on my way to Willow Weekend at the Amana Colonies in Iowa. I'm doing OK. Got the stitches out of my face, so eating is easier. Hope to start physical therapy for my back and knee in a week or so. Jacki Bedworth, who is also on the list, was in the car with me was also badly bruised and sore but is now back home in St. Paul. I'm back home in Wisconsin, and my husband is catering to my every whim. Pam Parins, who is also on the list, was in the car following us and saw the whole thing, held my hand while they stitched up my face. Jo Campbell-Amsler was in the car ahead of us and saw it all through her rear-view mirror. She stayed with me in the hospital overnight so I wouldn't be alone in a strange city. Took Jacki and me home with her and took care of us until we could travel to our own homes. Let her dog break the carpet boundary so I could sit and pet her to make me feel better. I'll be eternally grateful to Jo and her family for their many kindness' and the great gift of their friendship. Also to Joanna Schanz and the wonderful willow women at Amana for their good thoughts and prayers. And to my great friend Donna Svob for her help and support and "catered meals" since I returned home. Jacki and I were very lucky. We managed to avoid a head-on collision with this guy, who pulled out to pass a truck without ever looking to see if the way was clear or swerving to avoid hitting us -- I know because I watched his headlights coming at us the whole way. This is his second OWI, and I think he was out of jail before I was out of the hospital. Nevertheless, we are counting our blessings and thankful that our injuries weren't worse. Here's the advice part. As Jo and Pam and Janet were busy unloading stuff from the back of my station wagon (totaled, of course) so the paramedics could work on us, they found that my tool bag and other stuff had done some serious flying around during the impact and the subsequent flight we took through the air. My tool bag has outside pockets and, being overfull, was unzipped. We were lucky that none of my knives, scissors, bodkins or other sharp objects contributed to our injuries or hurt any of the people involved in the extrication. I've just ordered a second tool bag. From now on when I travel, and I will, my tools will be securely zipped into their cases and stowed under a cargo net. Jacki and I discussed this, and felt it was important to pass along this advice to the group. We also learned that since we travel together regularly we need to have emergency information about how to contact each other's families. And I learned not to take the only copy of my parents' phone number at the condo in Florida with me so my husband had no way of knowing how to reach them. I will not be so inconsiderate again. I hope none of you find yourself similarly in the wrong place at the wrong time, but please think about taking these simple precautions. Donna Kallner White Lake, Wisconsin (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: art or craft? Date: Sat, 28 Feb 1998 10:39:42 -0500 From: "Jane A. Wilson" To: "Weaver's Word" 1)Do you consider basketry an ART or a CRAFT? I know there are different camps with me leaning toward neither one. I weave because it makes ME happy. A friend of mine wanted the art museum on campus of our local university to feature my baskets, but they didn't respond to her suggestion. She was irritated, but I understand their posture that weaving is a craft, not an art. The local newspaper did a flattering article on my "craft," so there was more coverage there than in the museum. 2)What distinguishes one from the other? I think the craft emphasis is following a pattern, and we weavers know that patterns are rarely followed to the letter. And many weavers have no pattern at all-there in lies the art. 3)Can CRAFT turn into ART or ART turn into CRAFT? Yes, see # 2 4)How do you think the public views basketry in this country at this time? It's interesting watching people's reactions to baskets. Some really love them and some hardly look at them. My mother-in-law falls in the latter category. Her thing is quilting, and all she sees in my baskets is how much money can I make selling them. That is not my objective. I refer back to #1. I weave because it makes me happy. Jane Wilson (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Date: Sun, 01 Mar 1998 19:48:44 -0500 From: Nancy Hedberg To: davidc@iei.net Alice: Thanks for asking. My trip to my parents' was a wonderful treat. It was only me, no siblings, no kids, and no spouse. That rarely happens. My mom is doing great with her new shoulder. While she rested for a couple of hours on Sat., my dad and I went out into his workshop and played on the lathe. He showed me some new tricks and then cut a big bunch of blanks for new basket bottoms. He has every woodworking tool known to man and then some. I always enjoy spending time with him out there and I always come home with a box full of loot. It's 5 1/2 - 6 hours each way depending on how many stops and how heavy my foot is! Doable for a weekend, hard, but worth it. I have a question. My workshop is a converted garden shed. It has no real foundation, but is sort of up on brick stilts. They show in the front, but not much in the back. The floor is wooden boards. The dirt underneath is less than a foot away. I've covered most of the floor with rubber matting that the local health club had in the aerobics room and replaced. The question is this, how do I protect my cane and reed from dampness? The shop stays damp a good bit of the year and damp cane and reed mildews. I went to the farmer's co-op and bought a salt block to absorb some of it with limited success. I've also spread a bag of charcoal around. Any suggestions? Happy weaving, Nancy in sunny Jonesborough where the jonquils are blooming and snow is predicted for Tuesday (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Weaver's Words Date: Mon, 2 Mar 1998 16:00:51 -0500 From: "Joy Moody" To: Hello Happy Weavers, Realistically, we have another month of Winter here. Nevertheless, though I can hardly believe it, Maine has had several warm days, the snow is melting, & I feel the hope of Spring! YES!! Thanks for all the great comments and perspectives about whether basketmaking is an "art" or a "craft". Seems like several of us are of the same wavelength. I enjoyed your sharing. I like the European approach to basketry: learning the techniques vs. learning specific patterns. If one has a variety of techniques to choose from, then it's a lot easier to envision a basket & be able to make it from scratch. I agree, it's when we do this branching out to our own creative projects, that "art" emerges from "craft" beginnings. Of course, our method here in the U.S. can take us to the same place: doing many patterns, one learns many techniques & can then be inspired to create their own designs. I did post the 1610 wicker cradle to the website, if anyone is interested. Also, if I may, I'd like to alert everyone to the fact that there will soon be a new BULLETIN BOARD for basketmakers. Feel free to post your guild news, important dates, questions & sharings. The page is up. We are just awaiting news on a password to activate it. One last word on ammonia & dogs. I have found no difference between male or female dogs, neutered or not. Ammonia acts as a "trigger" for marking, & then of course, once one dog gets going, away they go! I now use only ammonia free floor cleaners, and have never used ammonia in basketry stain. Joy Sign of the Crow...in Maine where "mud" season is starting www.signofthecrow.com (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Re: "Weavers Words" V. 1 I. 95 Date: Mon, 02 Mar 1998 17:00:50 EST From: froggestow@juno.com (Roberta R Comstock) To: davidc@iei.net References: 1 "Weavers Words" Vol. 1 Iss. 95 David - I finally got around to looking at the WW basket pictures you've posted for us. They're excellent. Thank you for doing this! Brenda Johnson - I take it the boys in your Royalwood photo are your sons. They look like they were having a fun vacation, too. What a great great basket that is sitting next to them. Was there any information about that basket? I can't remember what you may have said about it before. Judy Mullins - Your log cabin has a nice solid cozy look. Do you weave baskets there? How old is it? Joy Moody - How big is your sign basket? It looks huge! Sharle Osborne - How big are your bottles. They look a lot like a vinegar and oil set, but I suspect they are larger than that. It must be the lid shape that gave me that idea. Fran Steidel - Your Waxed Linen Egg Baskets are even better than I had imagined them. The many colors are very effective. I highly recommend viewing these photos to anyone who hasn't seen them yet. Joy - Here are my quickie answers to your questions (I know if I set them aside to answer later after much careful thought, I may never get back to them): 1) Do you consider basketry an ART or a CRAFT? I consider basketry to be both art and craft. Sometimes one or the other, but often both simultaneously. 2) What distinguishes one from the other? I consider craft to focus on functional utility and repeatability, even if the desired function is strictly decorative. Craft repeats itself and may rely on patterns. I think of art as focusing on creative exploration of materials, forms, and aesthetics. Art is unique. These two aspects of basketry (art and craft) are not necessarily mutually exclusive. 3) Can CRAFT turn into ART or ART turn into CRAFT? Yes. Craft can become art when it is stretched beyond its existing limitations and allowed to evolve into a new form. Art can become craft when it is copied or standardized or becomes overly repetitive. 4) How do you think the public views basketry in this country at this time? I think there is an appreciative audience within the public that understands quality and originality and is willing to pay true value for fine things. However, I think those people are a limited minority. The general public attitude today seems to embrace a desire for instant gratification, impatience with spending too much time (or money) on any one thing, and a tendency to look at most objects as expendable - as reflected in the vast popularity of fast food and low-cost mass marketing chains. Because of this dichotomy, it behooves us to direct our efforts toward a consciously selected target 'public', whether in giving and selling our baskets or recruiting our potential students. I believe it is possible to upgrade an individual's tastes and improve their understanding and appreciation of fine basketry, but that some (many) people will never learn. I am delighted when I discover a new enthusiast, but do not mourn the dabblers who are more content to go in other directions. It's that occasional gem that makes it all worthwhile! Bert Comstock, Independence, MO - where we are having a replay of real February at 25 degrees with snow flurries. (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) Subject: Weavers Word Date: Mon, 2 Mar 1998 17:35:39 EST From: BJ CRAFTS To: davidc@iei.net Hello David and fellow weavers, Spring is here in Southern New England. We saw three Robins last week and some of the spring flower bulbs are starting to come up. I have a question to anyone who works with Black Ash. I bought some 5/8" and 1/2" to make a large basket with a twill design. I've never worked with it before. Does anyone have any tips to share? Thank you Judy for your tips. BeckyJoy, Enfield, CT. (¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯) If for any you would ever like to cancel your subscription, simply send me a message with "unsubscribe" as your subject.