June 26 – August 16, 2026
SMALL GALLERY
Dawn Myers
In the world of weaving sculptural forms with willow, two powerful – and at times disparate – influences come together.
Basketry is an ancient craft that has been practiced in virtually all human societies. Weavers then and now learn exacting techniques and styles to make their works useful and durable.
Born first by necessity – for agriculture, fishing, and so forth – basket making has nonetheless long been irresistible to artists and ‘imagineers.’ Some of the oldest baskets discovered include both a strict adherence to form and a creative expression. With a basket a purpose is being satisfied and a story is being told.
Today I honour the traditions, the methods, and the ingenuity of my forebears in willow basketry.
Employing centuries-old techniques, my work seeks to expand further the boundaries of the craft. When the powerful but dialectical forces of structure and freedom are in play, synthesis often leads to places unknown. Yet, I frankly love the relationship of these energies in my art, and not least because they provide a paradigm of human life at its best. There is, on the one hand, rhythm, predictability, and self-limits, which are the cohering elements in a strong community. On the other hand, there is risk, independence, and discovery, which expand our knowledge, enlarge our universe, and create renewed wonder This is diversity at its best.
The pieces in this exhibit were inspired by my daily walks in the forest and along the ocean shore, and the great diversity in Nature I see there. Today the word “diversity” is used often in our ever-changing society. But before the word ever left a human’s lips, Nature had the concept perfected. Species, all species, are fully interdependent on their neighbours. Thus, Nature does not merely tolerate diversity, it thrives in it. It celebrates it. It stakes everything on it. Let us do the same.
About Dawn
When, out of curiosity, I attended my first willow basket weaving class I knew instantly I had found my medium. Weaving brings together so much that I love: a well-plotted technique yet with wide opportunity for artistic freedom, a challenging task and yet at the same time a carefree experience, a totally natural product fashioned without need of machinery or expensive tools.
And I am following our forbearers, for basketry is a truly ancient practice nearly lost to the onslaught of plastic manufacturing. Today, as the world sags under the weight of that plastic, I feel good knowing that I am doing a small part to reverse the trend. The fast-growing and abundant varieties of willow that I grow provide almost all that I need to create a large selection of baskets that vary greatly in appearance and use.