June 19 – August 16, 2026

SMALL GALLERY

Dawn Myers

A craft that has been practiced for millennia, and in virtually all human societies, deserves first to begin from that place of tradition. All my projects – whether a traditional basket or a freeform piéce d’art – relies on the techniques that myriad of our forebears have practiced and perfected. 

In the spirit and continuity of that tradition, I begin by growing the willow myself. I grow numerous varieties of willow that provide varying degrees of colour, strength, and pliability. Harvested, bundled, dried and stored, the rods are eventually prepared for use by rehydrating to a specific saturation. Then begins the weaving itself. Because basketry is, in one sense, a perfected art form I decided to learn (and continue to learn) firsthand from the most renowned masters of the tradition, in both North America and Europe. I am delighted to continue in this great lineage as a teacher myself now, offering regular workshops and private instruction. Students are so proud of making something of beauty, functionality and, not least, durability, especially in this age when we see everywhere the destructiveness of plastic, mass productivity, and throwaway value.  

For several years now I have been experimenting with using traditional skills to produce novel sculptural forms. Often inspired by my daily walks in our natural world paradise, I see there the distinct and powerful interplay between form and freedom, Nature’s wondrous dichotomy between boundaries and boundlessness. 

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.