EmilyDvorin

There is something to be said for going to a conference with other basket makers. Having just come back from a National Basketry Organization conference in Boston, I am coaxed to reflect on the benefits and pleasure of spending time with other high level, experienced basket artists. It was so wonderful to not have to "teach" my approach to my art. It felt good to not have to explain every step. And I could start from "square two" and get deeper, faster into a conversation about basketmaking and my work.

For five days, I walked across a college campus for meals, seminars, workshops, stayed in dorms, shared bathrooms, rode on busses to tour museums and galleries,  and got to know many fine people and their art. I value the bonds we created while conversing, sharing and working together.

Taking an intense three day workshop was a stimulating experience, to say the least. I think it was a reach for most of us, working perhaps out of our comfort zone, to "stretch" a bit. I re-friended a sewing machine. I learned to collage with fabric. I had pure fun doing it. I wonder if I will incorporate some of the skills and tools I re-learned into my future work. I wonder if somehow I am clearer about my own way of working and directions. I know I was stimulated and inspired by the connections and conversations with fellow artists and my workshop teacher. May the conversations continue.

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