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 We first heard of Deb's work when we
were handed a postcard of hers. It is amazing what a postcard can do for your self promotion. Her postcard spoke volumes of her work. We could not wait to interview her to learn more about her work.How long have you been making baskets? I have been selling my baskets since 1987 but I actually have been working with fiber arts most of my life. I have always knitted or crocheted. As a child I made looms out of shoe boxes and made loop pothoIders for everyone I knew. I took one class in basket making in the early 80s and saw how baskets are made. About that same time I had been making grapevine sculptures out of the wild grapevine that is prevalent on the Cape. I started combining different elements to forms baskets adding seagrass, beads, shells, vines. But it was my scallop shell theme that caught people's attention around 1987. How did you get interested in basket weaving? After the first class my friends encouraged me to take another. After the second class I enjoyed it more. I tell people that after you make three baskets it becomes more comfortable. Tell us about the process of your work. Basically all of my designs are original but are based on some traditional form of basketry. The difference is that I have incorporated a lot of color and texture to each piece, making each one unique. I like to work in the round rather than flat. When you work in the round (using mostly round shaped elements) there is a flow to the work. To keep the piece symmetrical you work end to end. Working in the round, when the piece is complete, you're done. There are no rims or handles to add they're incorporated in the "birth" of the piece. And then some are more sculptural, some are more symmetrical, anything goes. There's a joy in making something out of "nothing". Where can your work be seen? My work can be seen year round at Collections Unlimited, an artists' cooperative gallery which I founded in 1991. We're a group of 20 - 25 artists. We are open daily 10 - 5. It's hard to believe we're going into our 16th year. I also do a few juried Cape shows; the annual Society of Cape Cod Craftsmen and the Artistans Guild Shows. How are craft shows different now than when you began? I have been doing shows since 1987. I miss the 90s when it did not matter about prices, people were willing to pay for good work no matter what. I had a waiting list for my work. Now people are more careful with their money. Deb's work can be seen at Collections Unlimited, 365 Route 6A East Sandwich, Ma 02537, 508-833-0039. Her work is also available on her website: www.capebasket.com . Deb can be reached at her home studio, 508-759-9066. |