Martha Bird is a Minnesota-based studio artist who specializes in sculptural basketry. Blending traditional techniques with contemporary practices, she creates large-scale conceptual forms. Bird’s work draws from her professional expertise and life experiences to explore the human body, manifestations of trauma, and concepts of resilience, energy, and growth. A meditative and grounding aspect to her art practice is the specialty willow that she grows and harvests as her primary material.
Weaving stitches through cloth (embroidery) was Bird’s start with fiber art in childhood. In 1994, she became a basketmaker as a self-directed attempt to rehabilitate from a disabling injury. Numerous contemporary basketmakers have taught and influenced Bird, including Pat Hickman, Jo Campbell-Amsler, Ann Coddington, and traditional willow basket makers in Ireland. Her artwork is exhibited regionally and nationally and has been acquired by the Minnesota Historical Society and the Garrett Museum of Art, and can also be found in collections in New York, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Numerous arts grants and artist residencies have supported her art practice.
I am inspired by nature, empty space, a sense of presence, and the beauty in imperfection.