Stake and strand construction with negative space and raw edges. Driftwood and rattan.
Shannon Lucas-Westrum
Every 1 2024 / May 7, 2024
River’s Edge
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_922,h_1200/https://nationalbasketry.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_6188-922x1200.jpeg)
H: 24.5" | W: 20" | D: 11"
Photo by Jesse Westrum
Shannon Lucas-Westrum
Bemidji, MN
My love of texture and fibers started when I convinced our elderly neighbor to teach me to crochet as a child. I spent hours with yarn, wood, beads, paper, and leather. Now my work is a blend of cultures, traditions, and technical skills. I'm asking questions about culture and tradition and how I represent them in my art. I am now exploring the fusion of modern and traditional techniques with locally sourced materials as they apply to art basketry. It’s not unusual to find me beach combing for driftwood and interesting rocks, or into the forest to collect grasses, tree barks, antlers, and rushes. I’m moved to create unique sculptural shapes that flow with and emphasize the natural elements I’ve used as my focal piece.