Sally Metcalf

Sally Metcalf

Sally Metcalf has a BFA from the California College of Arts & Crafts and a MFA from University of Oregon. She writes, “My work is process and materials driven. These sculptures begin with a walk in the woods. I harvest bark from the Big Leaf Maple tree which grows in abundance in Oregon. Cutting down a trunk doesn't harm the tree because the trunks grow in clumps. The bark is peeled and dried for storage. As a length of bark is selected it's then cut to size and soaked to shape. The maple bark is pieced together entirely by hand forged copper pins and threaded with 4, 7 and 12 ply waxed linen. The weaving is a basketry technique, twining, which forms the upper portion of the piece. Sometimes the bark is dyed with black walnut stain and then rubbed with bees wax for protection.

Basketmaking is a meditation as well as an artform. Crafting each item requires patience, time and an appreciation for the materials at hand. I choose maple bark for its flexibility and strength, which will help each basket last for years to come. One of the joys of crafting with this material is watching its transformation from natural substance to an art piece anyone can enjoy. Each basket takes inspiration from natural colors and forms. During weaving, the fibers are shaped to create a strong structure that not only supports the entire basket but brings out the organic details present in the materials.”

SELECTED AWARDS/COLLECTIONS:

Lloyd Cotsen Contemporary American Basketry Collection, Racine Art Museum, Racine, WI, permanent collection.
Niche Magazine Award, 2001 and 2002.
Selected Shows; American Craft Council show, Los Angeles, 1999
Contemporary Baskets, del Mano, Los Angeles, 1999-2002
SOFA, Chicago, 2000 and 2001
Cherry Creek, Denver, 2001