Heidi Wetzel
It all started when in April of 1997, a course in basket weaving was offered in the nearby town of Easton. Since then, I have traveled the country and attended a number of weaving workshops with well-known artists. I participate in juried shows and exhibits in five states. In the past years, I have grown from assimilating the basics to creating works of art.
My beginning was in fine and traditional wicker basketry. My work ranges from traditional, sculptured, to contemporary. I am often inspired by nature and my sculptures can serve as colorful and decorative highlights for a wall, or a table. Some of my sculptures are functional, while others are purely decorative. With my 3-dimensional wall hangings I try to create “pictures” or scenes from nature.
My baskets are traditional, as well as sculptured and contemporary. My work is often inspired by nature. I weave many materials that I find in nature into my baskets. I use birch, willow and cedar bark; white and black ash, reed, cane, leather, sweetgrass, seagrass, waxed linen, hand-spun yarn, and telephone wire. I adorn the baskets with shells, pine cones, acorns, sea shells, feathers, bones, and hand-crafted beads. Many of my sculptures are utilitarian; some are purely decorative.
My work reflects the beauty I see in the world around me. The natural surroundings of the Eastern Shore inspires my work.
Email: wovensculptures@gmail.com
Website: www.heidiwetzel.com
