These basket forms reflect my response to the natural world. Living both at the coast and in the mountains has given me a connection with nature which I have explored through these forms. Informed by the materials I gather, I express my love of nature through a body of work that defines the vessel as a container that guides, not restricts.

The gathering, bundling and storing of materials is as important to me as the construction of the baskets. I try to work with the materials, not against them. Although I don’t gather all the materials I use, the plant materials I do collect are gathered in a selective way so that most of the plant is left behind to grow vigorously.

Exploring the forest surrounding my home with my dogs is also a meaningful part of this process.  I have had many adventures during these gathering trips and bits of stories are intertwined into each vessel.  The scratch marks that frequently appear on the bark bases are directly related to close encounters we have had with wild cats and bears! 

©2005 Sally Metcalf • Photography courtesy of Jordan Schnitzner Museum of Art & Department of Art, University of Oregon • Richard Gehrke, Photographer • David Loveall, Photographer • Site Design by Jason Zollinger