Basket artist Gail
Halvorsen will demonstrate how she creates her artwork at this informal, informative
gallery event on Friday, September 9 from 12:30 – 2:00 at the Wilton Historical
Society.
Her extraordinary work is now
on view there in the Burt Barn Gallery in the exhibition Hickory, Ash & Reed: Traditional Baskets, Contemporary Makers. Halvorsen’s
contemporary Nantucket baskets are a distinctly American handcraft, harking
back to the maritime cooper’s trade, which involves woodworking as much as
basketry.
At this event, participants
will be able to see how the artist approaches the challenges of the art of
basketry – materials, techniques and process. The demonstration will be
followed by lunch with an informal question and answer session.
Gail Halvorsen made baskets in her
New Canaan, Connecticut workshop, set up years ago with the help of her
renowned teacher, basket-maker and woodworker Harry Hilbert. Teacher and student met in Hilbert’s workshop
in 1994 where Halvorsen made her first “Nantucket” basket.
Taken with the entire process of making a
basket, she carefully selects her woods, makes her own molds, carves handles
and waxes her finishes. “I am definitely drawn to certain colors and grains of
wood. American cherry and curly maple are my favorites. The type of wood
usually determines the shape and design of my basket. And, the hunt for
beautiful wood is always an on- going challenge. You never know where you will
find the perfect piece - fun!” she says. Facile with a woodturning lathe, band
saw, drill press and other tools of the trade, Halvorsen credits the generous
spirit of her influential teacher with her love of each aspect of the craft.
“I find the process of basket
making to be stimulating, creative and calming. The choice of materials and
design forms are endless and the repetitive motion of weaving allows one to be
present and calm” says Halvorsen.
The cost, including lunch, is $25
for Members of the Wilton Historical Society, $35 for Non-members. Space is
limited, please register at info@wiltonhistorical.org or call 203-762-7257
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