Innovative Threads: Alfie & Son

"As a self-taught basket-maker who needed more, I took workshops and eventually joined a multidisciplinary design group that met at Stan Perrott's home, which inspired me to attend the Alberta College of Art and Design (now Alberta University of the Arts). Drawing on my background in metalsmithing and basket-making, I enjoy gathering and using materials around me, whether natural materials that grow in Alberta, parts from scrapyards, or unwanted items from second-hand stores. I like the challenge of incorporating these found objects with new materials so they work together. “Alfie and Son” is a pair of baskets made out of recycled copper and recycled, rolled copper wire. “Alfie,” the larger piece, is a traditionally woven metal basket, while “Son of Alfie,” the smaller piece, is a plaited basket developing from a square base to a round rim. Weaving involves working with an active, flexible element worked over a stiffer, passive element, while all elements in plaiting are active and of the same strength. A passive, vertical element can quickly be woven over with something thinner, but plaiting is more complex because all elements are working together. Both are traditional basketry techniques here applied to metal, recycled and reworked. The interior views in particular foreground the techniques, and the striking blue salt and ammonia vapour patina shows off the weave.  

My intent with these pieces was to transform basic, traditional basketry methods into something else entirely by translating into another medium."

2024