Artist Statement and Bio
I grew up in New England and enjoyed earning a good living making leather goods and fiber craftwork before heading to the warmer climate of the West Coast.
The move to Northern California led to a master's degree in cultural anthropology at California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) in San Francisco. Research in cultural anthropology increased my fascination with the relationship between women, culture, eco-spirituality and traditional arts.
While in the social/cultural degree program at CIIS, I attended the Gaelic College of Celtic Arts & Crafts in Cape Breton. In the weaving classes at the College, I felt as if working on the loom connected me to my foremothers who were also artists and craftswomen. This strengthened my desire to keep cultural traditions alive and continue my education, leading to a Ph.D. in Transformative Learning and Change from California Institute of Integral Studies.
Stone Chip Pine Needle Basket - Plain Stitch
Today, living on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, my primary craft focus has been weaving baskets made of pine needles, often trimmed with ceramic or glass beads, sweet grass, pinecones, or walnut slices; traditional baskets, made of hand dyed reed and wood; or rustic baskets of reed, gathered weeds, and driftwood collected from the ocean and lake shores . These baskets have been shown in various galleries and fine craft stores.
I acknowledge that the waters, mountains, valleys and shorelines of the Olympic Peninsula are the traditional territory of the S’Klallam and Chemakum Indigenous People. I have sought to better understand the history of the Indigenous Tribes of the Olympic Peninsula, Salish Sea area, and Pacific Northwest. I feel a deep appreciation for the rich traditions of Native cultures including: environmental issues, spiritual and social philosophies, as well as the wisdom these perspectives can bring into one's own life through participating in educational events and cultural experiences when invited and appropriate.
This site shows only a few of the many fiber art designs I continue to make for discerning customers and collectors.
Book a Consultation
Freelance Arts/Cultural Non-profit Consultant
I am a dedicated, skilled, and multifaceted professional offering years of administrative experience in various higher education, business, and non-profit cultural art settings. My qualifications encompass a range of knowledge acquired through academic pursuits, cross-cultural studies, and research, as well as efforts to keep culture, folklore, and tradition alive. I feel a profound commitment to lifelong intellectual engagement and growth as evidenced by extensive study, research.
Office phone – 207-504-5323
Email – dominica@manypathsart.com