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Photos by Tom Grotta, courtesy of brown grotta arts
With imaginative uses of materials, Green from the Get Go moves beyond the traditional definition of baskets. The remarkable work of 40 artists who use natural, renewable and sustainable resources speaks to our interconnectivity with nature and provides a look at boundary-stretching artistic expression.
For many, nature is the inspiration. Sustainability is part of the design and craft process, which requires a heightened sensitivity to materials, one which honors the caring for, replenishing, and repurposing of materials. Artist Dorothy Gill Barnes captures this eco-friendly position well when she explains, "my intent is to construct a vessel or related object using materials respectfully harvested from nature."
Each maker brings a unique conceptual approach and expression to their design and fabrication process. These sculptural baskets can be made from both flora and fauna, and materials include bamboo, pine, sea grass, willow along with emu feathers and porcupine needles. The tactile nature of these fibrous works rewards thoughtful visual inspection. The exhibit is co-curated by Rhonda Brown and Tom Grotta of browngrotta arts and Jane Milosch, former curator of the Renwick Gallery Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Hosting Green from the Get Go at Edsel & Eleanor Ford House honors the Fords’ appreciation of boundary-stretching artistic inspiration in their day, while drawing attention to the ever more important issues of sustainability and the need for increased uses of renewable resources. Our hope in sharing these artistic creations is to both heighten awareness of and draw attention to an unlimited resource for inspiration – nature.
Admittance to Green from the Get Go is by donation. The exhibit is featured in the Visitor Center January 12 – March 10 Hours are Tuesday – Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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