Visiting Artist - Traditional Arts
Visiting Artist - Visual Arts

Cynthia W. Taylor

Email: wobasket@westco.net

I am a traditional artist. I make white oak baskets, have spun fibers into yarns, collected native plants to color the wools and woven them into finished cloth. During residencies I explore some of the historical, cultural and social forces that have influenced the traditional crafts in the Appalachian region. My goal is to inspire participants to appreciate the traditions that are part of their own family and community. During many residences the communities plan a "Folklife Night" to share their own traditions. Through observation and analysis, I encourage the comparison of baskets and textiles of different cultures of the world. Planning a "Basket Day" is a good discovery opportunity which relates to many curricular areas such as science -- observing the natural fibers and basketry materials, or social studies -- by exploring a basket's use and origin or English as students write the story of their basket. I show how traditional artists are mathematicians as they interlace elements to create two or three-dimensional fiber works and also skilled botanists as they identify and prepare plant materials for weaving. It is important to work with a small core group so that each student gets the personal guidance needed to gain the necessary skills to create their own works of art from traditional or modern materials.

The focus of my work in recent years has been on creating white oak baskets directly from the tree using hand tools, continuing a traditional craft of the central Appalachian mountain region. I am challenged to create refined baskets that are functional containers as well as individual artistic expressions born from tradition, innovation, and the strength of the wood. Through my work I am able to express my love for the natural beauty, rich culture, and deep traditions of the mountains. The traditional basketmakers whom I have met and known have been my mentors and continue to inspire my work.

I have been making baskets since 1982, weaving for over 35 years and working with fibers my whole life. I was first introduced to fiber arts by my grandmother and mother who shared their needlework skills with a curious child. My training comes from working directly with others and self study. I have had the opportunity to study with many talented traditional artisans throughout the Appalachian region as well as workshop instructors at regional crafts centers. Influences in my life include working with a Navaho weaver, research into traditional baskets and basketmakers of Appalachia and recent study of Native American basketry. In 1986 I spent a year living in China, which opened my eyes to life in a basket culture. With Master basketmaker Aaron Yakim of Parkersburg, West Virginia, I exhibit my work and demonstrate white oak basketmaking at regional and national sites including the Renwick Gallery and Smithsonian Craft Show in Washington, D.C., the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show, National Folk Festival, in Dayton, OH, and the Southern Highland Guild Shows in Asheville, NC. My basketry has been recognized by an Ohio Arts Council Individual Artist Fellowship in Crafts and included in numerous publications and exhibitions.