Annetta Kraayeveld
PrarieWood Basketry
Basketweaver
Helena, MT, USA
Recommended by Jean Blanchaert & Irina Focsaneanu Eschenazi
Painted strips woven to form
- Annetta is a completely self-taught diagonal twill plaiter
- Her works are inspired by ancient pottery and mathematical patterns
- She served as president of the National Basketry Organization
Born to makers who built and crafted, Annetta Kraayeveld was encouraged to create from a very young age. After dabbling in a variety of arts, it was basketry that truly captivated her. Annetta studied and mastered weaving techniques and materials, and continues to exhibit and sell her work, as well as teach workshops across the USA. In 2008, she turned to paper as a medium for constructing what she envisioned, and embarked on a ten-year self-study of diagonal twill weaving. Annetta's contemporary, intricate and colourful works are more sculptural than functional, defined by her exploration of different patterns and palettes. "I am still drawn to vessel forms as symbols that hold and carry not just the physical, but the memories, stories and emotions that reflect who we are," she says.
INTERVIEW
I work with watercolour paper for its quality and durability. Painting it before cutting is my go-to: I love the surprises that happen once I start weaving. I use two different pasta cutters to slice the paper strips. A linguine-width cut is one of my favorite dimensions to weave with!
I have three favourite techniques. I love diagonal twill plaiting, the math behind it blows my mind. Freeform weaving amazes me with what my hands can create using simple stake and strand. Finally, with ply-split braiding, the more I learn, the more there is! I love the adventure that comes with the craft.
My role as a teacher has made me look at standard techniques and ask myself how, why and if a process can be approached differently. As an artist, I simply keep imagining, making and sharing, and I try to attend workshops every year with a master.
I had always thought of myself as a maker who teaches other people to make things. One day, a dear friend called me an artist. I had to sit with that for a while, but it was the permission I needed to start believing it.
Annetta Kraayeveld
PrarieWood Basketry
Basketweaver
Helena, MT, USA
Recommended by Jean Blanchaert & Irina Focsaneanu Eschenazi
ADDRESS
Address upon request, Helena, MT, USA
AVAILABILITY
By appointment only
LANGUAGES
English
Homo Faber Finds is a new service aiming to inspire admirers of craft to connect and collaborate with exceptional artisans.
We invite you to submit an enquiry here.
