Melinda West

Melinda West, of Indianola Washington, has been practicing the art of plant-fiber weaving since 1985. She has studied with many Native and non-Native weavers and artists, the foremost being her long-time friend, Ed Carriere, of the Suquamish Tribe. Her inspiration comes from the Northwest landscapes and the Coast Salish Peoples, whose cultures since time immemorial embrace the rich traditions of natural fiber use; knowledge in the land; and artistic skills development in all aspects of life. Melinda enjoys traditional and exploratory art-making with plant-fibers and loves sharing the healing qualities of the craft with others. She has taught at the Seattle Art Museum, Olympic College, Coupeville Art Center, North Cascades Institute, Olympic Park Institute, IslandWood, Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network, Heronswood Gardens, and elsewhere. Melinda’s award-winning art is on display in public and private collections, and her work is featured in books and magazines. You can learn more at https://www.melindawest.com.