Sharon Owens
Natural Fibers & Metals Studio
It all began in childhood, as I would wander in the meadow near my home. I was fascinated by the beauty and mystery of the woods and loved the graceful arches formed by vines connecting trees.
The milk pods were treasures waiting to be opened by me to release their soft down like seeds. Bittersweet, with the colorful berries and flexible branches, was bountiful and was twisted into forms and shapes that were pleasing to my childs eye. Fallen trees whose growth rings started to split were just waiting to be formed into rough vessels. I have always loved to wander into the woods, meadows or to the shore to find those special objects to use in a project down the road. I am a collector of all things wild. I am never without pruners and always have one eye on the road and one scanning for the unusual vine, pod or small tree. This passion has evolved into a compulsion to create useful and unusual vessels and containers. I do the ordinary as well as very contemporary this being my favorite and the feel and use of all fibers can be seen and touched in my artwork.
I began working with metal using coiling techniques and sewing onto gourds and antlers. This was inspired the beauty and color of copper and tactile qualities of metal.
"Narrows Resident artist, Sharon Owens brings the craft of basket weaving to a fine art. For almost 20 years she has shared her love of basket making with others. Traditional, antler, fine needle, gourd coiling, and Nantucket baskets are available to see in my studio. Sharon has taken classes throughout the country, Ireland and Canada and passes on all the techniques and tips she has learned."
I offer instruction in all the techniques as described above. Classes are available Tuesday evenings and two Wednesdays per month. Please contact me for more information about by artwork and class schedules.
Tel 508-678-3662 or
email: shabaskets448_comcast.net.
My work has been collected by John Hammond, Simon Nichols, Jerry Douglas, Glen Bell (yes, Taco Bell) and Tom Rush. My baskets now have residences throughout the British Isles and I love what I do. Looking forward to hearing from you.
