Jerry Maxey- Piedmont SC

The work is wicker-weave basketry of dyed rattan and seagrass cord, and lathe turned wood bases, rings and rims. Each piece is a one-of-a-kind handmade original. Even when I make a second piece with the same construction, they are never quite alike. Especially, the wooden elements have all the variety that nature provides. The wood is all found wood, generally trees that have fallen in storms. I use many different species of wood and my current body of work will have whatever trees I have found most recently. Once I have turned the wooden elements, I leave them indoors for at least three weeks to cure and stabilize. Then I do a final sanding and coat each piece with tung oil finish. I then attach rattan spokes to the wood and construct the basket, weaving in the colors and patterns as I go. When completed, I finish the entire piece with tung oil to bring out the colors and produce a slightly aged patina to the work.

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