I’ve been intrigued by Jan Hopkins’ work for years, first posting about it in 2006 on The Empty Vessel. Hopkins uses natural materials to create narrative, innovative, sculptural baskets that seem to have a life of their own.
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Fish Out of Water
sturgeon skin, halibut skin, salmon skin, waxed linen, bull kelp, ostrich shell beads
As I walked toward the Jane Sauer Gallery booth at SOFA NY, I immediately knew that I was looking at Hopkins’ baskets and I was speechless. The texture, quality of design and craftsmanship made these pieces far more satisfying than any images I had seen.
Admiring Hopkins’ work, From the SOFA NY slideshow
Age of Innocence
lunaria annua, skeleton leaves, preserved leaves, cardioiocinum giganteum seeds, yellow cedar bark, waxed linen paper
Training from master basket makers in traditional techniques gave Hopkins the comfort level she needed to expand her definition of ‘basket making materials’. Today she combines alternative materials such as citrus peels, sturgeon skin, black bamboo, silver dollar seed pods and lotus pod tops with more common basket making materials and as she stitches them together, she also weaves together the stories, dreams and desires that go along with each piece.
Law of Identity
melon rind, weathered hydrangea leaves, silver dollar pods, yellow cedar bark
Jan Hopkins in her studio
Hopkins was represented at SOFA NY by Jane Sauer Gallery.
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Always love seeing what Jan is up to. She has so inspiried me over the years.
Jan your work is always not only beautiful, but totally amazing in their construction and use of materials. Great work!
Her ‘Fish Out Of Water’ is quite mesmerizing! I left that page up on my browser and keep going back to look. There’s just something about it that keeps calling me back.
Hi Jan, Just came across your photos of “Tolerance” -Shoes-
Do you have them displayed on any web sites? Would love to send them to friends. Also “Yes we can” Have told so many people about them. You are still the best artist I have ever known. Come to think about it so is Chris!
Hi Cindi,
Thanks so much for your kind comments.
Sorry it has taken me so long to reply. I have a blog that I post announcements. I also have a page on facebook “Jan Hopkins Alternative Materials” I have most of my current work posted in the photos.