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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