A venture into the Northern Gulf Islands led to Cheryl discovering her passion for weaving as she sat on a beach to create her first bird-nest-like basket from the grass surrounding her. Under the teachings of established B.C. weavers, Cheryl transformed her inquisitive explorations into an art form. She continues to draw from Mother Nature for her materials every time she scours B.C.’s beaches for kelp or gathers tule rush at sunrise in her canoe in local lakes.
The result of her adventures is hats, carrying bags and bread baskets that combine artistry with practicality. Other baskets, most notably her signature, spiral-woven kelp basket, demand more of a showcased spot light. Recently she has turned her weaving talents to large woven wall hangings. Much of Cheryl’s work is influenced by the First Nations traditions of weaving, particularly her cedar-bark baskets. Weaving with the materials she has gathered from the lakes, oceans and forests result in intricate colours and textures woven into her work that distinguishes itself as uniquely West Coast.
Did you Know?
Cheryl’s baskets are in the Four Seasons Hotel, First Tracks Lodge and the Rim Rock Cafe
Visit
You can visit Cheryl at the Vincent Massey Pottery Studio at their home studio in Alpine Meadows, Whistler. The gallery is open by appointment please call 604-938-3512 to arrange the best time for your visit
To get to the Vincent Massey Pottery Gallery, drive for four kilometers north of the village on Hwy 99. You will see a sign that says “Alpine Meadows”, turn left off of the highway at the light onto Alpine Way. When you come to the stop sign turn left onto Rainbow Drive, at the next intersection turn right onto Matterhorn Drive and Forest Ridge Drive is the second street on the right and our place is the first house on the right. There is a “Vincent Massey Pottery” sign at the bottom of the drive way. The gallery is located up the driveway behind the house.
