Abby Kathleen Derix
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Contact Information
contact name: Abby Kathleen Derix
email: aderix@boreal.org
mailing address:
PO Box 395
Schroeder MN 55613
Experience
I currently make baskets in the willow basketry style. Utilizing materials I collect on the north shore of Minnesota, I create baskets that reflect the brilliant colors and textures found in Cook County. I primarily use five varieties of willow as well as red osier dogwood, choke cherry, june berry, sugar maple, and beaked hazel. These baskets have round and oval bases and can serve utilitarian as well as decorative purposes. Spending long hours collecting willow and other species teaches me to observe, and leads me to find subtle differences in the colors and textures of these plants. I utilize these differences to create patterns and designs that accentuate the naturally colored (undyed) and unpeeled rods.
I learned the basics of basket weaving from my father. He has been an artisan his whole life, and supported our family as a basket weaver for six years. He primarily made melon or hoop-and-rib baskets, with a rigid frame made of Oriental bittersweet, a non-native, invasive vine. For the flexible weavers he used commercially bought wicker, which he would dye. Incorporating the unique curves and twists of oriental bittersweet gave his baskets an organic look.
I carry on some of his lessons by utilizing native and naturalized species that grow prolifically near my home in Schroeder, Minnesota.
Exhibitions/Performance History
"Of Swamp and Bog"
Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais MN
February 2 to March 18 2007
"Arts of the Holidays"
Minnnetonka Center for the Arts, Wayzata MN
November 16- December 23 20006
"Artists Among Us" Cross River Heritage Center, Shroeder, MN
opening on August 3 2006.
"Common Threads: a Quilt, Fiber and Bead Show" Cross River Heritage Center
Shroeder, MN
June 10, 2005.
In the summers I sell baskets at our local CooK County Farmers' Market.
I also recieved many commissions including: "lyle's laundry basket" 2005 measuring 19" tall 26" long and 20" wide, and "Richard's Basket" 2005 a gift basket 8" tall 13" diameter, as well as two fishing creels,"David's Creel" 2006 and "Richard's Creel" 2006
Galleries
Johnson Heritage Post
115 W Wisconsin St
Grand Marais, MN 55604
218-387-2314
Cross River Heritage Center
Schroeder, MN 55613
218-663-7706
Open summer season only
Superior Coastal Sports
Grand Marais, MN 55064
218-387-2360
Minnetonka Center for the Arts
2240 North Shore Drive
Wayzata, MN 55391-9347
952-473-7361
Biographical Information
Country of Citizenship:
United States
Active Place:
schroeder
Minnesota County:
Cook
Artist Information
Roles
Basket Maker