I was humbled and honored to be recognized by our community here on the Seneca Territory today, alongside my fellow artists, Pete B. Jones (pottery) and Carson Waterman (painting/illustration) I was nervous and had not thought of proper words to thank all my supporters in my endeavors as a Traditional Seneca Basket Maker. A more appropriate gift could not been given, a beautiful beaded medallion. The staff and board as well as volunteers made a nice day of hosting the grand opening event at our new Onohsagwe:de Cultural Center. I was pleased to be part of this historic event and I’m going to just keep doing my thing. Nya weh.
The cutest thing I heard was my great nephew, Archer asking his gramma G-Deb when we were sitting up in front of the crowd, “is Penny in time-out?!” He made me smile and laugh! ❤️❤️😆😂 he was also another model for my baskets. Thanks to my family for being there!
My good friend, Jonie supports my work and wears it on her sleeve! She was at the Marvin “Joe” Curry Pow Wow 2018 showing her stuff this past weekend. I made a basket purse which had to be altered because I’m shorter than most people! The strap had to be longer. And I beaded my hawk design for her and she whipped it onto her shawl. Teamwork! Yay! She looked fabulous. Senior Women Traditional. Go Jonie!
This little pack basket is adorable! I had to redo the rim but it made quite an improvement on the overall feel of it. I’m pleased with how it turned out. Second one right behind it!
I’ll be at the grand opening of our new museum here in Salamanca. It’s coming along nicely. Construction all around. I’ll have a tent and planning to share with my fellow basket maker, Holly John. Best get to it! I’ll check in again soon.
During this week I was able to restore a basket for a friend from up North. It’s a fine, sturdy market basket with some wear and tear, not uncommon in such a basket. It’s age is beyond me, it’s not as brittle as I’ve experienced. That always breaks my heart, as it literally broke apart under my touch. But, this one has more strength then I had thought. As I worked I imagined the weaver was quite satisfied with their work, I hope I’ve done it justice. There is a certain spirit you encounter when you repair the past, it’s not in a hurry and it’s calming, like an old friend visiting, you hadn’t realized you needed that visit.
Participated in a day of Living History at the SUNY Fredonia campus with visiting area school children. It was a busy day of sharing. I made a giant fish out of splint that was given to me – looks like a veneer, definitely machine finished ash. I let them know that I do all my splint by hand. It was just for show. We made paper fish – not all were successful but it was worth a shot! Those who did were happy with their efforts! Just thought I’d share, because it made me smile, for it’s abnormal size!
I got to meet and greet a lot of folks today, demonstration and weaving. A few of my students stopped by and 2 came to finish their project from earlier in the year. I had a great response and positive feedback from a lot of people. That’s encouraging. Makes what I do that much more valued and appreciated. My thoughts are always – “would my ancestors approve?” And I believe it would be “yes”; and as my husband as known to say “keep doing your thing”. So, as I go forward this year, a few orders to meet and wrapping up other projects, I’ll just keep on keeping on. Enjoy!
