Nuwuvi Basket (I of IV)
Mixed media, conduit wire, willow, plastic coated copper wire
48” x 24” x 5”
2022

Weaving practices are inherent to the Southern Paiute people and have been a form of utilitarian purpose for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Paiute baskets bear patterns symbolic of flora and fauna in the Great Basin, as well as various geometric designs. My ancestors searched in their environment to gather the willow and other materials for weaving. Today, in my urban environment, I utilize these traditions in modern times. We have always been modern and creative with what is available in our environments. I harvested conduit wire from the construction of the Nuwu Art + Activism Studios. Creating Nuwuvi Basket I. The act of weaving with the found material and inserting willows felt good in my hands, for strength and permanence.