Trudy Marcellay learned from many weavers: Hazel Pete, Kate Barr, Cindy Andy, Bruce Miller, Bill James, Fran James, Karen Reed and a multitude of others. She started a weaving “recipe” book to keep track of measurements, materials, starts of baskets, ending rows, and designs. It was Hazel Pete who started her as a teacher – Hazel would have classes in the front room – Trudy would be called to help teach. She would watch, listen, sometimes diagram the steps and then teach her students. Always extra hands are needed, and Trudy has made an art of that teaching/learning philosophy during her lifetime. Encouraging first time weavers to teach the person sitting next to them – “Each one teach one!” and “Basketry is a sit-beside art.” That was the philosophy of Hazel Pete. Collaboration is another aspect of the way Trudy learns and teaches – gathering materials during the summer months is a group effort with safety a high priority; no one gathers alone; the group starts at 6:00 a.m. and no gathering after 2:00 p.m. because the materials must be processed before taking down the camp. Networking, building allyship with State agencies and non-Indian property owners, gifting, and understanding how important working and reciprocal relationships must be has been a way for Trudy Marcellay to be successful as a master weaver.
Statement:
The Cedar Clam Basket highlights the open weave “fish net technique” and “ears” complete the ending row. One row takes 1 hour to weave, and this may be the only large one I weave. I’ve made smaller ones and have taught the technique when at gatherings. I’d like to tackle a fish net one winter weaving with nettle over willow and cedar root – that would require a collaborative effort and I have enough apprentices to make it happen!
The past 10 years I have challenged myself to make one-of-a-kind weaving projects. The Cedar Storage Basket is a collaborative effort with many weavers making the frames, helping to prepare the cedar, dying basketry materials, and then weaving the project. I usually weave 5 starts at a time and then as a ceremony, potlatch, or memorial is scheduled I can complete one of the cedar storage baskets in time for the event. My goal is for every one of my children and grandchildren to have one.
