Melinda West of Indianola, Washington, has been practicing the art of natural fiber weaving for over twenty-five years. She has studied with many native and non-native weavers and artists, the foremost being Ed Carriere of the Suquamish Tribe. Her inspiration comes from nature, and the First Peoples of the Pacific Northwest whose cultures embrace the rich traditions of natural fiber use - knowledge in the land - and artistic skills development in all aspects of life. Melinda enjoys sharing her love of natural history - environmental stewardship - and the important lessons drawn from indigenous cultural and environmental knowledge. Along with her work as an artist, she has taught at the Seattle Art Museum, IslandWood, North Cascades Institute, Olympic Park Institute, as well as in public and private schools throughout the Northwest.
