Michael Peterson
stop no. 15
Michael describes what he does as “making practical baskets from different materials using different basketry techniques”. However, when you see his baskets, they are indeed works of art.
Michael began making baskets about 30 years ago after being intrigued by textile weaving from other countries. He took his first course from Ankaret Dean, a master basket maker. He continued his journey through basketry conferences and acknowledges the influence of Edith Clayton, a prominent Nova Scotian basket maker, and Ray Sark, a Mi’kmag Chief from Lennox Island, PEI.
Michael is always examining baskets to see how they were made, what metals were used and the age of the basket. This love of baskets has led him to seek out makers in other countries he visits and that has resulted in a large collection of baskets from all over the world.
Michael is inspired by the social history of baskets making and how nature has provided the means to make them. He notes that every society makes or has made baskets and they typically use materials from their immediate environment.
Michael tells his students that “if you can bend it, you can make a base out of it”.
Crown and Pumpkin 