Artist: Chris Johnson

Materials: Sumac (Rhus trilobata)

ET513.73

Mountain Colors Basket (2001)

Mountain Colors explodes into a spectrum of colors surrounding a central white star. Chris Johnson is a master of abstract design and imagery of his homeland. His baskets are full of energy and rich color, just one reason he is considered a leading contemporary basket maker. Chris’ weaving technique is also superlative. One of his secrets lies in taking great care to prepare his materials for evenness of diameter and width. His perfectionism is also evident in his tight, narrow stitches that create a dense surface allowing his designs to burst forth.