Basketry has always held a strong presence in our human story. Our first vessels, containers, even homes-so many of them came from the hands of those who shaped the living landscape into something both useful and beautiful.

I grew up in Poland, just before plastic began to replace what was once woven by hand. I remember carrying a willow basket to the store, riding on the back of my mother's bike in a woven willow seat. Baskets were everywhere, part of our everyday life.

After coming to the U.S., I found myself missing that presence. Though my path led me to live close to the earth-growing food and tending to the land-something essential still felt absent.

Getting my hands back on willow reconnected me. Weaving with it continues the traditions of my ancestors and roots me in the culture I grew up with. Now, growing my own materials here on this island, nurturing the plants through the seasons, I feel deeply grounded in the place I live.