JoanSweetgrassDesigns



JoanSweetgrassDesigns

About The Artist

Joan Cummings • Tyrone, GA
Basketry • WHOLESALE AVAILABLE • CUSTOM COMMISSIONS

My name is Joan Margaret Cummings and I was taught Sweetgrass Basket making by my grandmother in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina when I was 8 years old. The sweetgrass baskets are made from soft, pliable grass commonly called sweetgrass (Muhlenbergia filipes), because of its pleasant fragrance, similar to the smell of fresh hay. Longleaf pine needles are used to decorate the baskets, and strips of palmetto leaves are used to stitch the coils together. A West African traditional art form.



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Q&A with the Artist

Tell us how your work is made.

Sweetgrass baskets are made from soft, pliable grass commonly called sweetgrass (Muhlenbergia filipes), because of its pleasant fragrance, similar to the smell of fresh hay. Longleaf pine needles are used to decorate the baskets, and strips of palmetto leaves are used to stitch the coils together. A West African traditional art form.


What makes you passionate about the medium you work with?

I was taught Sweetgrass Basketmaking by my Grandmother when I was 8 years old. My grandmother made several pieces of sweetgrass basket and with fun she taught me the craft. The sweetgrass has a delicate fragrance and coiling it into various shape and sizes is fun. When I remember those time with my grandmother.... my passion grows larger and larger. This passion will be in my heart and soul forever!!

What is something unique about you or your practice?

The sweetgrass can be coiled into any shape and sizes. Candle holders, napkins holder, rings, hats, earrings, plateholders....etc. If you can think of any object....I can make it!! My vision of the infinite ideas of sweetgrass basketmaking is mind blowing.