Six years in the making, this monumental, freeform oval vessel brings the raw architectural beauty of the New England woods right into your home. Slowly woven between 2020 and 2026, this substantial centerpiece bowl is crafted predominantly from thick, dark Connecticut grapevine intertwined with silvery wild honeysuckle.
A Living Sculpture Indoors or Out:
Woven completely freeform by hand without molds or frames, its generous oval form and deep interior make it a show-stopping centerpiece on a dining table or hearth—and it happens to be the exact size and cozy shape a beloved cat dreams of curling up inside. Years ago, I even suspended one outside our window with a simple plate slipped inside for seed; local songbirds went wild over the natural nest form, turning it into live "Bird TV" right outside the glass! (Before leaving my studio, I will weave in a final touch of fresh vine to complete its journey.)
Built to Last Generations:
Over decades of weaving, I have learned that the curve where a basket's base turns upward into its walls is usually the first area to weaken over time. To make sure my sculptures endure, every piece is thick, tightly packed, and cross-woven in all directions to lock that curve into lasting structural strength.
Each vine is personally wild-harvested, prepared, and cured across multiple seasons so the natural drying cycle strengthens the wood from the inside out. With proper care, these functional sculptures last for generations—I still have the very first vessel I made for my mother in the 1980s, and it remains just as sturdy today.
Nature's Audience:
Because I weave outdoors surrounded by nature, wild songbirds often gather in nearby branches to watch me work. I always wonder if they are offering their professional opinions or simply marveling at a human weaving a giant nest!
Approximate Dimensions: 18" x 20" x 7" (6" interior depth). All dimensions are approximate as each piece is an organic, hand-formed sculpture.
Signed Provenance: Accompanied by a hand-signed studio tag documenting the 2020–2026 creation dates from Portraits by ShawnaLee.
Local Studio Pickup Only: Available for local pickup at my Middlebury, CT studio. Once your order is placed online, I will reach out directly to coordinate a convenient studio pickup time.
Six years in the making, this monumental, freeform oval vessel brings the raw architectural beauty of the New England woods right into your home. Slowly woven between 2020 and 2026, this substantial centerpiece bowl is crafted predominantly from thick, dark Connecticut grapevine intertwined with silvery wild honeysuckle.
A Living Sculpture Indoors or Out:
Woven completely freeform by hand without molds or frames, its generous oval form and deep interior make it a show-stopping centerpiece on a dining table or hearth—and it happens to be the exact size and cozy shape a beloved cat dreams of curling up inside. Years ago, I even suspended one outside our window with a simple plate slipped inside for seed; local songbirds went wild over the natural nest form, turning it into live "Bird TV" right outside the glass! (Before leaving my studio, I will weave in a final touch of fresh vine to complete its journey.)
Built to Last Generations:
Over decades of weaving, I have learned that the curve where a basket's base turns upward into its walls is usually the first area to weaken over time. To make sure my sculptures endure, every piece is thick, tightly packed, and cross-woven in all directions to lock that curve into lasting structural strength.
Each vine is personally wild-harvested, prepared, and cured across multiple seasons so the natural drying cycle strengthens the wood from the inside out. With proper care, these functional sculptures last for generations—I still have the very first vessel I made for my mother in the 1980s, and it remains just as sturdy today.
Nature's Audience:
Because I weave outdoors surrounded by nature, wild songbirds often gather in nearby branches to watch me work. I always wonder if they are offering their professional opinions or simply marveling at a human weaving a giant nest!
Approximate Dimensions: 18" x 20" x 7" (6" interior depth). All dimensions are approximate as each piece is an organic, hand-formed sculpture.
Signed Provenance: Accompanied by a hand-signed studio tag documenting the 2020–2026 creation dates from Portraits by ShawnaLee.
Local Studio Pickup Only: Available for local pickup at my Middlebury, CT studio. Once your order is placed online, I will reach out directly to coordinate a convenient studio pickup time.
