We have to look no further than the ETV employee parking lot for inspiration for making a Bentwood Trellis and Kudzu Vine Basket. There, when he isn't on a television shoot, you will likely find Jimmie Dinkins' truck, laden with vines, full of baskets, and one of his own mounted, bentwood chairs. The truck is a bit of roving accessible art for all of us and a statement of Jimmie's continuing delight and wonder in the creative process.
To see videos and learn more about Jimmie Dinkins and his folk art, click on the links below.
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In this video, you can see just how tough these kudzu vines can be. If you are using other vining materials to build your basket, you will use the same techniques that Jimmie uses to add vines and...
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What Jimmie is describing are standard weaving techniques. The first baskets were woven to collect fruits, nuts and grains. By making a basket, you are joining a long history of basket makers.
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By turning up the sides of the basket, you are creating a bowl shape. The higher you build the sides, the deeper the bowl, and more you can put into the bowl. If you don’t work the sides upwards, you...
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Don’t worry about small mistakes in your basket. They will just make your basket unique.
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Jimmie’s upbringing fostered creativity and resourcefulness. His joy in his family history is palpable. In his world, nothing is wasted. Every simple thing is treasured for the value of its inherent...
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Before beginning your project, look at your building materials. Try to locate nails that will work for the smaller joints as well as the larger joints. You may need to get more than one size...
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There are many definitions about what constitutes folk art. One definition by Sharon F. Patton states that a folk artist is one who is self-taught, usually makes art late in life which is tied to...
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To prolong the life of your basket and to give the basket a soft sheen, you may want to brush or spray the basket with a coat of wood sealant like you would use on a deck. If you choose to do this, do...
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Jimmie’s life is abundant with memories. Weaving the past into the present is a way of solidifying and unifying both. While he is an untrained artist, Jimmie understands and appreciates the very...
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Your wood trellis will last a long time in the garden, but you can expect that it will weather a bit. You may have to add additional nails over time to further strengthen the structure of the trellis...