PAMELA KUSABS | ‘Blossom (II)’ | 2025 | Paper /  wire

"Wild Blooms is an invocation of the power and beauty of natural form.

I describe myself a contemporary basket maker/visual artist, working predominately in sculptural basketry. These are the words that best describe what I do artistically.

My story on finding my way to the arts is not particularly unique, being one of those people who has followed an informal pathway, always looking for, sensing what is right for me creatively, throughout my life. It has been a long slow journey, with only a few clues to guide me, mainly the urge to create. Initially a love of craft, classes and courses here and there, employment in the arts, then clay propelled me forward.

Cairns is where I came across basketry, on seeing a basket at a Sunday market a long while ago I looked at it and thought “I want to do that” - I just knew. Living in Cairns has also offered the opportunity to formally study visual art. I have truly come home.

Basketry for me, the harvesting and handling, and shaping of damp, cooling natural materials, along with utilising simple basketry techniques is a perfect way to express myself. I now consider myself to be a sculptor of sorts.

On pausing, taking stock, and looking back I see more clearly the picture of how my arts practice has been emerging over time. Some of this has been linear, most of it once again organic and natural. Starting initially, by finding and joining a basketry group, to learn skills, to meet and connect with like-minded people, my tribe. Then moving onto form and co-lead the Saltwater Creek Basketry Group, holding workshops at the Cairns Botanic Gardens for thirteen years, all to share those skills and the passion I have for this craft. Stepping into participate in many group exhibitions, accepting opportunities as they have presented, has been part of my growth.

Running along my basketry strand I have a passion for the visual arts. Studying part time – stretching that learning out one subject at a time - at TAFE NQ has enriched me and expanded my possibilities exponentially. Overtime the blending of both strands is my goal, to bring attributes of either, or both would be the ideal.

Now being further down my own artistic track, I am not so unsure or tentative, having acknowledged it takes time to build. There is so much to do, learn, absorb into my arts practice, this is an exciting time. Art offers a rich way of life, so often dismissed by many. Following those inner promptings has held me in such good stead, provided purpose and meaning, and enabled me to build an interesting, expansive creative life.” – Pam Kusabs

PAMELA KUSABS | ‘Blossom (II)’ | 2025 | Paper /  wire  | H 200 x W 80 mm