Black Ash is a hardwood native to Eastern Canada and the U.S.  It is the traditional choice of regional First Nation Basket Makers.  Sourcing and preparing the material to make ash splint baskets is time consuming, but very satisfying to master the challenge and complexity of a finished piece using this material.

 

As a natural fibre, it responds well to dyes.  Finished pieces with dyed splint need to be protected from direct sunlight to prevent fading.  Commercially prepared fabric dyes such as Rit are currently in use; the artist hopes in future to move towards naturally sourced dyes.