Vessels of Life Tapscott’s most recent series of vessels reflect her thoughts on life after the pandemic. What new vessel might be needed to navigate this new world? Basket makers have foraged materials from the land. Tapscott challenged herself to forage from what was readily available. This was a way of honoring the traditional makers, and the earth. For Tapscott, it was a meditation on the idea that we already have everything we need. She found natural materials such as willow branches, Morea, and Iris leaves in her backyard. Her art stash produced bits and pieces from old art projects such as reed, wire, and seagrass. The less traditional materials such as cardboard and T-shirts were found discarded. “When you create something new using a basket technique, such as twining, coiling, or random weaving, there is a conversation that begins to take place between your fingers and the material. As the vessel grows, the materials begin to dictate shape and size. It is a meditative process that forces you to let go of expectations and let the materials express themselves.” says Tapscott. With unique materials and the strength of traditional techniques, Tapscott created a regatta of vessels. It is their diversity and beauty that allows them to navigate successfully into this new world.