Morley Maier
July 21, 1950 – October 7, 2026
Morley lived and farmed near Yorkton, Saskatchewan. The baskets he made were of two styles: Ribbed or Frame Baskets. The construction techniques are simple and the materials are readily available. Indigenous people and European settlers used this very old style of basketry to create strong and functional baskets. This historical and cultural connection was important to Morley and is intentionally reflected in the baskets that he made.
Morley’s work was twice been selected to be part of Dimensions, the Saskatchewan Craft Council’s touring fine craft exhibition. He also received two SCC awards as part of the exhibition: the Merit Award and the Award for Excellence in Functional and Production Ware.
“My preference is to make baskets that can be used as they were first intended; as containers to carry or store things. While some of the baskets I make might be considered decorative, most are “working” baskets that most people will actually use. I hope that the baskets I make reflect and respect the history and traditions of willow basketry in our province. Most people would agree that there is a rustic natural quality to willow baskets that they find instinctively warm and appealing. I try not to do things with my baskets that would interfere with that.”
