Biography

Christi York is a contemporary artist who has been studying basketry techniques for the past 13 years. For York, the material is the muse. By hand harvesting her own plant materials, she spends many hours processing wild plants into a more refined state; invaluable time spent learning her materials by feel—a kind of moving meditation that informs the work ahead.

As a materials and process driven studio artist, she is obsessed with plants and how humans fit into their world. Experimental, daily studio practice often unearths unexpected results. Working between three-and two-dimensional work, she is always asking “what if?” in an attempt to combine ancient techniques with a modern aesthetic.

With a background in both graphic and jewelry design, York's contemporary craft work naturally flows towards mixed media. Vintage textiles, wild crafted inks, botanical contact printing, and hand stitching all make their way into her mixed media collages.

In 2019, her sculptural basketry piece made from big leaf maple petioles was chosen as one of 50 finalists (from over 2000 submissions) in the Salt Spring National Art Prize. That same year her work was juried into the Sooke Fine Arts show, receiving an honourable mention judges prize.

York has spent her life on the West Coast of British Columbia, living in both Victoria and Vancouver, and now resides in the Southern Gulf Islands. Her first job was in a flower shop, where, perhaps, it all started.

Christi has taken classes with:

Joan Carrigan (CAD)

Dawn Myers (CAD)

Ane Lyngsgaard (DK)

Anne Mette Hjørnholm (DK)

Eva Seidenfaden (DK)

Eddie Glew (UK)

Katherine Lewis (USA)