As we shift our clocks back to standard time this weekend and our bodies adjust to the change, it feels like just the right time to pause and reflect on all this recent season has offered. Cooler and wetter weather, colorful leaves, harvests, celebrations, even a busyness of newfound routines. Whatever fall has offered you, take a moment to sit with this work Honor the Harvest (Corn Washing Basket) by Metis and Algonquin artist Nan MacDonald and write about the things you want to honor. MacDonald is a traditional basket weaver and teacher of Indigenous basketry, whose work draws on her ancestral roots in Northeast and Southeast Woodland peoples as well as on Southwestern Oregon Native cultures, where she makes her home today.
As always, we have two prompts to help you get started. You can choose one, both, or write whatever else comes. Set a timer for 5 minutes and just keep your pen or pencil moving.
I am honoring… / Fall offers…
Nan MacDonald (Metis, Algonquin), Honor the Harvest (Corn Washing Basket), 2014, white ash, sweetgrass, and oak, Museum Purchase: Funds provided by bequest of Elizabeth Cole Butler by exchange, © artist or other rights holder, 2014.17.1
Writing in community is powerful. We are grateful to our longtime partner Write Around Portland for the writing prompts and inspiration. You can revisit past Sunday posts and look for continuing weekly posts through the year. Please share your work with us! @writearoundpdx @portlandartmuseum #RespectWritingCommunity #WriteAroundPAM @NanMacDonald @nanmacbasketry
