Kentucky native Emily Ridings says her fashion training helped refine her eye for silhouette, proportion and storytelling: Qualities that now define her basketry.
Artist: The Kentucky native grew up in Richmond in a creative family. Judy Ridings, her grandmother, is a master basket weaver who lived nearby. Ridings’ mother is a talented seamstress. By age 14, Ridings was making her own clothes and set on going to school for fashion design.
She headed for Pratt Institute, where she graduated with a BFA in fashion design. Since then, her basketry has been featured in Vogue (2021) and Garden & Gun (2022).
Studio: Ridings works out of a studio behind her home in Lexington.
In the beginning: In the summer of 2017, Ridings was brainstorming with her grandmother about her upcoming senior project at Pratt. They hit upon a large hoop skirt made of woven basket material. For Ridings, it was the first real basket she had ever made.
Art & materials: Hand-woven sculptural and functional pieces, in various shapes and sizes, using reed and wood that is responsibly sourced ($125 to $2,500).
Favorite or must-have tools: Really good tweezers and a shoulder massager.
Inspiration: Everything Shaker.
Special commission: A family commissioned woven bracelets using cane from their family member who was a weaver and had recently passed. “I was honored to create them in her memory,” said Ridings.
Recent honor: Being featured in the National Basketry Organization’s magazine (Summer 2024).
Recent project: Hand fan collaboration with Kentucky-based woodworker and designer Anna Gregory.
What’s next: Woodland Art Fair in Lexington, KY. Aug. 16-17.
Where to buy:
- Emilyridings.com
- Swan Coach House Gallery, Atlanta. Small framed works. Through July 3.
Connect:
- Instagram: @emilyridings
