Some folks look at a basket and see a basket. Others see much more. Just take a look at one of Bill Malone’s baskets.
“Zebra wood, that comes from Africa,” Bill says holding a gorgeous basket, “and the mahogany comes from Honduras. That's all I do anymore is my own design, they're different. I like to do things that are different.”
Bill Malone is the creator of numerous beauties. He spends his summer days on the screened porch of his Round Lake cottage, looking at the lake, listening to the birds, weaving baskets and handbags he designs himself.
“It's good therapy, I really enjoy it” says the retired Magnavox technical illustrator.” It’s just a pleasant way to sit around and spend your time.”
Don’t let his relaxed manner fool you. Malone takes this work seriously. He’s a trained artist, studied at the American Academy of Art in Chicago. .When he retired 35 years ago he decided he needed a hobby. He began weaving replica shaker baskets, then moved on to Nantucket’s. Now he designs them himself, and they are a challenge. Malone’s working now on a line of purses, all made of special woods with little details like custom handles. His specialty is intricate clasps, all his own designs, all hand carved. Malone also likes to mix woods, creating intricate subtle designs in the weave. He was recently chosen as one of 37 basket makers in the country to have their work exhibited at the Arrow Mont School in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Malone spends winters in Florida teaching basket weaving. But he always comes back to Indiana for the summer, to sit on his porch by the lake, listen to the birds, and weave baskets that will be admired many years after he’s gone.
“ would like for them to just appreciate the basket itself and its individuality and how it was made and how it looks.”
We have no doubt they will.