The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Erika Eckerstrand © Louis Leray

“People who know my work will recognize who made the basket, which evokes the spirit of the event.”

-Erika Eckerstrand, Artist

About the Artist

Erika Eckerstrand is a Swedish-born Santa Fe transplant who loves to create art true to her early influences of Swedish style where form marries function. The first international graduate of the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, Eckerstrand works in a wide variety of mediums such as pottery, beadwork, jewelry, sculpture and more. Her creations have been featured in many galleries and exhibits in both the United States and Sweden. In her latest endeavor, a line of totes, handbags and wallets, Eckerstrand transforms materials originally made to withstand the elements, such as stain and mildew-resistant woven vinyl and waterproof Cordura nylon, into pieces that are just as practical as they are stylish and unique. Eckerstrand’s vision as an artist is for her creations to enhance, organize and beautify the world around us.

In Erika's Words

"In honor of Earth Day, recycled seemed appropriate. As a result, the basket is made of cut-off corners from cosmetic bags that I make. I had all of the materials in a box just waiting to be repurposed. I sewed the piece onto ½ inch wide webbing, then wrapped and attached each piece to the basket to create a 3-D effect. People who know my work will recognize who made the basket, which evokes the spirit of the event."

>>Return to Earth Day Picnic Baskets Main Page