[Founding / Full Member Since: 2004]
Above: Cherokee Artist, Gunter Anderson pictured with multiple orginal works / photo: m.horsechief © 2006
{Back Row / Left to Right} Beaded Gourd, Large Storage Basket w/ Cherokee weave pattern "Chief's Double Daughter", Large Market Basket with "Man-in-a-coffin" pattern.
Draped on this basket is a replica of an antique belt that was handed down through several generations of Mrs. Anderson's family. Gunter has made three replicas of this belt.
{Front Row / Left to Right} Beaded Medicine Bag, Double Diagonal River-cane Basket, Beaded Key Chain Holder. Gunter is holding a double diagonal weave, chair cain basket.
Accomplished Cherokee artist, and a Founding Member of the Cherokee Artists Association, Gunter Anderson poses with a variety of her creations.
Born in Salina, Oklahoma, 1920, Gunter began weaving at the age of 76. Though mostly self-taught by way of studying completed baskets, research and museum visits, she credits Bill Phelps and Bernice Kappel as her initial teachers.
"A good basket," Gunter states, "is closely woven. It should have a level base. The form should be symmetrical or concentrical in size to form a pleasing balance.
Pleasing to the eye, useful as well as decorative. "
"Weaving has been important to humanity throughout history and the art of weaving should be taught to future generations of Native Americans, so that it will not be completely lost,
and so they can enjoy it as well. Many of the designs have been lost, but perhaps with the help of museums and willing weavers, the existing designs can be crafted and taught."
Above: 'Black Star' by Gunter Anderson / photo by: m.horsechief © 2005
" Pleasing to the eye ...
useful as well as decorative."
«– Title: Black Star
Pattern: Undulating star design
Materials: Natural flat reed - black dye / Rim: Lasher cane, flat oval reed
Size: Height 12 inches / Rim Diameter 13.74 inches / Base Diameter 9.75 inches.
Basket #: 04-09
Above: 'Fall Harvest' by Gunter Anderson / photo by: m.horsechief © 2006
Title: Fall Harvest
Pattern: Chief's Double Daugher
Materials: Natural colored, flat oval reed, maroon & black flat oval reed
Size: Height 13.5 inches / Rim Diameter 10.75 inches / Square Base 9.50 x 9.50 inches.
Basket #: 00-27
Above: 'Pipe Dreams' by Gunter Anderson / photo by: m.horsechief © 2006
«– Title: Pipe Dreams (tobacco pouch)
Pattern: (base) Cherokee Bow Tie Design
Materials: Natural color river-cane with bloodroot dyed accent
Size: Height 2.5 inches / Width 1 inch
Basket #: 06-01
— Additional Artist Information —
In addition to the samples shown, Gunter Anderson also creates sampler mats, baby rattles, beaded belts, key chains, basket bands & beaded gourds.
She gathers her own natural materials (buckbrush, cane and dyes) and is learning to strip river cane and is in the process of planting her own cane break.
Gunter says of this labor-intensive work, "It keeps me going, hands, heart and mind."
Cherokee Artist, Gunter Anderson in her studio - photo by: m.horsechief © 2006
—Primary Category and Mediums—
Baskets
Natural reeds (Buckbrush, Honeysuckle, Strip Cane)
Natural dyes (Walnut, Hickory nuts, Indian Paint Brush, Goldenrod, Bloodroot, Native Yucca)
Beadwork
Loom & accent decorative works
—Tribal Affiliation—
Cherokee
—Credentials—
Cherokee Artists Association Founding Member 2004
Cherokee Artists Association Full Member since 2004
—HomeTown—
b. Salina, Oklahoma
—personal website—
{none on file}
—email—
jimandsallie@aol.com
—Studio—
Home Studio
Cushing, Oklahoma
Hours: By Appointment Only
—Galleries—
Gunter's original works can be seen and/or purchased at the following locations:
Bill Shores Gallery / Chattanooga, TN
Festival in the Park / Cushing, OK
Red Earth / Oklahoma City, OK
NDN Art Gallery / Tahlequah, OK
—Awards—
1997 Festival in the Park - 3rd Place in Overall Show, for her basket entry
2002 Oklahoma State Regional DAR contest - 1st Place
2003 National DAR contest - 1st Place
