Artist Narrative – Gabriel Frey

My name is Gabriel Frey, and I am a Passamaquoddy artist. My family has been making traditional black ash baskets since time immemorial. In this tradition, I have become known for my craftsmanship of highly original pack baskets and my commitment to pedagogical models that promote wider knowledge of Indigenous worldviews. I specialize in a hybrid approach to utility baskets, such as pack baskets, market baskets, and purses, balancing function and form equally. Each basket is woven solely from black ash, with hand-crafted leather features such as straps, lids, and liners. My artistic process includes locating and harvesting basket-quality black ash trees, processing the logs, and weaving the materials into functional forms. Each piece incorporates hand-carved elements, including hoops, rims, handles, and wooden pins that fasten leather straps. Many of my tools—such as basket molds, gauges, and my shave horse—are adaptations of traditional Wabanaki designs, preserving the knowledge of generations of basket makers.

My art is an expression of my worldview. I am inspired by the natural world and the transformation of a living tree into a functional basket. My baskets connect past, present, and future, interwoven into functional works of art. Culture, family traditions, personal experiences, and hopes for the future are all embodied within each basket. My grandfather was my first significant teacher. When I hold his baskets, I hear his voice offering subtle suggestions on technique and style, and I hear his stories. My connection to family, heritage, and knowledge transmission is maintained through basket making.

I work towards perfecting the function and form of traditional baskets, while evolving each design to reflect my personal style. My goal is to create usable, functional baskets for daily life, ensuring that Wabanaki culture is experienced every day through their use. Each interaction with a basket fosters a connection to place, culture, and craftsmanship, reflecting the interconnectedness and reciprocity between people, the natural world, family, and all beings.