jane fisher

I’m originally from the south of England. I studied to become a nurse there and worked as a midwife, riding my bicycle from house to house, much like in the TV show, Call The Midwife. I became a U.S. citizen in the mid-1970s and worked as a nurse here until I retired a few years ago.

I lived in Florida with a fellow artist, and we came to Western North Carolina on vacation several times before moving to this wonderful area. We bought our home in Etowah, North Carolina, where I make all my creations. I became interested in learning other crafts practiced here. I focus on working with larger gourds and creating baskets with pine needle edging.

Much of my work is hand-painted. I began working with the Lichtenberg process, which burns lightning-like patterns into the gourds. I’ve taken many art courses: basket weaving, gourd basket making, cloth weaving, and using pine needles to create baskets and other useful and decorative items.

I also enjoy knitting and am a member of a local knitting group. I’m an avid reader and member of a local book club, and also active with a local group that helps preserve the knowledge and crafts that were a mainstay of life in this area years ago. I also volunteer at a local animal shelter.

My vision is to create beautiful pieces of art that people can enjoy looking at, use to remember their visit here, or give as gifts.