About Mackensie Bennett
Biography
Mackensie Bennett received her BFA in Ceramics from WSU in 2015. She started working with stained glass and pine needle basketry in 2021 and moved to Whidbey Island a few years later. She spent most weekends as a teenager on the island visiting her grandfather. During that time, she went to events like the Studio Tour and took various art classes where her inspiration grew. Her first art exhibition was in 2010 at the Art Escape in Freeland. Whidbey, in turn, had a big effect on her career as an artist. She is pleased to have been an artist featured in the 2024 Studio Tour and to sell her work throughout the area at markets. She can be found vending on the weekends at Bayview, South Whidbey Tilth, Anacortes, and Skagit Valley Farmers Markets. She is also scheduled for the Whidbey Garden Tour and Noisy Waters Mural Festival this year (2025).
 
Statement
I taught myself the historic art of pine needle basketry from the book "From Forest Floor to Finished Project". Originally, I foraged the needles from ponderosa pine around the Palouse and now I collect needles from long leaf pine in Florida. I experiment with different threads, including waxed hemp, linen, and artificial sinew, although I prefer sticking to all natural fibers. The baskets are finished with local beeswax. Rather than displaying on a wall, I hope for people to interact with my baskets by using, smelling, and cherishing them for a lifetime.

The first time I did stained glass was in high school, and my Great Aunt has practiced it since the seventies. She taught me the basics, and I came up with my earrings in 2021, then slowly started working larger. I use the copper foil method and work out of my garage-made studio. My glasswork often portrays organic imagery. A well-placed suncatcher is the vessel of transport to bring a play of outdoor light further into inside spaces. My baskets also bring a touch of nature indoors. While both ourselves and my art need protection from the elements, my work serves as a reminder of the outside world while inside of homes.
Featured Work
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​This page shows representative works created by this artist. Some may be available for purchase.
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