Mary Merkel-Hess

Mary Merkel-Hess is an innovative fiber artist who creates forms that evoke the tradition of basket weaving, but which transcend the traditional function and use to become sculptural representations of the Iowa landscape that surrounds her. She was born in and continues to live in Iowa. The rural landscapes of carefully planted fields and lush vegetation found in Iowa have long been an inspiration. Her vessels became her austere interpretations of the fields of gently swaying prairie grass and crops seen in her daily life. Merkel-Hess creates her baskets by a combination of collage and papier maché, layering paper over a mold, held with glue, while adding other natural elements of reeds, cords, and fiber to enhance the structure and visual quality. After attending Marquette University and receiving a B.A. in philosophy and sociology, she chose to attend the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and refocus on art, attaining a B.F.A. Later Merkel-Hess would achieve an M.A. and M.F.A in metalsmithing from the University of Iowa and over time morphed from a metalworker to a fiber artist. She is based in Iowa, but her art has become nationally recognized and lauded through numerous exhibitions. Merkel-Hess’s creations have been collected by significant museums including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, the Philadelphia Art Museum, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Mary Merkel-Hess has matured into an exceptionally important artist in the realm of American craft, yet her inspiration and home remain in Iowa and through her art a greater understanding of the importance of the arts in Iowa continues to expand.