Eric Otter Bacon (Artist Profile)

Eric Otter Bacon was born in 1977 and grew up in Indian Township and surrounding towns in Washington County. As a youngster, he was drawn to basketmaking, watching elders in his neighborhood making baskets. He was influenced by many artists, some basketmakers and birchbark artist and his style evolved as his work was also influenced by indigenous artforms from around the world.

Otter combines brown ash, sweetgrass and etched birchbark in his work, as well as spruce root, wampum, and even carbon fiber. His blocks and gauges are custom designed specifically for the baskets that he makes.

Today, in addition to basketry earrings and acorn-shaped baskets, Otter works in leather.  His new line, features Mokuk tote bags, inspired by traditional birchbark containers, sewn with spruce root and decorated with double curve designs.

Otter will showcase his impressive array of work at the upcoming Wabanaki Winter Market on Saturday, December 14, 2024, organized by the Hudson Museum.

Photos: Eric Otter Bacon – Passamaquoddy Artist

Upcoming 2024 Wabanaki Winter Market (Saturday, December 14, 2024):

Organized by the Hudson Museum, the Wabanaki Winter Market is New England’s largest holiday gathering of Wabanaki artists. The annual December event features award-winning Wabanaki weavers as well as new artists representing the next generation of artists.

The event is supported in part by a grant from the Onion Foundation.

Location of the event: The Collins Center for the Arts (2 Flagstaff Road | Orono, Maine)

Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024 (from 9 am to 3 pm)

Contact: Gretchen Faulkner | Director, Hudson Museum (207.581.1904) For event updates, please visit: https://www.wabanakiwintermarket.org