The intricate system of connection in Ruth Asawa's crocheted wire sculptures was inspired by the handiwork of Mexican basket weavers. Asawa, who died in 2013, was the daughter of Japanese immigrants. She attended the hugely influential art school, Black Mountain College, where she studied under Josef Albers, Buckminster Fuller, Franz Kline, and others. She was the mother of five and is an under-appreciated icon of modern design. Best place to see her work in SF is the base of the tower at the de Young museum--there's an assemblage of 15. Photo 14 of 15 in Made in the USA by Amanda Dameron

Made in the USA

14 of 15

The intricate system of connection in Ruth Asawa's crocheted wire sculptures was inspired by the handiwork of Mexican basket weavers. Asawa, who died in 2013, was the daughter of Japanese immigrants. She attended the hugely influential art school, Black Mountain College, where she studied under Josef Albers, Buckminster Fuller, Franz Kline, and others. She was the mother of five and is an under-appreciated icon of modern design. Best place to see her work in SF is the base of the tower at the de Young museum--there's an assemblage of 15.