Learn how to weave a small scale non-figurative sculptural form using the interlace technique. We will look for inspiration from Japanese bamboo basketry to contemporary makers such as Catherine Joy, Lizzy Farey, Joe Hogan, John McQueen and environmental artists Laura Ellen Bacon and Patrick Dougherty. You can add hazel handles into your baskets and also bring along soft fibres or found objects to incorporate into your work.

By the end of this two day workshop you will have woven either one medium interlace form or two smaller interlaced forms ,the choice is yours.
You will also learn how to interlace with willow and have a wider knowledge of contemporary interlace weaver’s and their styles of work.

Over the two days you will learn how to:

• design a simple shape using natural forms as a starting point
• build a framework using willow hoops
• interlace the first layer of weave to create ‘pockets’ or ‘anchor points’
• interlace a final top layer of weave which adds movement and flow to the surface of your basket

Practice the following techniques required to construct your form including;

• learn how to select the correct size rods necessary for weaving each area of the basket
• weave willow successfully to build secure and sturdy hoops
• thread willow through hoops to build a strong framework or armature for your basket
• practice manipulating rods to achieve a ‘base’ and good balance for the basket so it ‘sits’ well on a surface
• interlace with willow correctly to create a solid first layer of ‘pockets’ or ‘anchor points’ necessary for the creation of the final layer of weave
• successfully interlace a final layer of weave which shows a sense of flow, which in turn gives an impression of movement over the surface of your basket

Experiment with coloured willows/hazel/*natural matarials/*found objects (optional)

• choose coloured willows to achieve a variety of different effects on the surface of the basket
• learn how colour blends, complements or projects itself on a surface
• if chosen add natural or found materials into your work to embellish surfaces, create handles,add narrative to your work

*additional materials such as natural materials and/or found objects can be provided by students and incorporated into their baskets if desired. Hazel will be provided by the tutor and can be used for handles if required. All willow is supplied by your tutor.

On the first evening we will discuss the works of contemporary makers and look at images of their work. There will also be examples of interlace baskets for you to look at and find inspiration from. You will be given help to design your basket. We will look at natural forms such as pebbles and man made forms such as ceramic vases which have inspired your tutor in the past. Your tutor will explain how they design their sculptural pieces.

Your finished basket will be medium scale roughly 30cm wide x 20cm tall or you can make smaller pieces , roughly 20cm wide x 15cm tall. There is no fixed measurements, students can build a form of their choice.

The costs for the willow are as follows:

• Medium form £10
• Small form £7

Your tutor will take payments for materials on the last day of your course.

Included

On this course the tutor will supply all of the materials including willow and hazel.
Students have the option to bring along natural or man made materials which they may wish to incorporate into their work.

What students need to bring

All tools and materials are provided by the tutor.

Available to buy

Available from tutor:

On the last day of the course you pay the tutor for materials used.

• Medium, interlace form £10
• Small interlace form £7

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes)

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential

Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am

Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required

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