Had a marvellous time with Joe Hogan in the west of Ireland. Learnt how to make a skib, a non-functional pod from a ‘tree hole’, and practiced my fitching on a small log basket. Also made several underfoot bases which I am still less confident about. It’s all about repetition…
This time next week I’ll be in County Galway staying with Joe Hogan, master basketmaker and artist. I’ve admired Joe’s work for years and am thrilled to be able to learn from him. This visit has been made possible by the generous HCA* and NADFAS** bursary, the first part of which went towards learning traditional work with Adrian Charlton. With Joe however, I’m hoping to explore techniques used in more contemporary, sculptural work (such as his pods, one pictured above).
(*The Heritage Craft Association and ** The National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies)
Bread/fruit baskets
Back-basket (straps to be added)
I’ve been enjoying a few unusual commissions this summer, which has been fun and challenging. Now starting to make stock for the upcoming local winter fairs and events, namely:
Looking forward to meeting old and new customers!
Delivered bespoke umbrella stand last week and happy that it fits and looks at home already and being fully functional! A lovely commission to have worked on.
From 19th – 28th August there will be an exciting programme of arts events held in and around Rushlake Green in East Sussex. Check the link to the website:
I will be demonstrating basketmaking at the ‘Craft in the Making’ event at the village hall in Bodle Street Green (BN27 4UB), 11am-4pm on Saturday 20th August.
Busy in the workshop again today on another commission for someone’s garden. They wanted an asymmetric, rope-coil pod-like form. Really enjoying making these, although its very physical using all that material… I need a massage now!
Olives and Ochres
Rope Coil Asymmetric Log basket
Rope Coil Asymmetric Log
Pod and Cocoon
This week I’ve really enjoyed working on some commissions and getting into the flow with the ‘rope coil’ technique, playing with asymmetry and more sculptural forms. I love the juxtaposition of the smooth reddish brown of the buff willow against the variation in texture and colour that the bark of the ‘brown’ willow (which is often shades of olive green to deep purples) gives.
Its been a productive month since France… beginning my ‘6 of each’ homework for AC (first pea-picker and peck pictured); two encouraging weeks at open studios; enjoying making hurdles in sunshine and rain; practicing underfoot walk-around slewed bottoms; recycling hazel and willow excess into Forest School projects; seeing what my bike basket looks like on Tanya’s bike. Generally feeling excited and motivated by it all. Oh and some new commissions to work on over the summer. Jolly good.
Enjoying colour and texture in some close-up shots of my latest work
A selection of images from the last two weeks spent studying under the watchful eye of the master craftsman and brilliant teacher, Adrian Charlton. I learnt SO much, and still have so, so far to go. My passion for the craft has been reignited and I intend to harness this motivation and continue the good work in my workshop back home. Thank you so much Adrian, I feel honoured to have been taught such important traditional skills by you, and indebted to NADFAS and the HCA, (and Fran and Annie!), whose funding has been invaluable. Many thanks also due to Ruth for making me feel so at home, and Mum and Dad for collecting all 11 baskets!
Emma Purcell 