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)
Emma Purcell 