About Me
I am a basketmaker and willow artist inspired by the intersection between nature and human creativity. I work with traditional basketry techniques but also freely innovate with colour, form, and texture. Seeking to understand the constancy and change of the natural environment inspires my work. This includes growing my own willow in Shropshire, and working with sustainably coppiced green wood’s such as ash and hazel in basketry. I make my own straps and lids for foraging baskets from cork bark, which is available in a range of colours.
I teach in small group workshop to encourage freedom in creativity both with materials and the weaving process. With a background in health and Social Anthropology I am focused on exploring how basketry as craft can offer therapeutic value, and increase our understanding of how we are firmly rooted in the natural world.
Background and training
I studied Level 2 and 3 Diploma City and Guilds Basketry at Westhope College. Here I was fortunate to work with inspirational tutors, including Eddie Glew and Clare Revera, who have both influenced my journey.
I am a member of the Basketmakers Association, where I have been involved in the Traditional Basketry Project. Locally I sell through Made in Shropshire. Last year I was instrumental in setting up a regional collective of weavers of wood, willow and natural fibre called Weave Only a Trace. We ran a successful exhibition last year, which aimed to more fully involve the local community and the wider public in the creation of sustainable product and art. We are planning more events in 2025.
Teaching and commissions
I teach in small group workshops, six people for a craft project or four for baskets. I also offer one to one teaching, which more fully allows exploration of individual creativity. Larger groups can also be accommodated by arrangement.
You can commission a basket that reflects your own design , choice of colour and weave. A commitment to collaboration means that customers are involved in the design process, which enables a deeper understanding of the weaving process.
Contact me for more information about teaching and commissions.
