about jenny

My baskets are constructed from rods of willow, grown in my own willow bed. There are hundreds of types of willow, however not all will work. I have chosen to grow rare varieties that are not commercially available. Annually, depending on variety, one rod can grow from two to fourteen feet in length. Each family of willow has its own character, some are dense, others pithy. They can be straight or wrigley, hard or soft. This gives me a wide choice for construction and an abundance or rich and natural colour.

The technical complexities of the craft are perhaps not immediately apparent. Just as a weaver has to select the correct yarn to create a fabric suitable for a particular garment, so the basket maker has to choose the correct willow to suit the construction and technique necessary to produce a particular form.

My twenty five year involvement with the complete process, from the very first planting to the final stages of making gives me an awareness and understanding of the link between making a functional object from an indigenous material. I try in my approach to be both forward looking and innovative, whilst at the same time retaining a respect for the sound and established traditions of my craft.

BORN - 1962, Redditch, Worcestershire, U.K.

WORK MADE - Functional willow baskets for use in the home and garden

MATERIALS USED - Many types of willow, all grown by the maker, combined with

other found hardwoods. e.g. oak

TECHNIQUES USED - Mostly French, English and Irish.

TRAINING - 1985-1986 Apprenticeship in willow growing and basket

making with David Drew.

1982-1985 West Surrey College of Art and Design. B.A.

Hons in woven textiles

1980-1982 Hereford College of Art.

AWARDS - 2001 Creative Ambitions Award. West Midland Arts..

1987 Projects Award. South West Arts