BA SPRING COURSE 28th March - 2nd April 2004
THE MOUNT SCHOOL, YORK

Class A - Baskets with an Irish theme - All levels:
Joe Hogan

This class will start with a skib {traditional potato basket} with a traditional base. Afterwards you can make a creel or a lobster pot, both of which have interesting weaves and can be made using heavy or lighter willow. Otherwise you can choose to learn a variety of other techniques. Joe makes most of his baskets using underfoot bases, but the main emphasis will be on Irish techniques. You will be using brown willow and some coloured osiers.

Class B - Hedgerow Baskets - All levels:
Sheila Wynter

The attraction of a hedgerow basket is through its blend of colour, texture, scent and the personal connection between the maker and the landscape from which its materials have been gleaned. Simple design is best because, as the materials are still green, they tend to revert to their former growing pattern - giving a rustic appearance. Farmed brown willow can add strength to the structure.

I hope that students will bring an interesting array of plant material with them, gathered between December and March to work into beautiful baskets to remind them of their walks in the countryside.

(Materials leaflet will be provided).

Class C - Contemporary Basket Making Coiling and other Structures - All levels:
Anna King

Anna will show examples of baskets as utilitarian as well as art objects. She will talk about the intrigue of making these small objects, about internal and external space and the personal dialogue set up between the maker and the materials; how they have evolved out of an ancient tradition and are now regarded as collectors' items in the international art world. You will learn about selection and preparation of materials, their compatibility with particular structures and a variety of techniques. You will consider 'containment', concealing and revealing, the concentration of energies in a small space etc. You will be working with any material that can be coiled. Student input at all stages is integral - suggestions, discussion of each others work experimentation and problem solving etc. You will develop your own ideas with Anna's practical help and guidance.

Class D- Oval willow work with English and Continental Bases - Intermediate and advanced:
Mary Butcher

This course will show the working of a French randed continental base, a paired base which used to be used here and which was called 'continental' and the English base with its simple but elegant solution to the problem of twist. These bases will then be made up into baskets of individual student's design. Brown and buff willow will be used, several colours of brown being available.

Class E - Pacific Northwest Basketry
All levels: Joan Carrigan

This class will begin with a hands-on discussion about the rich variety of materials available to basketmakers in the Pacific Northwest. Topics will cover the gathering and preparation of materials such as western red cedar bark, wild cherry bark, sedges, roots beargrass and pine needles. Three baskets of different shapes and sizes will be made. Each basket will give an opportunity to incorporate a selection of these materials in a variety of weaving techniques and patterns, including plaiting, variations of twining {pairing}, twill weave and coiling. Together the baskets will make up a desk set.
see www.saltspring.com/jcarrigan

Course Fees

Fees Residents with full board and tuition £295
Non-residents inc. Sunday evening meal and lunches £200
Non-members add £15
Deposit (inc. insurance) £50
Materials extra

Please email york2004<-- -->@<-- -->basketmaker.net for details of how to book