Willow Weaving
From the beginning of my 3rd year of university I decided to move away from the use of metal as I felt it was restrictive and if I used it again it would make my work very similar to previous pieces. The use of willow and weaving came from a desire to still create non-linear shapes, and make a move completely away from 'the man-made'.
The main theory for the first willow work was a continuation of my previous work, to encourage the viewer to become actively involved in the piece. In this particular piece the viewer could enter the work but I still kept the smaller orbiting pieces to give the work more dimensions.
I initially learned to weave through a small craft book which taught you how to make animal figures for your garden. Through reading this book, I developed the basic techniques and practices, such as how to create the sphere. With practice on smaller pieces, I began to work out how to make the larger work with an entrance for the viewer to be able to sit in the work.
Unfortunately, as I decided to make the piece completely out of wicker and did not take into account the weight of the willow I would weave over the willow frame. The weight meant that the whole piece sank, decreasing the height and therefore not allowing for people to stand up in it. Also, due to the entrance hole, the back of the piece was heavier than the front, forcing a slight slant and creating a slight instability.
The main theory for the first willow work was a continuation of my previous work, to encourage the viewer to become actively involved in the piece. In this particular piece the viewer could enter the work but I still kept the smaller orbiting pieces to give the work more dimensions.
I initially learned to weave through a small craft book which taught you how to make animal figures for your garden. Through reading this book, I developed the basic techniques and practices, such as how to create the sphere. With practice on smaller pieces, I began to work out how to make the larger work with an entrance for the viewer to be able to sit in the work.
Unfortunately, as I decided to make the piece completely out of wicker and did not take into account the weight of the willow I would weave over the willow frame. The weight meant that the whole piece sank, decreasing the height and therefore not allowing for people to stand up in it. Also, due to the entrance hole, the back of the piece was heavier than the front, forcing a slight slant and creating a slight instability.
'Untitled weaving 1'
The images show the development up to the final piece.
'Twigloo'
'I weaved a dream ... of time gone by' is my final, degree show piece. Currently under construction, however the end product will be placed outside the University of Leeds union, around one of the trees on the grass area. The work represents an organic shaped dwelling. The frame is made of this wooden bars which are screwed together, this frame will then be weaved around to create the final product. (Images will be uploaded shortly)