The Weave Only A Trace exhibition opens at the Footprint Gallery in Jackfield this Friday.
Weave Only A Trace is an exhibition of basketry, wood and natural fibres, running from 8-17th November. It features work by eleven Shropshire-based artist-makers who are inspired by the fusion between natural materials and the innovative and utilitarian ways they can be shaped into artistic and functional forms. I will be exhibiting a collection of contemporary willow pieces, which are inspired by heritage basketry techniques.
The other artists exhibiting are: Lesley Butler, Alisha Davidson, Ruth Denison, Phi Evans, Sophie Francis, Julie Harrison, David Horton, Mary Lewis, Clare Revera, and Steph Shaw. The Ironbridge Coracle Trust will also have some of their coracles on display.
On Saturday 9th November (2-4pm), we're having a launch event to celebrate the opening of the exhibition. Mary Lewis, Head of Craft Sustainability at Heritage Crafts Association, will be giving a talk. There will also be free drinks, supported by Priory Hall Much Wenlock and Astley Vineyard, along with demonstrations by the exhibiting artists.
Throughout the week, there will be a range of artist-led workshops, designed to introduce you to some of the materials and techniques used in the exhibition. We still have a few places left, so have a look at the programme online. There are some free subsidised places available on workshops to support people otherwise unable to self-fund. For more information, please contact Sophie on weaveonlyatrace1@gmail.com.
On Thursday 14th November, 1-3pm, I will be leading an Open Day at the Ironbridge Community Willow Bed alongside the Severn Gorge Countryside Trust. Entry is free, but a voluntary donation of £5 is suggested to support the continued conservation and education work of SGCT. We'll be giving tours of the willow bed, and showing visitors the different willow varieties, and how willow is harvested and prepared for living willow structures, hedgelaying and basketry. The nearest car park available is at Coalbrookdale Community Centre -a ten minute walk to the site (please see map for directions).
Alongside the workshops, demonstrations and willow bed tours, there will be a pop-up shop at the gallery with lots of beautiful handmade gifts for sale - perfect for those thinking of doing some early Christmas shopping.
I'm really looking forward to it, and I hope to see lots of you there!
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