The dramatic landscapes of the West Highlands of Scotland shaped my early life, and though I now live in Cowdenbeath in Fife, with my family, the wild beauty of my upbringing continues to inspire me. I studied contemporary art at college, and shortly after that my focus turned to raising my children, a deeply fulfilling experience that, for a time, shifted my artistic expression. Instead of canvases and sculptures, my creativity found an outlet in the ephemeral: outrageously carved pumpkins for Samhain, and over-the-top birthday cakes and pies, lovingly crafted for my children, only to be consumed or returned to the earth. It was through these temporary creations that I discovered a desire for a more enduring form of making, leading me to the art of basketry.
My first foray into this craft came in 2021 with a beginner’s course in Culross, led by the lovely Bernice Keegan. I was immediately captivated by the material, and armed with willow from Musgroves, books by Jonathan Ridgeon and Jenny Crisp, and countless hours of YouTube tutorials from Hanna van Aelst and Big Green Art, I began my self-learning journey. With both my boys now at school, I finally had the time to fully immerse myself. Unfazed by the initial wonkiness of my early attempts, I found immense satisfaction in each small improvement. I was drawn to the inherent limitations and rules of working with willow, and inspired by Big Green Art to create my first mask, a piece that received encouraging feedback and opened my eyes to a more experimental, contemporary approach. This inspiration has since led me to explore even more ambitious projects, including a fully functioning willow coracle and a striking 7ft devil sculpture, demonstrating the versatility of this incredible material.
Seeking to deepen my knowledge and refine my technique, I joined the Basketmakers’ Association (BA) and the Scottish Basketmakers’ Circle (SBC), making extensive use of their libraries. Although I was making great progress in my self-teaching journey, I was beginning to need some in-person guidance, so I sought out the esteemed basket maker John Cowan for one-on-one tuition. My time with John has been invaluable, providing a solid foundation in traditional techniques and sharpening every aspect of my craft. I have also spent time with Danish maker Anne Mette Hjornholm who taught me to fitch, and a skills week with the renowned Eddie Glew which further honed my expertise, particularly in square basketry. This diverse range of influences has allowed me to confidently blend traditional techniques with contemporary designs.
I believe deeply in preserving and passing down heritage and traditional skills, not just in basketry. In connection with my roots, I’ve been relearning Scottish Gaelic, a practice that has enriched my life immensely. This fusion of modern and traditional is reflected in my work, and you might even find a touch of Gaelic in the names of my baskets.
Tapadh leibh airson a’ leughadh! (Thank you for reading!)
