Hertfordshire Basketry
Elaine Kingsford
Starting City and Guilds
Basketry in 2003 was a new beginning for me. As a teacher of Art and
Technology I had channelled my creativity through my pupils for many
years and needed to do some work of my own. I have always been a maker
and this was an opportunity to learn new skills and explore a huge
range of materials and techniques. The possibilities seemed endless and
I enjoyed the challenge of combining the traditional with the new and
also the demand for high standards. I left my teaching post in 2006, to
concentrate on my final year at the City Lit and completed Part 2 City
and Guilds in 2007.
Colour, form and detail are important in my
work – I use dyed cane, lately weaving with 2 strands of fine diameter
to obtain rich but subtle shades and gentle colour changes. I also
enjoy the technique of coiling and also braiding with natural rush in
combination with textile fibres including recycled sari yarns. To
offset the environmental implications of using chemical dyes, I am
currently developing new work using recycled materials.
Basketry
has given me so much pleasure and I am keen to pass on my skills and
experience. I will consider occasional workshops in schools, colleges,
hospitals and adult clubs or organizations. I am also interested in
individual commissions and in the possibility of community based
projects.
