Ref: S4D42179
Looping is a diverse family of woven structures that can be found in many cultures around the world. Primarily worked in basketry with a variety of soft plant materials the technique has many applications and has been used in a variety of bags, baskets, costumes and traps.
In this course you will gain a solid foundation in making two and three ply cordage before moving on to making your first basket with simple looping using split rushes.
As we progress through the course we will look at a variety of more complex looping structures with additional interlinkings and extra twists and explore the possibilities of two strand camel looping. This technique can be found in baskets, muzzles and camel regalia from the Sahara and is one of Tims go-to techniques for making contemporary pieces.
We will take time to look at the wide variety of plant materials grown in the gardens of West Dean that have basketry applications and learn about their harvesting and processing for fibre work. Alongside working with rush we will try some other plant materials during the course including beaten Esparto grass from Spain.
To complete our baskets we will learn a variety of basket borders and several different techniques for making handles and straps.
Tim will bring along a wide variety of looped bags and baskets from around the world for participants to study and gather inspiration from. We will study diverse looping structures from many regions including the Sahara, northern Scandinavia, Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Bundles of Rush and additional bundles of Esparto Grass and other plant materials will be available.
Students may like to gather a variety of flexible materials for experimentation during the course this may include rushes, grasses, palm leaves etc and string, threads, cordage, wire etc.
Scissors and needles will be provided but you may like to bring along your own basket making or craft tools that you may find useful in experimentation.
We have a generously stocked craft shop in the Garden Gatehouse which opens daily from 8.00am–5pm.
For any materials you need to purchase from the shop, we suggest you do so during the first morning of your course, after having discussed with your tutor.
Participants with an eye for detail and a fascination with woven structures will enjoy the diversity of creative possibilities this family of techniques offers for creating contemporary and traditional woven vessels.
Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-9pm (attendance is essential)
Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am-5pm
Morning session: 9.15am-12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm-2pm (lunch included)
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Departure day - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)
Teaching finishes: 3pm
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.
Over the past 25 years, artist and basketmaker Tim Johnson has explored the relationships of material, place, nature and culture. His diverse creative practice encompasses basketmaking and performance, photography and painting, sculpture and installation, textiles and costume, his work has been exhibited internationally.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
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