Ref: S5D40313
Following the revelation that modern basketmaking could be a form of creative expression, American artist and basketmaker Ed Rossbach influenced a new basketry tradition in the 1960’s and 70’s alongside his students at the University of California at Berkeley. Combining traditional techniques with an innovative approach, contemporary basketmaking evolved into the diverse and international making community that it is today.
In this workshop you will explore several techniques that offer great flexibility for creative making beyond the constrains of purely functional basketry. Starting with foundation skills such as cordage making and twining we will create organic openwork vessels and introduce additional techniques as suggested by the making process. Binding, knotting, ply splitting and the ‘free warp tapestry’ techniques of Tadek Beutlich will be introduced creating a stimulating palette of structures to inspire your contemporary vessels and making explorations.
We will work with a variety of soft materials, with rush as our foundation, we will combine different yarns, threads and strings with recycled fabrics and natural materials gathered from the environs of West Dean College exploring their different properties and creating variety in colour and texture.
We will take time to wander in the gardens and arboretum of West Dean to gather not only materials but also inspiration for our makings. Natural forms and attention to detail can provide us with creative starting points and solutions to our making investigations. Will use drawing as a tool to guide us and aid the gathering of form, texture and line.
Immersive Art School Week
This course is part of our ‘Immersive Art School’ group of short courses for summer 2026, led by talented artist-tutors.
There will be tutor talks on Tuesday evening from 5:15 to 6.15pm in The Old Library as part of the course. Studio visits are encouraged to share work and experiences (out of core teaching hours).
On this course the College will supply chair seating rush. Your tutor will supply some threads, yarns and fibres and fabrics.
Please bring along a personal selection of yarns, threads, fibres and old fabrics or clothes for ripping into useable binding & weaving materials, essential to compliment those brought by the tutor.
The College supplies larger scissors but you may like to bring your own small scissors or side cutters and other basket making tools such as a pocket knife, large needles or threaders, fids etc if you have them.
We will walk outdoors – so suitable clothing including walking shoes and a raincoat are recommended.
Available from shop: There will be a variety of materials available to purchase for the craft shop
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
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.
Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study.
Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.
