Colette Basketry

I am an artist and maker of contemporary baskets rooted in and inspired by traditional techniques. My current work includes baskets and other woven artworks which I create in my garden studio at home in The Wye Valley, Monmouthshire, Wales.

I have a particular interest in using plant fibres that I either gather in my local environment or grow myself. I value the connection with nature, materials and the changing cycles of the seasons this brings.

I enjoy combining these natural fibres with found repurposed synthetic marine debris which I collect from local Welsh beaches. By repurposing the found materials of the endless plastic pollution of humanity and exploring the juxtaposition between the synthetic and the natural I hope to raise awareness of this ongoing issue.

I predominantly use coiled basketry techniques, employing various stitching methods to sew the spiralled fibres of the core together. Exploring the play of colour, lines of stitching and the texture of plant fibres is fascinating to me and my work often crosses over into what I think of as textile basketry. Rhythm and process are integral to my work when growing, gathering and making with plant materials. I feel a deep connection with all the makers who have followed these rhythms in the past long before me.

I sell my work through galleries and exhibitions, make to commission and teach; I welcome collaborations with other artists and makers.

I am a Makers Guild Wales selected member and some of my work is permanently on display and for sale through their flagship gallery Craft in the Bay, Cardiff. I am also an enhanced member of the Basketmakers’ Association.

l’ll be teaching Coiled Basketry at St Fagans National Museum of History in May of this year.

In 2021 I received a grant from the Heritage Craft Association’s Endangered Craft Fund to study the technique of coiled straw basket making (Lip work).