What could be more exciting than to work with an internationally renowned expert in primitive crafts, learning the finer points of willow basketry? Even more so if you get to decide yourself which project you want to work on with him?
If you agree, you don't want to miss out on this opportunity at Lakeshore Willows, Wainfleet, Ontario in June 2017.
Danish
willow basket maker SteenHedegaard Madsen is
well known throughout the international willow basketry community for a variety
of reasons.
He
is indeed a master basket weaver and you will find many people who will claim
that he is THE master. In his modest way he told me that he is not a genius in
any way – he has just been around for many years.
I
first met Steen in 2013 when I, during a visit to Denmark, had an opportunity to
work with him for 2 days in his charming studio.
Here
is Steen outside the house in which his studio is along with a kitchen, small
dining area and sleeping area for visiting students.
Ever
since he was a young boy Steen has been interested in history and antiquity. He
would play “stone age” with his friends, hunting with their homemade flint
arrowheads and cooking their catch over the open fire while making more
arrowheads.
Later
– for a total of 19-20 years he would work at a Danish Historical
Archaeological Research Center.
Maybe
as a natural consequence of his interest for old crafts and skills Steen fell
in love with willow basket making and is today one of the foremost experts
reconstructing baskets made during a time from which no written documentation
exists.
Steen working in his studio
A collection of old and new fishing creels at the wall
But
more than that today, for those of us who desire to learn the finer points in
willow basket making, he travels the World to teach us classes. Historical
baskets – if that is what you are interested in – but not just that. Steen will
teach you almost any kind of willow basket and bark container; you just have to
ask.
During
a class Steen usually teaches whatever each student wants to learn! The topics
for the class of the day are pretty much open – only limited by your previous
weaving experience and skills.
And
this is your chance for a new willow experience!
This
basket maker whose skills are second to none will teach and guide you in
creating the basket you are most interested in making.
The
classes will fill up fast so if you want to participate, register NOW.
After
you register, you want to spend time over the next couple of months exploring
what you want to work on with Steen. Use books, the internet, pinterest,
facebook etc for inspiration and bring photos or sketches for the class.
I
will ask you a few weeks before the classes what you want to make so that I
will be able to have the right sizes and amounts of willow prepared.
Some
baskets (for example square baskets with or without a lid) are not for a total
beginner and for oval baskets it is also recommendable that you have some
experience with willow.
If you have any questions about that you can either ask me when you register or send me a mail.
Here
are some pics from Steen that may help you to get started on your search for
the perfect project!
Words and photos by Lene Rasmussen,Willows.