An exhibition of non functional baskets by award winning basket maker Joe Hogan opened on Friday September 9^th.

On opening night, Joe gave a talk on the tradition and contemporary practice of basket making and was a wonderful opportunity to meet this remarkable basket maker and gain an insight into his practice.  To view pictures from the talk and opening click here.

"I was drawn to basketmaking because willow growing provided an opportunity to live rurally and develop a real understanding for a particular place . Over the last 30 years I have found it a very satisfying occupation. I aim to make work to my own standards since this is what is fulfilling and keeps me wanting to spend time in my workshop. I take some time each year to try new ideas and to make new designs but I also value repetition and the fluency it develops.

For the past 10 years or so I have become increasingly interested in making non-functional baskets, some of which involve the use of found pieces of wood. I also sometimes use twigs with cones or catkins on them. This work is prompted by a desire to develop a deeper connection to the natural world." Joe Hogan, 2010