Instructors: Cameron and Julia Taylor-Brown
Baskets for gathering and containing food are among the most prehistoric examples of craft. Today, basket weaving has moved far beyond these functional origins to become an expressive art on par with other sculptural mediums.
The workshop will consist of two segments. To begin, the teaching artists will bring in a variety of colorful, textural food items that will be carefully examined (and ultimately consumed) by the workshop participants- for example- a pomegranate, a kiwi, an apple tart, an exquisite piece of artisan chocolate, even a can of cranberry jelly pushed intact onto a plate, ridges a-wiggle. We will look, discuss, slice, look again and nibble. Our careful observations will inspire the design of a contemporary version of this most ancient vessel form.
To create the basket, participants will then layer yarn, paper and cloth scraps onto a balloon template, creating a striking object that interprets their food inspiration through color, pattern and shape. Once the project is dry, the balloon is popped, leaving the fiber intact. The process itself is simple but results in a unique crafted basket that could be sculptural or functional, depending on the intent of the maker.
$20 material fee
RSVP requested: rsvp@craftinamerica.org
Craft in America Study Center
8415 W. Third St. Los Angeles, CA 90048
