FISHING, FARMING AND FASHION is the theme of Devon’s first festival of basketry celebrating the traditions and challenging the boundaries of the craft. It will appeal to anyone with an interest in rural skills, greenwood crafts and the sustainable use of natural materials in contemporary design. There will be many opportunities to be inspired and get actively involved with the craft. Activities will include demonstrations by international basketmakers from Japan, Europe and America as well as the best of British makers, workshops for both adults and children, a seminar session to discuss contemporary practice, a craft market, a wearable basketry parade, an exhibition, live music and much more.
Celebrating Japanese basketmaking traditions, Masashi Kutsuwa and Sinichi Kito are coming from Japan to showcase bamboo basketmaking skills, to run a workshop to help students learn to use the material and.to demonstrate during the festival weekend. They have reinvigorated the making of the bamboo baskets used for fishing with cormorants on the Nagara river, a craft with a 1300 year history. Some of these baskets will be on show in the exhibition. Masashi Kutsuwa has established the Japan Green Woodwork Association following research in the UK. There will be a strong Japanese presence with a range of crafts on display and drop in weaving and origami workshops for visitors to enjoy.
‘FROM BARE STEMS’ an exhibition which will run from 7 March – 1 June, curated by Hilary Burns, focuses on the fishing, farming and fashion theme of the festival and will show traditional and contemporary work side by side together with information about materials and techniques. Images showing how baskets have been and in some places still are used in everyday lives will put the work into context. High Cross House is a stunning location for the exhibition.
To book tickets for the festival (Day ticket £7 Weekend £12), please see the website http://www.dartington.org/festivals or tickets can be obtained on the door on the day.
For more information about the festival please see the festival website http://www.festival2013.basketryandbeyond.org.uk
Supported by: The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation and The Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation