Basket-weaving is one of the most ancient forms of art in the history of mankind. The whole process entails the weaving of natural materials together, forming various kinds of vessels and more. With a touch for this ancient craft, Anna and the Willow, a British sculptor, has added a little modern twist on this technique. She has created outdoor sculptures which are all inspired by nature. And, she uses rods of willow!
It was 10 years ago when Anna when first began working with willow. She then took a sculpting course over one weekend. With a sweet recounting of her experience, she says:
“Working with a natural material opened up a new world, and I consequently went on to learn the different techniques of basketry. I enjoy using the traditional skills of basketry and adding my own flair to the process.”
The talented artist crafts all kinds of baskets as well as gifts. And yet, her most elegant work features something you could describe as out-of-this-world. Each of her outdoor sculptures come from thorough planning, with sketches she draws by hand. Anna then renders them from bespoke steel frames. The next step? Wrapping the frames with interwoven willow rods — layers of them — showing all their fantastic forms.
Among the priceless outdoor sculptures of Anna and the Willow is The Huntress of Skipton Castle Woods. It’s a 9-foot figurative sculpture depicting a woman that’s shooting a bow and arrow. The setting? A woodland. What results is an astonishing piece of art that looks like it’s growing from beneath the forest. It seems so real that it seems to come to life any second!
Anna also has animal sculptures — and they’re in life-size! You’ll see a horse and a stag. Anna would make them appear as if they’re just frozen while surveying the whole landscape.
If you want to see more of Anna’s fascinating work, they’re all on Instagram. Be sure to check them out in case you want to get your own willow works started. You may also join Anna’s workshops at her studio. It’s in North Yorkshire, England!
Anna and the Willow, a British sculptor, makes striking outdoor sculptures out of English-grown rods of willow.
She first plans and hand-draws each piece before rendering them from bespoke steel frames.
Then, Anna wraps them with interwoven willow rods. The resulting forms are all striking!
Anna places her works among nature, such that they would look as if growing from beneath the forest.
Source: Anna & the Willow