Mary Butcher
6 Downs Road
Canterbury
Kent CT2 7AY
01227 766427

marybutcher@macunlimited.net

Basketmaking is a very inward process, involving much concentration on the manipulation of often recalcitrant material. Shape is controlled by hand and eye alone, as is spacing of the elements. Choosing materials is as important a skill as weaving with them. Many of the present forms and structures of my work stem from my traditional

basketmaking base, working on functional objects to consumer demand. Introduction to a vast range of materials while traveling and teaching in Art Schools, Botanic Gardens and across Europe and the USA has encouraged experiment and use of these materials in non-traditional ways. The exploitation of colour changes and textural variety, multiple lines and junctions using bark, leaves, fruits and roots, all while working with traditional techniques, has freed me to create objects which are celebrations of the abundance of weaving possibilities. New forms and new juxtapositions are a pleasure to explore.