Meet a Maker: Edition 6

Meet Karen Bek

1. What is your craft and how did you get into it?

My craft is willow basketry. I started teaching myself basketry around eight years ago after picking up a second hand basketry book. I was fascinated by all the different types of baskets, their uses and what they can tell us about social history.

2. What is one interesting fact about you?

I have a cocker spaniel called Willow who sits with me when I weave. She steals willow rods and sits on the willow when she wants some attention!

3. How long have you been making?

I’ve been weaving with willow for 15 years.

4. Who is/are your favourite maker(s) in your craft? Anyone you admire in the craft field?

There are so many basketmakers that I admire. I’ve found other basketmakers to be so generous in sharing their knowledge and skills. I’ve learnt so much from Sue Kirk who is a patient and generous teacher and weaves the most beautiful herringbone weave baskets.

Eddie Glew makes squarework look so easy when it’s actually quite complicated! And his enthusiasm for sharing knowledge and keeping the craft alive is infectious. Mary Butcher’s research into East Anglian baskets is fascinating and made me think about baskets in terms of their historical significance. I am excited to be attending a workshop with Pierig Le Maillot later this year to learn neolithic weaving – his baskets are amazing! It would take me so long to mention all the basketmakers that I admire – there are so many, all producing diverse and intricate designs as well as making and preserving traditional baskets.

5. What is the most challenging skill/technique you learned in your craft?

I think every new technique is challenging at first. Perfecting any basketry technique takes a lot of practice so that your hands develop a memory of how to do it. I do find squarework challenging as there is a lot of measuring and checking everything is lined up. For a long time I found borders tricky and would put off doing them, but it’s all in the practise, after a while you don’t even think about it.

6. What is your favourite part of your craft?

Designing and experimenting – playing with the materials to see what is possible, what colour combinations work, what weaves work well together, adapting traditional baskets to create something a bit different.

7. What project are you most proud of and why?

I have a few exciting projects to complete this year, including a large sculpture, participating in an exhibition and taking part in London Craft Week all of which take a lot of planning so I’m hoping they go well. One aspect of my craft that I really enjoy is teaching others how to weave. It’s a really therapeutic craft and brings people together. Seeing satisfied faces and a sense of achievement at the end of a workshop is very rewarding.

Learn more about Karen