A taster course in basketry

Try out some exciting techniques used for making baskets the world over. Use a variety of materials both traditional and those which give a more contemporary feel to this most ancient of craft skills.

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Key course information

Dates
30/09/11 - 28/10/11

Day(s)
Fri

Duration
5 weeks

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £173
Senior fee: £121

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
VC170

Availability
This course has finished

No concessionary fees are available as the limit has been reached.

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
visualarts@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2700

Course outline

What is the course about?

This course will provide different taster sessions each week based on the major basketry techniques traditionally used around the world, as well as by contemporary basketmakers in the UK, US, Scandinavia and elsewhere.

What topics will we cover?

Basketry is a new world with a multitude of strands to explore and study in it’s own right. In addition it has relevant links to many other art/craft/academic disciplines, for example textiles, jewellery, sculpture, ethnography and conservation, to name a few.

For complete beginners the course will provide an introduction to the basketmaking techniques of coiling, twining, stake and strand, and plaiting, and for students with a little previous experience of some of these techniques to consolidate and build on existing basic skills. The emphasis will be on practical sessions as an introduction to each technique, supported by additional information putting this into a wider context.

Each week the Tutor will bring in a varying selection of inspirational material for you to observe and handle : baskets (tutor’s own work, and from around the world), books, slides, postcards, sketchbooks, samples etc) to illustrate the potential and versatility of each technique in terms of form and function and use of materials.

You will be given book lists, supplier information, and details of museum collections.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- Have the skills and confidence to make similar baskets independently.
- Have a wider appreciation of Basketry as a subject and its potential for further exploration and study.
- Have the basic skills and confidence needed to enrol on one of the other short basketry courses at the City Lit.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Beginners and those who want to expand on existing basic skills.

If you have never made a basket before
A variety of materials will be used, giving you the opportunity to experience working with more traditional plant materials like cane, rush and sisal, as well as more experimental manufactured materials like wires, paper and plastics. You will also be able to explore ways of incorporating pattern and applied surface decoration.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, handouts and for health and safety information, and will be able to take part in group discussions. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.

Please look at the rest of the course outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from support in your English and Maths skills to help you to take part fully in this class.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Demonstration, verbal explanation, hands-on practice, handouts, observation of samples and baskets. There is no formal homework for this course.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Basic materials will be provided by the City Lit or by the Tutor. Tools will be available to use during class times.
You will also be given with a list of supporting books and publications which are available to borrow from the City Lit library.

You should bring the following to each class: sharp scissors, tape measure, notebook, pens etc, camera (optional).

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

There will be basketry short courses running through the year which will focus in more detail on many of the techniques introduced in this taster course, as well as other basketry courses run at the City Lit – full details available in the prospectus.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

Please email us for advice or call us during these times:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays - 9.00 -12.00 & 15:00-18:00

Thursdays - 9.00-12.00

Saturdays - 14.00-17.00

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Contact us

Visual arts

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

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