City Lit basketry course: advanced

What is the course about?

This new course is for learners already experienced in a range of basketry techniques and will build upon and develop some of these skills. You will be introduced to more techniques and some emphasis will be placed on self-directed study and developing a personal portfolio of work.
Working towards producing a body of basketry work, you will be encouraged to consider elements of design, undertake sampling of materials and processes, and think about aspects of basketmaking to support the development of your own ideas and understanding of the subject.
You will be expected to undertake independent work to keep up momentum during the gaps between classes.
The course runs with a 4-on/4-off pattern (4 Fridays in college and 4 weeks independent study).

What will we cover?

Sessions in willow will look at square work with partitions, scalloming, fitching and wide borders. There will be sessions on frame baskets, and ones on knife-work, foraging and brush-making are planned. Cordage in rush and other materials will lead to looping and netting and to its possible use for bindings and as weaving elements. An introduction to seat-weaving will look at the traditional 6-way pattern in cane and rush seating on frames. It is hoped students will find chairs on which to work on at home. Danish cord and seagrass seating may be introduced depending on desires.
You will be expected to undertake visual research leading to working designs: planning a basket, sampling, sourcing materials and costing. You will be encouraged to develop your skills and undertake experimental work in areas that interest you through projects to be worked upon mainly at home.
Recognising, presenting and celebrating students' achievements is an important part of our advanced courses. There will be an opportunity to exhibit your work during or at the end of this course, either within the college or at an external venue.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Produce a collection of samples and resolved pieces of basketry demonstrating an extended knowledge of techniques in traditional and more experimental materials.
• Demonstrate an awareness of design through visual research and ideas development.
• Make work to specific briefs.
• Have developed your awareness of ethnographic, historical and contemporary aspects of basketmaking.
• Have followed good health and safety practice.
• Record, document and assess your work.

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

The course is designed for those who have followed a two-year basketry course at the City Lit or a similar institution and can demonstrate they have a good grounding in several basketry techniques. This will be discussed at the pre-enrolment interview.
You should be able to follow written and verbal instructions, demonstrations and hand-outs, and health and safety information. There will be a little use of numbers (counting and measuring) and help can be given by the college if requested. You will take part in group discussions and critique sessions, where it will be essential for you to be able to communicate with your fellow classmates.
Self-reflection is an important part of art education and practice. You will be encouraged and expected to evaluate and review your own learning, ways of working and progress. As a student on an advanced course, you should also be prepared to engage with concepts, debates and methods that may differ from those with which you are familiar.

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

You will be taught through demonstration, individual and group tuition, following written instructions, study of tutors’ samples, basketry collections and books, and you will learn from your own practical experience during the course.
Handouts will be given on techniques, further reading, suppliers etc.
A visit or two to a museum, gallery or collection will be arranged for a non-course day.
You will be expected to undertake about 6 hours of independent work outside class every week.

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

Basic materials will be supplied with some small extra costs possible in some blocks if there is the production of large-scale work and work done at home.
The college will provide enough tools for you to use in class, but you may well want to buy some for your own use. Your tutors will advise you on this.
For each day you will need to bring notebooks, pens and pencils and will find a camera useful for ‘taking notes’ and images of work in progress.
If you do not have access to a computer, you will be able to arrange access to a PC at City Lit, in the Supported Learning Centre.
Before you can enrol on this course, you will need to submit an application and a sample portfolio of your work, via our online application system. Without this, the enrolment team will be unable to process your enrolment.

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

Short basketry courses run throughout the year. Have a look at the website.