Clare is a fully qualified Teacher, Basketmaker, Environmental Artist and Accredited Learning through Landscapes Trainer. She is a highly skilled basket maker specialising in traditional and contemporary Welsh Baskets.  She has taught at a National level for the UK Basketmaker’s Association and has provided consultancy and training in all aspects of Willow Work and Community Space Development – from cultivation to large scale sculpture and basketmaking, at all levels up to Local Authority and National level.  Clare is passionate about the environment and nature conservation and has a wealth of experience of designing school ground and community enhancement art and craft project.

 

Clare makes traditional and non-traditional welsh baskets and other willow items inspired by the colours and materials of the landscape around her. She is passionate about working with natural, sustainable materials found in the local countryside, hazel, willow and birch in particular.  Clare also grows her own materials in her garden, on her field in Pembrokeshire and local community spaces. She weaves these materials into functional, useful baskets, sculptures and items for the home and garden, using age-old traditional techniques and designs but adding her own sense of individuality in terms of the colours and decorative features. Clare is particularly interested in local baskets and regularly makes the round Cyntell in a variety of sizes, the lighter weight Welsh shopper and Welsh Tea Things basket and the Gower Cockle Picking Basket.  She enjoys the fact that these baskets have been woven and used throughout time in Wales having learned the skills and techniques for weaving these baskets from master craftsmen who are dedicated to passing on their skills. Similarly, Clare committed to sharing her own skills with others through high quality teaching and considers this an important part of her work. Clare has established her own Welsh Basket company and works with Coastal Community Arts to promote heritage crafts.