Contemporary Baskets

Boulder Form 2 detail

Contemporary Baskets and Sculpture by Sue Kirk

Inspired by natural forms such as pebbles and boulders

My work is inspired by weighty natural forms such as pebbles and boulders and man-made forms especially large scale ceramic vases. I have been in awe of the work of Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth since I studied at Bretton Hall and had access to The Yorkshire Sculpture Park . When weaving these baskets I feel as though I am building sculptural forms, i create curvaceous pieces with bulbous curved side walls. I blend coloured willows together in order to create a painterly finish. I enjoy using highly textured multi-strand weaves. Usually each basket informs the next one.

Recently i began working on a series of large scale sculptures for the exhibition 'Woven from the Field'.  The Boulder Forms are inspired by the way in which the natural elements erode huge rocks and boulders over millions of years. I wove the willow across the surface of the form to represent the journey the wind, sea and rain has repeatedly taken as it passed across the surface of the rock. The curving and bending willow rods enhance the form and create a feeling of fluidity and movement. 

If you would like to commission a contemporary basket or sculpture contact Sue to discuss. We are now shipping to the USA.

STOCKISTS

The Stratford Gallery, Broadway, Cotswolds          www.thestratfordgallery.co.uk

Black Creek Mercantile & Trading Co, Kingston, NY    www.blackcreekmt.com

 

  • 07415 240944
  • suekirkwillowbaskets@outlook.com
SUE KIRK-Tick Tock Weave Baskets
Fine Asymmetric 1
Boulder Form 4 (side view)
Boulder Form 4
Extra Large Curvaceous Asymmetrics
Boulder form 5
SUE KIRK Extra Large Curvaceous Asymmetric
Boulder Form 3
Contemporary Baskets for Houghton Hall , The Stables. Norfolk By Design 2019
Sue Kirk Boulder Forms
Inside the Boulder Form
Sue Kirk Close up Asymmetric
DSC_0039
Boulder Form 5 detail
oval herringbone weave basket (2)
Boulder Form 2
bulbous herringbone weave basket
Pebbles 1-6
Sue Kirk Asymmetric baskets
DSC_0021 (2)
SUE KIRK-Red Tick Tock Weave Basket with Hazel Handle
SUE KIRK Red Oval Herringbone Weave Basket with Hazel Handle
Boulder Form 6 Sue Kirk
Sue Kirk 6
oval bulbous hazel handle
pebble sold
Large scale oval herringbone weave basket
pebble 3
DSC_0113
pebble 2

Our 2025 Workshop Programme

There are spaces available on the following workshops in 2025.

If you are a beginner and want to try willow weaving for the first time we have three fabulous tutors who will be teaching here in April and October. Judi Evans will be teaching Spring Garden Structures and Round Shoppers. Emma and Stuart from the Coddiwomplers will be teaching Bird feeders as well as Spirals and Plaits. They are all experts in teaching beginners and have some fun projects to teach. These introductory courses are designed to give you a flavour of working with willow.

If you fancy working with materials other than willow, we are also offering the following courses:

*Ply-Split Braiding with Helen Leach using cord, wool, cotton and linen.

*Random Weave Baskets with Polly Pollock using glossy lapping cane cane and paper yarn.

*Arch and Nut Baskets using rush and hazel with Nadine Anderson.

Judy Simmonds will also be here in November to teach the beautiful willow Celtic Knot Basket which is an incredible structure, held together with tension and balance.