My willow work is influenced by the natural environment all around me. Using much of my own grown willow I create work that is often functional and connected to the land.

I love being able to create something from just a bunch of sticks. Willow is so flexible and strong it can be woven into almost anything only limited by my skill and imagination. I enjoy the physical nature of what I do, that along with the repetitiveness of weaving keeps me completely absorbed while I work and I am always reminded of the people and cultures all around the world that have their own weaving traditions.

I’m constantly inspired by the windswept landscapes of the Moors and the gentler valleys below. Willow grows along our waterways and on the hills in any sunny spots. I regularly walk and enjoy the interconnectivity between the trees, other plants, insects and birds. It really inspires my working practice. I feel very lucky to live and work in such an inspiring place and that I get to work with a material that has so many positive attributes.

Visit Joe’s page for contact details and links.

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Photos of Joe by Lucy Cartwright