January 2006 Feature: Highlands Inspire the Big Willow

The Big Willow event brings internationally renowned artist, Patrick Dougherty of North Carolina, USA to the Brahan Estate as artist in residence in May 2006 when he will create a big willow sculpture assisted by members of the Scottish Basketmakers Circle.

Artists, makers and visitors from all over Britain will visit the estate for the opportunity to develop their work in a stunning and inspirational landscape alongside Patrick and other makers. Find out more about Patrick’s work at http://www.stickwork.net

The event aims to get as many other people as possible involved, from local school children to sculpture students, willow workers, basket makers and the general public.

Na Hale 'o waiawi.

The project will also promote and encourage the public’s awareness of the natural environment and woodlands, the use of natural materials in basket making and the skills needed to utilise them.

The sculpture, which will take three weeks to construct, will be the centrepiece of the opening event on the 27 May 2006 and will stand until deconstruction in an event one year later as part of Highland Councils designated ‘The Year of Highland Culture 2007’programme.

The Ross shire photographer, Fin Macrae will document and photograph the sculpture during all stages of construction and details will be added to the Big Willow website.

As part of the Big Willow event, The Scottish Basketmakers Circle is seeking to appoint two makers in residence based at the Brahan Estate for 14 days during May 2006.

To compliment the Big Willow event the Highland Council Exhibitions Unit will curate a related touring exhibition, ‘Pushing the Boundaries’ to show new and innovative work from Scottish Basketmakers Circle members. The opening will take place in Inverness on the 26 May 2006 as part of a weekend of celebration for the opening of Patrick’s sculpture on the 27 May.

The title ‘Pushing the Boundaries’ reflects the direction of the exhibition. The Scottish Basketmakers Circle sees this as an opportunity to extend and challenge their members, to push their making and working practice in new and innovative ways.

The Big Willow event is funded by the Scottish Arts Council (National Lottery, Access and Participation) and Ross and Cromarty Enterprise with further support from Highland Council, Brahan Estate and the Scottish Basketmakers Circle. The exhibition is funded by the Scottish Arts Council Highland Council.

© Tina Rose, 2005

BIG WILLOW: THE STORY OF THE STONES (SGEULACHDAN NAN CLACHAN) (Brahan Estate, 26 May 2007) GEORGINA COBURN sees the burning sculptures as the highlight of an enjoyable finale to the Big Willow project.THE BIG WILLOW ART PROJECT / PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES – NEW WORK FROM THE SCOTTISH BASKETMAKERS CIRCLE (Brahan Estate, Marybank, Ross-shire, until May 2007 / Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, until 17 June; Iona Gallery, Kingussie, 24 June-15 July; Swanson Gallery, Thurso, 12 August-9 September; St Fergus Gallery, Wick, 16 September-14 October 2006) GEORGINA COBURN looks at two related exhibitions centred on working with willow.

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