Basketry NSW Brush Kurrajong Workshop with Mary Preece

BASKETRY NSW MEMBERS ONLY

Often considered a weed by ecologists, Brush Kurrajong, (Commersonia fraseri) is a versatile native plant which supplies fibre with which to create. Mary has spent several years investigating this fibre through her studio practice, after being introduced to it by weaver Jim Walliss. Widespread in eastern Australia, Brush Kurrajong requires specific techniques to prepare the fibre for use in string making, plaiting, coiling, twining, dyeing, moulding and sculptural work.

Mary will share with you her knowledge including the identification of this plant, harvesting and preparation of the fibre, use of outer bark for dyeing and methods of construction. You will be able to bring your own skills to this workshop and combine techniques to make a sculptural vessel.

We will work with both green- just harvested- fibre as well as pre-dried fibre. The bark fibre and some tools will be supplied by Mary. The cost reflects the time needed to source, harvest and prepare the fibre.

What to bring:

A tea/coffee cup
Your lunch
A blunt, strong paring knife
Large safety pin for stripping fibre
2 or 3 towels
3 or 4 containers for fibre types- 2 litres size plastic tubs or boxes
Bucket- household type
Strong kitchen or garden scissors
Waxed linen thread- size 3 to 12