Constellation of Colour – Polly Pollock

A collection of small, coiled baskets forming a group, or constellation. They are made using coiled basketry techniques, with different stitches providing variations in texture. Each piece is worked around a “core” material of cotton-cord; and the wrapping and stitching is tapestry weaving wool which was given to me – several big bags of wool in an amazing array of colours.
I am often drawn to bright colours and also enjoy including bursts of contrasting colour to bring even more life to a piece. Some have very simple finishes; others are far more elaborate and decorative which are fun to work and give an added exuberance to these small baskets.
It’s interesting to make collections of small baskets, which although individually are lovely to hold in the hand, work so well grouped together to form constellations of colour, texture and form. There are many intersections between basketry and textiles. I first came to basketry over 30 years ago through an interest in textiles, in particular constructed textiles, which began at school. Over the past 5 or more years my basketry practice has been moving slowly towards incorporating materials which are more conventionally associated with textiles. Although I would still very much consider my work to be basketry it’s very interesting to see my early textile interests re-emerging in my work.