I am Chaz Friend , one time teacher for 24 years, now full time willow artist and willow craft tutor since 2014.
I use cultivated willow to create items out of willow and basketry forms. I build steel armatures to make sculptures with a woven willow skin.
I work in schools ( and other groups such as scouts and guides, gardening groups and WI as well as businesses) across the Midlands and beyond, teaching ancient craft skills and making sculptural pieces. I run monthly courses in Nuneaton.
Focus:
Teaching willow skills and making sculptures with metal armatures and basketry.
Commissions:
Available for commissions
I have a deep love for nature and this inspires many of my creative activities and crafted items. Something I love about this craft is the sustainable nature of the processes and how you work with natural materials that miraculously replenish themselves. I have my own small willow bed where I grow some of the more unusual willow varieties which I coppice each year. There is very little waste with these processes and willow, when left just folds itself back into the landscape.
I am Chaz Friend , one time teacher for 24 years, now full time willow artist and willow craft tutor since 2014.
I use cultivated willow to create items out of willow and basketry forms. I build steel armatures to make sculptures with a woven willow skin.
I work in schools ( and other groups such as scouts and guides, gardening groups and WI as well as businesses) across the Midlands and beyond, teaching ancient craft skills and making sculptural pieces. I run monthly courses in Nuneaton.
Focus:
Teaching willow skills and making sculptures with metal armatures and basketry.
Commissions:
Available for commissions
I have a deep love for nature and this inspires many of my creative activities and crafted items. Something I love about this craft is the sustainable nature of the processes and how you work with natural materials that miraculously replenish themselves. I have my own small willow bed where I grow some of the more unusual willow varieties which I coppice each year. There is very little waste with these processes and willow, when left just folds itself back into the landscape.
