Karen Bek

Karen Bek's work often incorporates other natural found or coppiced materials that are used as handles or bases and enable unique pieces to be formed. The design process starts with a well used traditional willow basketry element and is modified with more contemporary weaves to produce designs that can be replicated but not mass produced.  Each basket is entirely handmade from renewable materials.

Karen's background is in therapeutic horticulture which influences her basketry work and teaching. She designs workshops to be therapeutic and mindful as well as educational.  As a gardener and craftsperson, it is important to her that she grows the willow and be involved in each stage of producing a basket, from planting a willow cutting, to harvesting and soaking ready for weaving.