With a one day course in willow sculpture coming up we headed to the lanes nearby to collect some materials. Though the course was to focus primarily on introducing willow as a sculpture material it is beneficial for new and developing practitioners to get their hands – literally – on a variety of hedgerow woods to introduce a variety of colours, textures and structural strengths.
Willow for sculpture can be bought affordably and in great quantity and quality at the Somerset Levels Basket and Craft Centre. There are of course many other retailers of willow and willow products but this is where we go when we want to purchase willow rather than run up and down the hedgerows looking for it. The great advantage of buying your willow for sculpture is that you get a consistent height and thickness of withy and you can purchase particular types of willow for varying effects and structural types – from basket making to large scale animal sculpture or living willow garden features. Though we had decided to collect some materials from the hedgerows we also bought in a few bundles to ensure the students gained experience using commercially available willow to give them the experience to explore their options for future sculpture efforts.
Young willow branches on an old willow tree by the road
So on a very cold and misty day we found ourselves wandering around the Somerset landscape with some shears and a keen eye for willow, hazel and dogwood trees. We follow some strict rules when collecting materials in public space:
- Don’t take more than is needed
- Treat the trees and hedges with respect. Don’t just slash and grab at them
- Ask permission where needed. It is only polite and most farmers will be more than happy for you to prune a few branches here and there
- Always be aware of any impact on wildlife. For example, when collecting hazel you should be aware that the protected and increasingly endangered Dormouse tends to nest in hazel hedges.
Even when taking these simple rules into acount collecting materials for sculpture need not take all day and it is a rewarding and healthy activity (despite the freezing tempratures!).
Hazel Hedgerow outside Wells, Somerset
The tall hazel rods available in the hedgerow in the picture above are great for structural support in willow obelisks and tall animals. This is a commonly available material and is easy to harvest with good shears. However, be careful when reaching in to collect the cut rods as they are vey sharp as the picture below attests.
Take care in the Hedgerow! (Maybe those gloves aren't really suitable?)
After driving to a few different spots on the levels we had a car load of wild dogwood, hazel and willow with the added bonus of a found cane foot stool which will be treated and painted for use in the garden. While we were cutting dogwood on the road near the recycling centre the foot stool came loose on a passing car and ended up in the middle of the road. As they continued going and left it in the road for the other drivers to deal with we felt it a good idea to collect it.
Sculpture materials and a foot stool!
The one day course was held on Saturday the 30th of January at Churchill School and shortly we will publish a review of the day with pictures of the work made. For details of courses available please visit the Wicked Witchery Education page or contact us using the form below.
