About
Zoe has been a willow sculptor and teacher for over 15 years.
She has worked with Longfield Hospice Care, NHS 2gether Trust, Airbus, Gloucestershire College, Maggies, Rainbow Transformations CIC, and many more.
a 10-minute interview with Zoe
How did you discover that you could create beautiful objects out of willow?
I love sketching, and I found willow after working on community projects about fifteen years ago. I needed a material that was safe and easy to work with for people of all abilities and ages. I love that with willow I can create a sketch in 3D. I’m drawing with sticks, building up the image as I progress a piece.
Have you had any formal training? How do you learn new techniques?
I trained as an artist at Plymouth art college but specialised in photography and my early work was always inspired by movement. Dancers, motion, light abstractions and anything that made you look twice. I’ve been on a few courses, much like the ones I run, to learn new techniques and also find that a good way to learn is to experiment and work things out in a structural manner.
Do you have a willow mentor?
I love the work of Bob Johnson, the way he draws the details on his sculptures is just amazing. I find hashing out ideas with other creatives really useful, no matter what their discipline. It helps the sparks to fly on project ideas!
What kind of willow do you like to work with?
The willow I use is a mixture of types. there are so many great names: Black Maul, Whizzender, Flanders Red, Britteny Green, to name a few. But I love to combine other types too, there are so many. I love to use freshly cut green willow as it has a bright colour to it and you can work with it more spontaneously as it doesn’t need soaking for days! The best thing is to go for a walk and forage some weaveable materials, dogwood is particularly good as it has such a beautiful red hue. Hazel works well too - if you can wrap it around your wrist, you can weave with it!
What is your dream commission?
I love to work on projects where there is a two-way creative process with a client. Being given a brief or concept to interpret and imagine is really exciting.
You have a background in education ~ what do you enjoy about teaching?
I love that moment when a person gets that spark of excitement from creating something, the connection between brain and hands. My main pleasure in teaching is helping people feel confident in themselves and lift their mood and self confidence. That’s why I love working at the hospice and have worked on numerous community projects.
What is your long term goal for Luna Loves Willow?
The long term goal is that Luna Loves Willow becomes a sustainable business that allows me to create more sculptures and one off pieces. I love teaching the workshops too and sharing my love of craft with others.