Canada Weaves

In 1985 I set out to make a living from making functional objects from homegrown, indigenous materials. My aim is to practice using the inherent nature of these materials to the best of my knowledge, ability and experience, continuing to be innovative whilst maintaining the heritage of this craft. I have work features in many collections, I work to commission, teach at all levels in both making and growing and I wrote a book called Willow, a beginners guide to growing and making. In my fourth decade of working with willow I am pleasantly surprised that my passion for my craft continues to be as strong as ever.

Discovering the world of willow, wickerwork and basketry was like finding a new love. The fascination of using my hands, learning an old handicraft and slowly identifying a new world, added a new dimension to my life. I experienced time and again – when my frustration was massive and the baskets no good - suddenly to break through and uncover a new form. To wake up in the middle of the night, my head full of images of baskets, and just know exactly how they were supposed to feel and look. For 30 years I have been teaching basketry in Denmark and other countries. I use the old techniques to create what my hands and heart tell me. For 20 years I have been teaching new design for weaving groups in different countries in Africa.

I have written two books: Bark – a wonderful world, and “Fletterier”

In 2023 I launched the basketry app Baskets2day and Flet Nu.

Insta: anelyngsgaard, baskets_2day

Facebook: Ane Lyngsgaard

My name is Stephen Jerome. I am from the First Nations community of Gesgapegiag in the province of Quebec. I am an ancestral black ash basketmaker. This tradition was taught to me, as a child, by my father Francis Jerome. My father suffered from Multiple Sclerosis and was confined to a wheelchair. He passed away at the age of 54 back in 2002. I thank him every day for these special teachings. The MikMaq tradition of basketmaking lives on through my hands and my heart.