Basket-maker Louise’s work heads to ‘Big Apple’

This is the first international exhibition for Louise and she is the only chosen artist from Ireland to showcase her artwork.

She told The Coleraine Times: ““I’m so excited that my work will be jetting off to be part of a New York exhibition. I’m thrilled they loved the submission.

“Exhibitions often put out a ;call for artists’ via email, inviting you to submit imagery of your work you feel may suit the theme or title of the exhibition.

“This one is entitled “New Weaves” Sculptural Basketry in the 21st century.

“It’s a bit of a waiting game as the panel assess if your chosen piece and artist statement are what they are looking for, if it is appropriate in styleor quality.

“I initially submitted one image and I am delighted that they have now asked if I can send others also.”

Louise works at Atlantic Craft NI were she runs workshops based on the beautiful Causeway coastline outside Portrush.

Her unique design concept and style of basketry is often influenced by the rugged coastline and landscape of the north coast.

She uses a wide range of natural mediums within her work, some of which includes driftwood and seaweed from the coast.

This is not the first of Louise’s growing list of achievements as she previously worked on the Windsor Garden arches for the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation.

Louise sprang to prominence when she was the ITV ‘This Morning’ Northern Ireland winner and UK finalist of ‘Britain’s Craftiest’ competition.

Louise went back as an adult learner in 2001 to study Traditional Heritage Craft Skills and fell in love with all traditional crafts.

Her main areas of expertise are wood carving, basketry and willow sculpture.

When on holiday two years ago in Christchurch, Louise took up the opportunity to also try weaving with New Zealand flax and spent time with renowned artist Ali Brown.

Her work willbe exhibited in New York from February 22 to March 22.