How is your craft linked to your region?
I am considered to be ‘the doctor of giants' in Belgium. This is my way of contributing to my country’s cultural heritage. I have worked on processional giants for the House of Giants museum in the city of Ath, as well as for many private individuals, associations, cities and municipalities.
How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?
I make traditional functional baskets, such as grocery baskets, and also heritage and re-enactment baskets, old-timer car and motor baskets, cradles and inner structures of giants. To be innovative, I collaborate with different experts, from interior to fashion designers.
© Lieve Lieckens
What does “well made” mean to you?
It depends on the perspective. For myself, I look for artisanal excellence in all my creations, to make unique products that can last a lifetime. For my students, I want them to have a feeling of success and fulfillment regardless of their level.
Could your craft be considered in danger?
Yes. There are only a couple of professional basket weavers left in Belgium. To my knowledge I am the only creator of the inner structures for giants left. At the time of writing, there is no heritage programme for the preservation of this craft, which is very unfortunate.