I joined a local two-day basket making workshop many years ago. I remember the joy of transforming straight sticks into a round basket and being fully absorbed. I kept making and once I acquired a level of skill, I applied for the City and Guilds course.

I am inspired by the landscape in which I live, by nature and the woods I walk in. Shapes in all their disciplines inform me whether it is furniture, fashion or sculptures. Woven willow and baskets depicted in paintings fascinate me too.

I start every piece I make from willow by carefully sorting the willow into different lengths and thickness. Willow has to be soaked for a number of days and left to mellow so I have to ensure that I have all the right materials ready before I begin a project.

I respect the highly skilled work of the traditional basket maker, the often unwritten techniques of past and present. I strive constantly to improve the quality of my work. I value this tradition passed down for generations; I want to ensure it continues.