Tom Hare

I work with greenwood, specifically willow to create large woven sculpture to commission.

I've always loved vessels so it seemed natural to progress from throwing pots (an early creative endeavour) to building baskets through to making baskets to hold people this then became the foundation for the sculptural techniques I'm using and developing today.

I was first introduced to willow on a weekend course when my imagination was captured by the endless possibilities of this truly amazing plant. Willow is the perfect example of a sustainable material, which can be woven into forms with such spontaneity.

The whole process of producing willow sculpture is very grounding. The connection with nature, through coppicing and transferring observations into design, can be a humbling experience, and a physical one too.

The willow has its own character with evocative qualities. Through time an understanding of this develops, which together with a bundle of patience, are all woven into the final creation.

I teach basketry, furniture making and contemporary willow work in educational and community settings. Connecting with people and sharing the process is a fundamental part of my work.

My more recent commissions have been largely botanical, scaling and magnifying detail. 

The picture on the right is a recent commission for Apple installed on Bishopsgate Rd, central London - "Very interesting to see my work in this more polished setting. The baseplate was designed to give the apple a floating appearance which I’m really pleased with and the shadow and reflections suggest the other half of the apple".

Click here to see this video showing the process of creating large scale willow sculptures.