Craft Lab is an inspiring annual event associated with the Ballarat Heritage Festival. In May 2022 I exhibited 3 random weave forms that sat alongside other craft works on centrally located tables in the Ballarat Mining Exchange.
In May 2023 I participated in Craft Lab by inhabiting a cubicle where I exhibited and demonstrated how to create sculptural baskets. I invited the audience to participate in a number of ways such as the simple act of donating recycled shoe laces, learning how to split flax, helping to coil a community basket and brainstorming the theme of Craft Lab 2023 (Light and Dark) through writing and drawing. 15 other Artisans demonstrated their skills for Craft Lab, for more information about their work and the event please go to – https://www.creativeballarat.com.au/craftdesign
The event ran over 2 weekends, with artisans offering workshops during the week in-between. On the first weekend (Sat 20th & Sun 21st May) we had a large number of people visit and I demonstrated by splitting NZ flax into a fine “flax floss” and stitching it onto a chicken wire framework to create a double basket. I also invited the audience to contribute to brainstorming the theme of Craft Lab (Light and Dark) through writing and drawing.
On Tuesday 23rd May I ran a 3 hour coiled basketry workshop where participants were guided to start their basket and shown how to finish it at home.
There was a glamorous dinner called “The Great Takeaway” where diners got to take home their handmade crockery and napkins.
On the second weekend (Sat 27th and Sun 28th May) I coiled a basket using recycled and preloved shoelaces! Many visitors also took the opportunity to make a stitch (or two) into a community basket and contribute to the Dark and Light Brainstorm. The start of my creative process involves drawing and writing, so I invited the audience to enter into this process with me. I explained that when I think of Dark and Light I think of plants and this time of year its all about willow! A coppiced willow plant is losing its leaves and going dormant above ground this time of year. Below ground there is still so much going on!
What a wonderful experience to work with a group of Artisans to present the immersive experience that is Craft Lab. The audience expressed appreciation for the effort that we all made as they wandered through the beautiful space, that is the Mining Exchange in Ballarat. We demonstrated our skills, talked about our making processes and even invited people to have a go!!
Jodie Goldring 