HOW&WOW BASK IT! – Dutch Design Week 2021

HOW&WOW BASK IT! is an initiative by Crafts Council Nederland in collaboration with Adrianus Kundert, designer and co-founder of Basketclub.

With HOW&WOW BASK IT! – literally translated as ‘cherish it!’ – we take you into the world of basketry and showcase the many aspects of three-dimensional weaving: the unique properties, creative techniques, new applications, cultural exchange and conservation.

Basket weaving is a 3D construction technique where the maker uses both hands and only a few tools to create a three-dimensional shape. The craft has evolved over time, as has its significance. Few people realize that all woven baskets, furniture and accessories are handmade, including those available at well-known chains. Due to a lack of appreciation, this time-consuming technique is scarcely practiced in the West.

In this era of globalization, digitization and robotics, it is important to highlight the unique human qualities of making. Craftwork provides satisfaction, makers have control over their own work and can express their individuality. It is no coincidence that during the pandemic, the online community Basketclub emerged. Adrianus Kundert (Netherlands) and Jamie Wolfond (Canada) connected via Instagram and took the initiative to create a digital community centered around basket making.

HOW&WOW BASK IT! highlights the versatility of the basketry craft.

Participants: Adrianus Kundert, Amandine David, Anaïs Godefroy, Bertjan Pot, Carole Baijings, Chris Kabel, Christopher Specce, Clara von Zweigbergk, dach&zephir, Earnest Studio, Emma Cogné, Esmé Hofman, Esther van Schuylenbergh, Evey Kwong, Fango, Garth Roberts, GREATMINOR, Hella Jongerius, Hsiao Fong, Ief Spincemaille, Ineke van der Sommen, Jamie Wolfond, Joris van Tubergen, Koos Rauws, Léa Mazy, Lenny Stöpp, Lois Walpole, Lou Cruard, Mae Engelgeer & Ames, Mandenmakerij de Mythe, Michael Schoner, Nathalie Miebach, Nationaal Vlechtmuseum Noordwolde, Rebecca Collins, Rein Reitsma, Renaud Defrancesco & Anne Bertoncini, Rik van Veen, Rob van Hernen, Samy Rio, SCMP DESIGN OFFICE, Sebastian Herkner, Shigeki Fujishiro, Simone Post, Studio Satël, Tamara Orjola, Thomas van der Sman and Yuki Hidano.

Basketclub

Basketclub was founded during the global pandemic, which began in 2020, by Adrianus Kundert and Jamie Wolfond. This Instagram initiative aims to connect makers with a passion for basket weaving. By posting a monthly challenge on Instagram in the form of an emoji, makers are creatively challenged. At the end of each month, the results are shared.

Brief 23 – Basketclub x Crafts Council Nederland 

A part of the annual BASK IT! program was a challenge in which participants were invited to create a basket. Some of the baskets were selected for the exhibition.

Crossing Parellels – Amandine David en Esmé Hofman

With Crossing Parallels, the makers explore the interaction between the coiling weaving technique and 3D printing. The two techniques were chosen deliberately as they both operate on the same principle: building up the shape from layers. Through this collaboration, they aim to combine their knowledge and engage in creative experimentation.

Grafmand Purpurea – Mandenmakerij de Mythe

It takes years to become a skilled basket maker. Weaving funeral baskets holds a special place within this craft. Due to their size and shape, it is a labor-intensive process. Although funeral baskets are buried underground and may seem like a thankless task, this willow basket offers an environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing alternative to conventional coffins.

Baba Tree Basket – The Baba Tree Basket Company

Baba Tree works with a community of 250 artisans in Ghana. Through the production of unique baskets made from elephant grass, Baba Tree supports the preservation of basket weaving techniques in the Gurunsi community. Each basket comes with information about its maker, adding a personal touch to every purchase.

Unfoldable Cubes – Hella Jongerius

Jongerius has been experimenting with three-dimensional weaving techniques for several years, together with her team at Jongeriuslab. She believes that technique contributes to the development of society and cultural values. Objects also respond to the question of how we want to live. The Unfoldable Cubes are the result of research into weaving multilayered constructions that can be unfolded into spatial structures. Some of the Unfoldable Cubes have added functions, such as photovoltaic strips and energy-conducting yarns, to unfold and activate these woven structures.

Hanging Basket & Twinelight – Adrianus Kundert

Beehives – Rob van Hernen

Beehives were made long before our era, with the goal of making honey harvesting easier. From the Middle Ages onwards, beehives also appeared in Europe. They are made using the coiling technique, utilizing various local materials such as tree roots, rattan, and bale twine. Sometimes, the hives are coated with cow dung for protection and to make them waterproof.

Brief 18 – Basketclub x Dedon

DEDON collaborated with Basketclub to challenge more than 20 international designers to weave a basket using DEDON materials. In April 2021, various makers created unique designs based on the ‘Sun of May’ emoji, originally a symbol of independence for Argentina and Uruguay, but today primarily spreading warmth and positivity digitally and globally.

Cadavre Exquis – Chris Kabel & Bertjan Pot

Every month, Chris Kabel and Bertjan Pot exchange initial sketches of small baskets that they each weave using different techniques. The challenge is for each to complete the design in their own unique way.

Rope – Ief Spincemaille

Rope is an extremely large woven rope but cannot be used in its current form. By placing Rope in public spaces, Spincemaille encourages passersby to engage with the rope and experience the environment in a new way.

Handle with Care – Esmé Hofman

Hofman is a basketry designer and one of the world’s most renowned weavers. She has created a selection of unique woven pouches and bags. Style icon Jane Birkin was the first to introduce the “basket bags” as a fashion accessory. She paired them with a white blouse and jeans—a timeless combination.

Rattle – Mandenmakerij de Mythe

The rattle is woven from seven willow twigs, each containing seven stones. The twigs represent the seven virtues, which keep the seven deadly sins (the stones) in check. Traditionally, the rattle is given to parents “so that the child will be protected from evil and grow up in peace and happiness.”

Bakermat – Maker unknown

A “bakermat” is a long, shallow basket used for caring for a baby. The bakermat has a high back to protect the child from drafts and the heat of the fire. If a bakermat was placed too close to the fire, the child could be ‘heetgebakerd’ (hot-baked), a term still used in Dutch.

On loan from: Nationaal Vlechtmuseum Noordwolde

Ojitos – Mae Engelgeer x Ames

Ames was founded by Colombian Ana Maria Kayser. She works with over 700 artisans from Colombia and designers from Europe. Ojitos was designed by Mae Engelgeer and is inspired by the beauty of the Colombian landscape. The wall decoration is made from fibers of the ficus palm leaves and crafted using the traditional coiling technique.

Bottles – Maker unknown

Mat beater – Maker unknown

The mat beater is woven from willow twigs or rattan. It is used to beat dust out of mats and rugs. The number of strands in the weaving determines how stiff or flexible the mat beater is.

Loan: National Basketry Museum Noordwolde

3D Vlechtmechaniek – Adrianus Kundert

This machine illustrates Kundert’s vision of how baskets could be produced in the future. He is exploring whether he can transform a rope weaving machine to create spatial forms. If successful, this could be one of the first weaving mechanisms capable of weaving 3D volumes.

The Vault Stool – Rebecca Collins

The Vault Stool is a lightweight stool made from woven carbon fibers. Traditional techniques and modern materials come together. The stool’s structure is accentuated by the rounded edges that evoke vaulted arches in architecture.

Shield

Although there is a demand for more advanced bulletproof materials, the woven shield (now equipped with a fire-resistant cover and padding) remains part of the standard equipment for the Mobile Unit of the police. It is lightweight, flexible, and strong.

Loan: National Basket Museum Noordwolde

Raphia – Said Belhadj

Belhadj lives and works in Utrecht and travels regularly to Morocco, the country where his parents come from. There, he collaborates with local artisans to produce shoes made entirely from natural materials: dried palm leaves from the Raphia taedigera, a palm tree that primarily grows in tropical Africa.