Customer Reviews

The Art of Basketry

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If this review were being written for a tabloid publication, I might title it "Kari Lonning Reveals All"; all, that is, of the unique techniques that she uses to create the signature wicker baskets by which she is recognized world-wide.

Most basketry books, written by well-known artists, give very good basic techniques but stop short of giving instructions in the way the work was made to be distinctive. Not so with The Art of Basketry.

Beginning with the basics, she soon follows with clearly written instructions, illustrated with color photograph step-by-step sequences of her distinctive styles: her double wall cone shaped pieces, her "hairy" baskets, her grid bases and her beautiful color patterning. For example, her spiral patterns look very different from the wicker spirals I have been taught. How does she do it? By using 4,5, even 6 rod waling- that's how.

All illustrations are done with color photographs, not diagrams. Many full color photographs of her work are included.

The remainder of the book explores the work of 23 other recognized baskets artists such as Leon Niehues, Dona Look and the McColleys. They each give their artist's statement, their motivation, and some "hints" at how their items are created. Again full color photographs of their work make each page interesting and beautiful.

This book is a "must have" for anyone wanting to expand their wicker basketry skill to "beyond the ordinary". It is also for anyone interested in a collection of photographs of artistic baskets and for anyone who works with design through color combinations.

I would highly recommend it.

This book contains excellent photos and excellent instructions which work together to show an advanced weaver how to make complex round-reed baskets. The designs are stunning. The second half of the book features basket weavers other than Kari Lonnig, with photos of their baskets and discussion of their techniques, told in first person. An excellent addition to anyone's basket-weaving library.

I discovered Kari's work on her Facebook page, and was excited to find out she had written a book. Sadly, the book is out of print, but at least you can still find it on Amazon from third party sellers.

This is an instruction book as well as a beautifully illustrated book. Kari's techniques are advanced, but the instructions are well done and should steer most people through the process. She shows things like double walled baskets, the "Hairy" technique (where spokes protrude out of the basket in a delightful contemporary appearing way) and she uses dyes like a paint pallete.

In addition, there is a wonderful gallery of photos from other basketry artists. I highly recommend this book!

This book is extremely well written, and if the reader carefully follows Ms. Lonning's instructions, which are accompanied by wonderful color photos, he or she can also produce lovely baskets like these. Some of Lonning's baskets sell for thousands of dollars and yet she generously explains how we can make them as well. In the book she also gives info on where to purchase the requisite materials. If you are unfamiliar with her exquisite baskets, her website, [...], has a gallery of her work along with their prices.

Following her basket-making instructions are "bio-sketches" of 23 artists along with photos of their work. Some of the artists also detail how their baskets are constructed in case the reader also wants to try making them.

I highly, highly recommend this wonderful book.