London

Carol Eckert

Fabric sculptor | Tempe, United States

A coil of natural connection

Carol creates coiled fibre pieces inspired by cabinets of curiosity
After training as an artist, she discovered basketry and has made it her own
Her work explores humanity’s complex relationship with nature

Carol Eckert studied painting and worked with a range of artistic media before discovering basketry. Her exploration of the medium evolved from a smaller, vessel-based practice to creating freestanding sculptural pieces. Looking to ecology, mythology and art history, Carol uses the craft to interrogate the tensions in how humans interact with the natural world, both historically and today. “I am fascinated by how Western explorers went out into the world, shot everything in sight and brought specimens back. It started with cabinets of curiosity,” she says. “It is something I loved as a child, but it is also a pretty horrifying way for humans to interact with the world.” Carol’s coiled fibre artworks speaks to humans’ enduring connection with nature in their subjects and materials.

Interview

When did you discover your craft?: It was by accident. I trained as a painter, and then I was working with clay and struggling. I came across a simple diagram about coil basketry and it felt right. I did not know the proper way to do things, so I just made things up. And it worked.
Do you feel a desire to preserve any particular traditions?: Basketry is so ancient. People often refer to it as the oldest technology. If you go back far enough, basketry was highly experimental. I am not preserving any particular traditions, but I feel like I am continuing that original spirit of invention.
How does your creative process unfold?: My ideas often develop from art history and mythology. I usually start with a sketch then blow it up to a full size drawing that I use like a tapestry cartoon. I put the pieces right on top of it to control the form and choose all the colours in advance.
Where does your approach to nature originate?: Early art and mythology show a deep respect for nature. But, as civilisation progressed, you start to see the theme of man’s dominion over nature. I am especially fascinated by how Western explorers went out into the world and brought back specimens for display in natural history museums.

Carol Eckert is a master artisan: she began her career in 1983 and she started teaching in 1980s