Esmé Hofman

Basketweaver

Beyond the borders of basketry

Esmé trained at the German basketry school in Lichtenfels
Her repertoire was enriched by fellow craftsmen and crafts
Her work ranges from the traditional to the contemporary

Basketmaker Esmé Hofman likes to push the boundaries of her craft. Her colourful works use natural stems, leaves and bark as well as wire, plastics, vellum and paper, while her techniques include coiling, plaiting, and stake and strand. She also creates woven furniture, and specialises in fine skein work. “As a modern craftswoman, I am prepared to look beyond the borders of this traditional craft. This gives me freedom to explore creative possibilities and generates other ways of making,” she says. Nowadays the designer, who trained in the town known as Germany’s basketmaking capital, works with and for designers, artists, museums and private costumers.

Interview

When did you know basketry was what you wanted to do in life?: In 1994 I took a five-day beginners workshop in the Netherlands. There, everything fell into place and I decided to pursue this craft. Making, history, design, art, nature – basketmaking combines it all. It was like falling in love.
How is craftsmanship relevant today?: To me craft is about making beautiful, authentic high quality products. Traditional skills and contemporary design should go hand in hand. By looking at an object you should be able to see that it was made with love, and with dedication to the chosen technique and material.
Is it important to pass on these traditions?: Yes. Preserving the craft and making sure it has a secure base in the future is just as important. I hope to achieve this by teaching and researching, as well as making. People are often surprised that the work I make is still to be found in the Netherlands.
How do you recognise master craftsmanship?: When you can look at an object and see that it is made by a person who understands the material and techniques he or she is working with. I love being responsible for the whole process. It starts with an idea and ends with an object.

Esmé Hofman is a master artisan: she began her career in 1997 and she started teaching in 2002