Brendan Farren

Basketweaver

©Les Denman

In harmony with nature

Brendan grows his own raw materials
He is compelled to make beautiful things
He enjoys the freedom his craft gives him

Having worked across a number of creative jobs from engineering to graphic design, Brendan Farren took up weaving in 2000. He often produces large scale sculptures, which no doubt draw on his engineer’s mind. He lives his craft and has created a self-built home, with a farm where he can live and work with sustainability at the core. Willow is intrinsically linked to the Irish landscape; the Irish climate being ideal for growing this plant. Brendan cultivates his own materials, allowing him to be connected to the process from the very beginning. In this way he can ensure his raw materials are mindfully produced, planting the colours he requires, or rods with different flexibility for different tasks.

Interview

©Les Denman

©Les Denman

When did you decide to pick up this craft?: I was living in the wild west of Donegal. Driving an old van round a twisting country road, I saw a willow garden dancing in the breeze. Long rods, leaves blowing in unison in windy waves. I discovered they were the work of Charlie Danny Gallagher.
What was the first object you made?: Charlie showed me the basics of making a creel, so the creel was my first basket. It is made upside down, and the bottom is woven last. It is definitely still a favourite because of its unique shape, and it is very Irish, of ancient Gaelic origin.
How do you select your willow for a project?: I have already handled it three times before I use it: in the cutting, grading, soaking. Then the weaving process begins. Lots of willow gets discarded in these processes, so by the time it reaches its final use, it really is the right rod for the right creation.
What is a memorable moment in your professional life?: The most memorable moment was walking out of my civil engineering office in London, knowing it was not for me. Throwing away a steady and pensionable job, and not knowing the future. It was terrifying, and it was my first taste of freedom.

Brendan Farren is a master artisan: he began his career in 2000 and he started teaching in 2002