A dedication to baskets of willow
- Peteris' basket weaving technique is deeply rooted in tradition
- He created a pavilion consisting of 262 traditional wicker baskets
- He values the creativity of finding a solution for every idea
Peteris Tutans hand weaves shopping baskets, mushroom baskets and chests using both peeled and unpeeled willow. He learned his craft as a teenager, but only took it seriously later in life, in the 1990s. Peteris started by making baskets as gifts, but his practice gradually grew into a life-long passion. "Upon seeing my work, other artisans would share their excess of custom orders with me," he says. His clients appreciate his hard work, as he spares no effort in creating high-quality objects. Regardless of the design or product, Peteris does not weave for the career-aspect of the craft, he weaves out of pure love to his craft. "Weaving became so rooted in my life that my mood gets affected if a day passes by without doing it. This is where I know it is time to get back in my workshop," he says.
Interview
- Did you ever expect your practice to grow internationally?
- No. When I started weaving baskets, I had no idea where it would lead me. My career truly grew out of high demand, rather than me deliberately trying to reach some goal. My wife came up with the workshop's name, Pinumu Pasaules, which translates to The World of Wickerwork, and somehow the world simply came to us.
- What are your favourite items to create?
- I do not have a favourite. Sometimes I feel that my fingers are too big for some miniature items, and then the process can become cumbersome. I have made everything from toys to an entire wicker pavilion consisting of 262 traditional wicker baskets. I love it all.
- Do you have any advice for those interested in basket weaving?
- It takes time to learn the craft, but once you get it, there is a new world waiting for you. It is also extremely important to maintain quality and to love what you do. If you do not love your practice, it will be very hard to keep up the work in the long run.
- What does the future of basket weaving look like?
- Mass production obviously plays a big role in basket weaving's future, but there will always be people who see value in truly handmade items and traditional craft. More specifically, people who have tried making baskets or visited a workshop understand what it takes to create one.
Peteris Tutans is a master artisan: he began his career in 1985 and he started teaching in 2000
Where
Peteris Tutans
