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
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.
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.
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.
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.
