Irish artist, Joe Hogan has worked from his studio in Loch na Fooey in West Ireland as a basketmaker since 1978. Much of his early work focused on indigenous baskets of Ireland whereas he now devotes much of him time of making non-functional and sculptural basket work which is held in important collections across the globe.
He grows his own willow and harvests many other natural materials his uses within his work.
Joe Hogan was shortlisted for the Loewe Craft Prize in 2018. He was also commissioned by Loewe to make several pods which were displayed at their Spring/ Summer 2019 fashion show held at UNESCO building, Paris in late September 2018. The commission consisted of 6 extra large pods, all greater than 1 meter in diameter and about 20 smaller sized pods.
‘I was drawn to basketmaking because willow growing provided an opportunity to live rurally and develop a real understanding for a particular place. Over the last thirty years, I have found it a very satisfying occupation. I take some time each year to try new ideas and to make new designs but I also value repetition and the fluency it develops. You learn to be patient, to work in the present moment and to not prejudge the outcome. For the past twenty years or so I have become increasingly interested in making non-functional baskets, some of which involve the use of found pieces of wood. This work is prompted by a desire to develop a deeper connection to the natural world.’ Joe Hogan - artist
Artwork
