Caroline Hawkins is an artist, basket-maker and teacher.
Caroline’s journey began with education in design in London, providing a valuable foundation in working in three dimensions. Since relocating to Australia, appreciation for nature has become integral to Caroline’s practice, sourcing and trialing suitable plants to use for weaving, as well as continual learning about natures complexities. Walking in nature is a regular activity for Caroline, handling the plants she comes across and observing the seasonal variations, which is key to knowing when a plant is ready for collection as weaving material.
Based on the Surf Coast in Victoria, Caroline offers workshops in basket weaving and ephemeral art and regularly exhibits her fibre-art sculptural works. Her workshops offer a supportive environment for participants to discover more about being at one with the natural world. She believes that hands on engagement with nature contributes to our wellbeing through a deeper understanding of the cyclical nature of all things and our reciprocal relationship; the benefits and our responsibilities to care for our environment.
Caroline is represented by the Eagles Nest Gallery, Aireys Inlet
Caroline’s journey began with education in design in London, providing a valuable foundation in working in three dimensions. Since relocating to Australia, appreciation for nature has become integral to Caroline’s practice, sourcing and trialing suitable plants to use for weaving, as well as continual learning about natures complexities. Walking in nature is a regular activity for Caroline, handling the plants she comes across and observing the seasonal variations, which is key to knowing when a plant is ready for collection as weaving material.
Based on the Surf Coast in Victoria, Caroline offers workshops in basket weaving and ephemeral art and regularly exhibits her fibre-art sculptural works. Her workshops offer a supportive environment for participants to discover more about being at one with the natural world. She believes that hands on engagement with nature contributes to our wellbeing through a deeper understanding of the cyclical nature of all things and our reciprocal relationship; the benefits and our responsibilities to care for our environment.
Caroline is represented by the Eagles Nest Gallery, Aireys Inlet
"The more I learn about the techniques of weaving, the more I feel connected to the depth of knowledge and an ancient culture in a hands-on way.”
BACKGROUND
Originally trained at Ravensbourne Art College, London in 3D design, Caroline has been working in arts and crafts for the past four decades creating artwork, holding workshops and working as a community artist. She has a wealth of experience in working with new migrants to Australia, sometimes without English, in maintaining their traditional cultural craft practices.
A Diploma in Sustainability further informed the integration of sustainability practices within her art, not only in materials and methods chosen, but in developing themes such as awareness raising of endangered species. Development opportunities have included learning from indigenous basket weavers and several overseas weaving experiences to learn basketry techniques from other cultures.
Originally trained at Ravensbourne Art College, London in 3D design, Caroline has been working in arts and crafts for the past four decades creating artwork, holding workshops and working as a community artist. She has a wealth of experience in working with new migrants to Australia, sometimes without English, in maintaining their traditional cultural craft practices.
A Diploma in Sustainability further informed the integration of sustainability practices within her art, not only in materials and methods chosen, but in developing themes such as awareness raising of endangered species. Development opportunities have included learning from indigenous basket weavers and several overseas weaving experiences to learn basketry techniques from other cultures.
Australian Indigenous Weaving
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Weaving Experiences
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Awards and media
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Acknowledgements:
Joy Beeby for introducing me to basket weaving and for her tuition and encouragment along the way.
Basket Makers Victoria for their invaluable knowledge of plant materials as basketry fibres.
Bryant Holsenbeck, Fibre and wire artist from California
Bronwyn Razem, Indigenous master weaver for teaching me how to make bush toys and indigenous basket weaving.
Affiliations:
Member of Basket Weavers of Victoria
Treasurer of Geelong Sculptors Inc
Joy Beeby for introducing me to basket weaving and for her tuition and encouragment along the way.
Basket Makers Victoria for their invaluable knowledge of plant materials as basketry fibres.
Bryant Holsenbeck, Fibre and wire artist from California
Bronwyn Razem, Indigenous master weaver for teaching me how to make bush toys and indigenous basket weaving.
Affiliations:
Member of Basket Weavers of Victoria
Treasurer of Geelong Sculptors Inc
