MONICA GUILERA SUBIRANA: THE BASKETMAKER
Mònica Guilera learnt basketmaking in the Catalan tradition that combines locally harvested willow and split cane to fulfil the basketry demands of rural and urban life. With over 23 years of making and teaching experience she has adapted this tradition to create a wide repertoire of contemporary functional baskets. With deep roots and a modern sensibility Mònica’s work explores colour, form and pattern ideal for the modern home.
Based in Vilanova i la Geltrú, a seaside town with a strong fishing tradition not far from Barcelona, one of Mònica’s specialties is the ‘Nansa’ fishtrap technique that has been used by fisherman around the Mediterranean since ancient times. In Catalonia these traps were made in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the kind of fish the fishermen wanted to catch, the traps were usually made in the winter and on stormy days when fishermen could not go out to sea.
‘Nansa’ technique combines rigid plant materials such as olive, cane, willow, sharp rush and date palm inflorescences with a thread that knots and binds them together in a triangular mesh like structure. The contrast of rigid and flexible materials inspires Mònica and gives her the opportunity to explore colour and pattern. Combining the natural colours of different willow varieties with the strong colours of thread, string and cord gives exciting contrasts. Creating new designs, shapes and material combinations while keeping faithful to the tradition gives Mònica’s work a vibrance and presence thoroughly modern yet rooted in her place and tradition.
Love Mònica Guilera's work? Enter our prize draw to be in the chance of winning a handmade nansa bowl with white willow and red string (diameter 50cm). Find out how to enter on our ENTER A PRIZE DRAW page.
Images © Tim Johnson
Read about Guilera's work in Grasshopper: Mònica Guilera Subirana - the basketmaker, Selvedge issue 113.
Find out more:
@monicacistellera
Based in Vilanova i la Geltrú, a seaside town with a strong fishing tradition not far from Barcelona, one of Mònica’s specialties is the ‘Nansa’ fishtrap technique that has been used by fisherman around the Mediterranean since ancient times. In Catalonia these traps were made in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the kind of fish the fishermen wanted to catch, the traps were usually made in the winter and on stormy days when fishermen could not go out to sea.
‘Nansa’ technique combines rigid plant materials such as olive, cane, willow, sharp rush and date palm inflorescences with a thread that knots and binds them together in a triangular mesh like structure. The contrast of rigid and flexible materials inspires Mònica and gives her the opportunity to explore colour and pattern. Combining the natural colours of different willow varieties with the strong colours of thread, string and cord gives exciting contrasts. Creating new designs, shapes and material combinations while keeping faithful to the tradition gives Mònica’s work a vibrance and presence thoroughly modern yet rooted in her place and tradition.
Love Mònica Guilera's work? Enter our prize draw to be in the chance of winning a handmade nansa bowl with white willow and red string (diameter 50cm). Find out how to enter on our ENTER A PRIZE DRAW page.
Images © Tim Johnson
Read about Guilera's work in Grasshopper: Mònica Guilera Subirana - the basketmaker, Selvedge issue 113.
Find out more:
@monicacistellera