Rachel Max

Rachel Max's open weave structures of fine-center cane and wire in multiple layers involve an interesting interplay between line, shadow and color. “My interest in basketry grew out of experiments with the tactile and textile properties of metals," Max explains. “The materials and techniques used in basketweaving enable me to make my own fabric for sculptural forms. The fabric itself is a delicate grid structure forming an intricate network of lines that are interlinked." The artist explores containment and concealment in her work, utilizing various materials in the process. “I have a particular penchant for fine cane, which has a delicacy that is pliable, with wire-like characteristics that suit the open weave compositions that I have been exploring." Colour, is the final, essential ingredient in Max's process. “It is paramount to my work," she says.

Selected collections and exhibition venues:

National Vlechtmuseum, Noordwolde, the Netherlands; Hove Museum, Brighton and Hove, UK (East Weaves West: Basketry from Japan & Britain, traveling exhibition, catalog); Hipotesi Gallery, Barcelona, Spain (solo exhibition); Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford, UK (Soundweaves); Wardown Park Museum, Luton, UK; Petrie Museum, London; Crafts Council of Ireland, Kilkenny, Ireland (European Baskets, traveling exhibition); Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Hampshire, UK; Somerset House, London, UK (Origins, UK Crafts Council); Business Design Centre, London, UK (New Designers); Oxfordshire Museum, Woodstock, UK (Oxfordshire Baskets, Then and Now); North Wall Arts Centre, Oxford, UK; Pinolere, Tenerife (British Baskets Now); Commonwealth Institute, London, UK (Studio Art Fair); River and Rowing Museum, Henley on Thames, UK. Education: Creative Basketry and Silversmithing; BA, Joint Honors: Metalwork and Art History, Camberwell College; Silversmithing, London Guildhall University; City & Guilds. Recipient: Selected Maker: Crafts Council Photostore; Barbara Maynard Cup, 2004, awarded by the Basketmakers Association for Achievement, Creative Basketry City & Guilds Part II.

Recipient: Selected Maker: Crafts Council Photostore; Barbara Maynard Cup, 2004, awarded by the Basketmakers Association for Achievement, Creative Basketry City & Guilds Part II.

Education: Creative Basketry and Silversmithing; BA, Joint Honors: Metalwork and Art History, Camberwell College; Silversmithing, London Guildhall University; City & Guilds.

Teaching: Lacemaking in Basketry Workshop for Oxfordshire Basketmakers Association (2014)