Martina Bizovská
In Ireland, basket-making is considered to be one of the oldest crafts. Local basket-makers use the techniques of shaping natural wicker into baskets which are still used in everyday practical life. At present, however, their function is not the only important factor; their visual appearance is also essential. And one of the people who have made the basket-making craft into an art form is the master basket-maker Joe Hogan. He has been working in this field for forty years in the surroundings of Loch Na Fooey, which is a permanent source of inspiration for him. He makes not only functional baskets, but also baskets inspired by nature, so-called non-functional, artistic baskets.