Katherine Miles

During my school years, I excelled at art but eventually took a different route, studying for a BSc and MSc in Environmental Science with a particular enjoyment of animal ecology. I then ran an environmental images photographic agency in London, working with Greenpeace and WWF. In my spare time I’d create animal form sculptures.

After a basketmaking course with Annemarie O’Sullivan in Lewes, I became hooked on willow weaving. The rhythmic movement of weaving was soothing and meditative, and my interest in natural forms provided a platform for creativity. Weaving a wonky 5ft horse for my daughter was a career-changing moment, and after relocating to Devon my passion for nature and the environment entered a new, productive phase.

My first collection of animal form willow creations was exhibited at Jellyfish, a small art gallery in Buckfastleigh, selling much of my work. Since then, I have continuously worked on commissions, workshops and event demonstrations, even ending up on the telly weaving pigs on Sunday Brunch.