Sharon Bartle

I’ve always loved weaving – right back from when I was a 5 year old, weaving willow into bangles and halos. Now I have progressed to creating baskets, bowls, and other forms with more of a sculptural aesthetic – having collected the fibres myself, from bush and garden. As I travel around, I keep my eyes peeled for any materials useful for my weaving. Other useful materials are included in a large collection of man-made fibres that I keep in my studio.

I have a passion for the beauty of nature, including the process of decay over time – which creates its own textural qualities in some of the materials I use. My pieces therefore have both a story that I give them, and the story of the fibres used. The inherent beauty of the materials enables a collaboration that hopefully creates a beautiful quality in the completed works.

At this time, my favoured plant materials include philodendron, willow, cocos palm, and dragon tree. Some fibres are dyed before use, others left their natural colour. All plant material is dried before use, to allow natural shrinkage. Rehydrating prior to use can take from a few hours to several days.

Contact – 0437 863 708

Some of My Work is Featured Below.

Sharon Bartle

Weaving is for me a meditative activity, and is something I try to fit into every day. The collecting of the materials is nearly as enjoyable, allowing me to be out in the bush, walking and looking! This is an aspect of weaving that I love – that I can suddenly see a suitable material, collect it, take it home and immediately begin to integrate it into my work. All that is needed is materials, your hands, and imagination!

Some of my highlights

My passions

I have a passion for the beauty of nature, including the process of decay over time – which creates its own textural qualities in some of the materials I use. My pieces therefore have both a story that I give them, and the story of the fibres used.

Parallel skills

As a hairdresser Sharon has always had an aptitude for working with fibres (human hair) and creating beautiful pieces (hair styles)! While she still runs a busy hairdressing salon, she has channelled her artistic skills from hair to plant fibres – which many would say is a natural progression!

Sourcing materials

Collecting materials to use in my basket weaving is a highlight of my craft. I am constantly on the lookout for new and interesting materials, both natural and synthetic, which can be integrated into my artworks.

Meet with Sharon Bartle at the NEXT EXHIBITION & ART TRAIL: 11 - 12 NOV 2017

A unique exhibition... Eight working studios... More than fifty Artists & Artisans... All on a meandering country drive...