Katherine Miles, willow artist, with her large sculpture of a lion made entirely out of willow, in the grounds of her studio in Moretonhampstead.

About me

I lived much of my childhood in suburbia, but family holidays were always spent camping throughout the UK where I ran wild with my three sisters - discovering woodlands, waterways and farmlands. My love of nature and the environment evolved during these carefree trips.

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.

Inspiration for me mostly comes from Dartmoor, where I live, walking ancient pathways passing sheep and highland cattle, noting the beautiful forms of trees, lichen and fauna through the changing seasons.

  • We are so pleased with your amazing work. It all looks quite lovely. Thanks again for all your help in achieving our Enchanted Forest.

    Mark Siredzuk - One Aldwych Hotel, Covent Garden 

  • I just wanted to thank you for my wonderful lampshade. It arrived very quickly and is truly spectacular - I am so pleased to have it!

    Nick Drofiak

  • Everyone loves the family of deer for our Christmas display. Can't wait to see them lit up at night!

    Burgh Island Hotel, Devon

  • The willow stag that I bought from you as a present for my wife has pride of place on our lawn and gets many admiring remarks. On one occasion I actually saw one of the wild deer that come through our garden standing next to it.

    Bob Burgin

  • Thank you for our beautiful lion! We finally got him to his new home and he fits in so well up at the Queens Grove garden as there are lots of viewpoints to see him. I can’t thank you enough, he is fabulous!

    Jackie Kidd - Paignton Zoo, Devon

  • The hare has just arrived - absolutely beautiful - thank you so much. It will mark my wife’s grave at the Natural Burial Ground. Thank you so much for creating this. It is truly wonderful.

    Mike Dando

     

  • The dinosaurs look absolutely incredible!!! Thank you so much Katherine!

    Kate Bayliss - Cannonteign Falls, Devon

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