Connecting to earth, creativity and each other

Nestled in the coastal bushland of Aireys Inlet, The Weaver Birds are a collective of basket makers and fibre artists drawn together by a shared love of weaving, nature and community.

Joy Beeby, Kathy Harry, Carol Naylor and Sam Harry are four of these like-minded women from the Surf Coast and Geelong who regularly meet to create, share ideas and support each other.

With a love of natural materials, plant fibres, raffia, cane, wools, silk threads and copper wire — which are foraged, recycled or gifted — each element carries its own story.

Inspired by the textures and rhythms of the beach, the bush, birds, and the ever-changing coastal landscape, the materials and the moment guide the form.

“Our work goes far beyond the finished piece, it’s about connection to the earth, to creativity, and to each other,” Sam Harry said.

Weaving together tradition and spontaneity, The Weaver Birds continue to explore what fibre art can be, one strand at a time.

Kathy Harry is a fibre artist known for her sculptural interpretation of the Xanthorrhoea, working with coiled threads and copper wire to echo the textures and forms of native flora.

Joy Beeby is a basket maker who works with natural fibres, found and recycled materials, creating coastal inspired pieces. She is known for her brightly twinned fish and vibrant rope baskets.

Sam Harry is a fibre artist who works with diverse materials, including copper wire and jacaranda, embracing a free handed, free minded process that is unplanned and flows with organic spontaneity.

Carol Naylor is a basket maker working with cane and raffia who creates intricate pieces celebrated for their beautiful weavings and meticulous attention to detail.

The Weaver Birds exhibition at the Queenscliffe Neighbourhood House Gallery runs from November 1 to 16.

It can be found at number 33 on the Bellarine Arts Trail map.

//SPONSORED CONTENT