Willow Sculpture /
Willow Art FAQ
compiled by sculptor and designer Laury Dizengremel
What is willow?
The genus of the plant Salix
(from the Latin word for willow).
How many types of willow are
there?
There are dozens of varieties of Salix, from large trees to small
shrubs. Some grow straight upwards in long tall reeds with or without
branches, others grow and hang (weeping willow or curly variety), some
are known for their ornamental qualities, others for their structural
characteristics. There is a lot to learn about willow
on Wikipedia.
How to preserve or maintain a dried out
(non-living) willow sculpture ... willow maintenance tips?
First your willow sculpture must be completely dry (i.e. it should feel
and look dry) before doing any maintenance as otherwise the suggested
treatment will not be absorbed by the willow. Thereafter, as
often as possible (once a year, twice a year or more...), on a
non-raining day if the sculpture is too large to move under cover,
after the sculpture has air dried as much as possible i.e. any recent
rain is no longer a factor,
spray it with a 50% linseed oil mixed with 50% white spirits or
turpentine mix, using a simple household spray bottle. Spray it lightly
but thoroughly from all sides and from underneath (where accessible).
The more frequent the application of this mix, the longer the
lifespan
of your willow sculpture.
How does one obtain willow?
You can grow your own reeds in a willow bed (plant
cuttings from November to late March), or purchase lengths of willow
reeds from any good supplier. Willow cuttings and willow reeds are
available in many varieties and in different lengths / girths to suit
your requirements.
What type of willow is suitable
for dry willow sculpture / willow art?
Salix Viminalis, Salix Triandra and Salix Purperea are best for
creating sculptures or two dimensional art. The last two are also good
for finer basketry. Any type
of willow that you weave /
bind or otherwise assemble together in its pliable (recently cut) state
can be left to dry under cover, and when fully dry it can then be
protected with a 50/50 ratio mix of boiled linseed oil and turpentine
either sprayed or brushed on.
What is the difference between
dry willow and living willow (whether in a willow sculpture or a willow
structure) ?
Dry willow objects are transportable, they need protection to last
outdoors. Living willow sculptures or structures must remain on their
planted site and will last forever as long as they are properly
maintained and trimmed back as required.
Can I use ornamental willow in a
dry willow sculpture or structure?
There is no reason not to - as long as you can weave it in!
Ornamental willow would usually not be your main media (other
types of willow such as Salix
Viminalis or Salix Purperea
are better suited to the task), but you could always add some in if it
is pliable enough.
Do you always need a metal
armature for willow sculpture?
The short answer is no. It all depends on how large / sturdy your
sculpture needs to be, how many points of it touch the ground and so on.
Best growing conditions for
willow?
Sunny or partial shade only locations are best, little or no
competition from weeds, sufficient rainfall or watering whilst roots
are being established.
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