Skip to content

Member’s Monthly Meeting: Jessica York of The Branch Ranch

2023/09/13 19:30 - 21:30
The Meeting House, Riverdale Farm
Address: 201 Winchester Street, Toronto, Ontario, M4X 1B8

Jessica York is the owner and operator of The Branch Ranch, a unique farm nestled in the
rolling hills of Northumberland near the village of Warkworth, Ontario , growing select
varieties of basketry willow for basket weaving, garden ornaments, crafts, living willow
structures and cuttings. Jessica’s love of willow and weaving began with woven living
willow trees. Jess was inspired by the diversity of willow craft, and when the business
was offered for sale, Jessica jumped at the opportunity. The Branch Ranch combines all
the things Jess loves; the outdoors, offering a creative outlet and human connection
through this age old craft.

 

In addition to the presentation from Jessica, our treasurer Maria will present our 2022-2023 Financial Report, and members will have a chance to ask questions.

Related upcoming events

  • 2023/09/26 13:00 - 2023/09/26 15:00

    Guild members and visitors are welcome to meet on the front porch of Simpson House in Riverdale Farm. Bring a portable project or just come and chat.

  • 2023/10/11 19:30 - 2023/10/11 21:30

    Ixchel sent this wonderful Artist’s Statement to share:
    In my artistic exploration, I delve into the intricate relationship between time and nature, unraveling their interconnected essence and inviting viewers to contemplate the beauty and transience that coexist within our natural world.

    Time, with its intangible presence, leaves its indelible mark on the landscapes and ecosystems that surround us. Through tapestry, I strive to capture the ephemeral moments of nature, frozen in time like fragments of a fleeting dream. The shifting seasons, the dance of sunlight through leaves, and the gradual erosion of rocks all serve as testaments to the relentless passage of time. Each line of my weft or sculptural element represents an attempt to capture the essence of a specific moment, preserving it in visual form before it dissolves into the ever-changing tapestry of existence.

    Nature, with its awe-inspiring grandeur, provides endless inspiration and serves as a reminder of our place in the larger cosmic order. Through my artwork, I aim to convey the interconnectedness of all living things, from the delicate petals of a flower to the towering majesty of a mountain range. I strive to evoke a sense of reverence and wonder, urging viewers to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the natural world that surrounds us.

    In the juxtaposition of time and nature, together with a textile process, I find a profound reflection of the human experience. We, too, are subject to the ceaseless flow of time, constantly evolving and adapting within the embrace of the natural world. By exploring the intersection of these themes, I seek to prompt contemplation on the impermanence of our existence and the fragile beauty that unfolds around us.

    Ultimately, my art serves as a visual narrative, a bridge between the intangible realms of time and the tangible wonders of nature. Through my creative process (visual and textile), I invite viewers to embark on a journey, a momentary escape from the constraints of everyday life, and to immerse themselves in the timeless and harmonious relationship between time and nature.