David, what types of items do you create?

I weave baskets of several types - regular baskets that are used for storage and baskets that are more decorative - they are semi-sculptured and incorporate vine branches. The texture of the basket is distorted and uneven, which creates something more aesthetic.

I also create various decorative woven works to hang on walls, which I refer to as 'mandalas'. These include relatively small wicker mandalas crafted from printed stencils, with diameters typically ranging from 40 to 50 centimeters. Also, there are larger mandalas made from date palm branches. Some mandalas feature natural colors and are woven solely using date palm branches or other branches with natural hues, while others are colorful, woven using date palm branches combined with colored wicker.

There is another small niche in my work and these are weaving kits that I sell. They are intended for those who want to weave at home and try it themselves without looking for a workshop or going to a teacher. You can buy a kit from me with a full and complete explanation of the entire weaving process, including a video for demonstration.

What are date palm branches?

Date palm branches refer to the empty fruit bunches of date palms. These branches are thin and attached to the fruits on one end, with the other end connected to the petiole, which, in turn, is attached to the tree trunk. Different species of date palms produce branches of varying lengths. For weaving purposes, we prefer longer ones, which are more comfortable to work with. We often use a species called Amari for this purpose.  

Is your weaving work influenced by certain cultures or traditions?

Basket weaving in Israel is mainly based on European techniques, where willow is commonly used. However, in Israel, adjustments have been made, and weaving is done with date palm branches. To some extent, Israeli weaving is similar to that of the Bedouins, who primarily weave baskets with common reed- a round and hollow plant found near streams or water sources. The Bedouins typically split the stem into four or five thin strips and weave with them.

My weaving is based more on the European tradition. I studied for a number of years in Israel under a teacher named Herzl Oster, who developed the knowledge of date palm branch weaving.

Do you constantly develop new products or prefer a fixed product line?

I am constantly developing new products. I have a constant need to innovate and create new things. For example, the stenciled mandalas I make from wicker originated from seeing small coasters made with stencils by someone in South Korea. I thought to myself, 'That's a great idea.' There was a design that resembled the Star of David, so I thought, 'Nice, I'll make coasters with the Star of David.' It took me a while to develop it. I thought, 'Why should it only be the size of a coaster? It can be made bigger.' Then I created larger stencils with all kinds of designs that over time became more and more sophisticated.

I also created a series of date palm branch baskets built on the basis of 3D stencils. I start weaving around the stencil, and when it is removed, a square basket remains. This is quite innovative for date palm branch baskets because they are usually more round. Willow baskets can be rectangular because willow is a much stronger material. I am constantly striving to create baskets that are a little different. Even the mandalas I make from date palm branches do not repeat themselves - the spaces, shapes, and color combinations will always be different. I'm not sure I can even make a copy of something I have already done because it's always a little different.

What are the challenges in the crafting process?

Every product I make presents its own difficulties and challenges. When weaving a basket, the challenge lies in ensuring that it maintains its round shape and that the sides align as planned. If I want them to rise straight, they should do so; if they are meant to be rounded, they should be curved. Ultimately, when viewed from the side, the basket should appear nicely symmetrical, rather than lopsided. Similarly, when crafting mandalas meant to be hung on walls, I strive for them to be flat, resembling the surface of the wall itself.

Working with natural materials introduces additional challenges, each requiring specific actions. For instance, date palm branches must be soaked in water for a day or two to soften them before weaving. This process becomes particularly challenging when crafting large baskets, as the material dries quickly, necessitating continuous work—stopping midway would require wetting the basket again, which can darken the material—something I want to avoid. Weaving involves processes that cannot be halted, sometimes demanding up to 15 hours of continuous work to complete a single basket. Every creative project presents its unique challenges, especially when each product is a bit different. There's a stressful uncertainty about whether the final product will meet expectations. Despite years of experience, I must remain attentive to ensure the final result is as planned.

Did you invent new weaving techniques or do you prefer to weave with familiar techniques?

No, I didn't invent any weaving technique. It's all well-known techniques that repeat themselves. The techniques thousands of years ago were a little different from what is used today. My weaving technique is the same technique used by others as well. I did develop different products based on the same techniques.

How do you ensure the quality and durability of the products?

Ensuring the quality of the product starts even before the weaving begins. The date palm branches must be sorted to ensure they are all of high quality—I check that they are not broken, bent, or have any black spots. I avoid weaving with branches that are too thin and prone to breakage. If the weaving is done correctly, the result is a strong product that requires no maintenance. I have been using some baskets for 10 years without any need for maintenance.

When working with vine branches, I give them a special treatment to prevent worms

How did you become a basket weaver?

For many years, I was looking for a job that would satisfy me. At a young age, I studied electronics engineering and worked at it for several years, but I was not satisfied. After that, I practiced homeopathy for nearly 20 years, but during all those years, I felt that it did not fulfill me enough, and I was looking for something more creative. I started dabbling in all kinds of fields, one of which was dance studies. I studied dance for three years. During my studies, I met a guy who was married to a basket weaver. I met her, and got excited about weaving. I wasn't sure where it would lead - I wanted to do it because it interested me. I developed a genuine passion for weaving, so I continued pursuing it.

Are you involved in any other crafts?

As a dedicated craft, I engage in basket weaving. As a hobby, I recently had the opportunity to experience yarn weaving. I built a small loom and occasionally learn the technique.

Do you feel that weaving gives you a sense of belonging to a community?

Yes, absolutely. I feel a strong sense of belonging to the weaving community, where I frequently share my work. My crafts are well known to everyone interested in weaving. Also, I'm involved in the local creators' community in my town. These days, there is an exhibition of artists, and I'm participating by presenting my weaving work.

What is your client base?

My client base is relatively broad. Many people today like to incorporate natural elements into their homes, and baskets are an integral part of home design. Some of the clients have a strong connection to nature- they love nature and nature is important to them.

Do you also sell to clients abroad?

Yes, I do sell to clients abroad. However, at the moment, it is not possible to make direct purchases from abroad on the website. Those interested in purchasing can contact me via email or direct message.

Contact David Grushko

Website: https://israel-basketry.co.il

Instagram: @israel.basketry