Place To Be Sculpture Launch in Harlow – Featured in Culture Essex

Grateful to Be Featured in Culture Essex’s Summer of Culture

I’m really excited to share that A Place To Be: My interactive willow weaving project has been featured in the Culture Essex Magazine! It’s such a lovely moment to see my Harlow art project has been included alongside other exciting creative projects happening across Essex.

You can read the full article here:
👉 https://culture-essex.co.uk/summer-of-culture-magazine-launch/

If you haven’t seen it yet, the piece talks about the launch of an interactive communal willow sculpture that I’ll be creating this August at Parndon Wood Nature Reserve in Harlow. The sculpture will be made using traditional techniques and sustainable materials, inspired by Essex’s historic connection to the weaving industry.

The idea is to create a space that feels a bit like a cocoon or pod – something that evokes sanctuary and growth. Over the course of the project, the structure will develop as people contribute to it, randomly weaving and binding willow. I love the way this process reflects the kind of quiet, collective energy you find in nature – like bees building a hive.

There’ll be public workshops each weekend throughout August, where people of all ages can get involved. Whether you’re local, just passing through, or exploring the woods, I’d love for you to stop by and add your touch.

As I shared in the article:

“People working with willow find the process deeply relaxing as it engages their hands and minds and connects them to nature. But willow weaving not only connects us to ourselves, it also tightens the bond to our surroundings.”

And for more info on the project and how to get involved:
👉 www.eloisepilbeam.art/placetobe

A big thank you to @cultureessex, @essex_cc and @exploreessex for featuring the project – and to everyone who’s supported it so far. I can’t wait to get weaving with you all this summer 🌿