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George Jones
Primary Medium Basketry
Secondary MediumWood
Description of Work I make brooms using traditional techniques, materials, and tools. Each broom is a "functional piece of art."
Chapter Southwest
Company/Business George's Broom Closet
Website http://GEORGESBROOMCLOSET.COM
Artist Statement
The material that George uses to make the broom is called broomcorn. Broomcorn is a long-fibered version of sorghum. George still grows some of the broomcorn that he uses to make his brooms.
The tools that George uses to make the brooms are the traditional tools that were used during the early 1900’s. George uses the ‘kicker’ style broom winder to make his wound kitchen brooms. This is the same broom winder that his great-grandfather used in the 1930’s. A sewing clamp from the early 1900’s is used to hold the broom for stitching. He also uses a ‘squirrel cage’ tying table to make the hand-tied brooms. George made this table based on drawings by his great-grandfather. This style of tying table is still used by many broom makers. The other tools that George uses are mostly vintage broom making tools.
The traditional techniques that George uses to create his one-of-a-kind art treasures are the same techniques that have been used since the early 1800’s. All of the brooms are handmade. When George makes a wound broom, the antique broom winder holds the handle while he adds broomcorn to build the broom to the proper size. When George makes a hand-tied broom, his hands act as the handle holder while he adds broomcorn to the desired broom size. Once the broom is wound or tied, George then uses a sewing clamp to hold the broom for stitching. Every broom that George makes is stitched by hand one stitch at a time. After the broom is sewn, the ends of the broomcorn are trimmed. The handle is finished with a lacquer to make it easier to use. George finally ties a leather thong in the end of the handle for a hanger. The broom is finished.
The material that George uses to make the broom is called broomcorn. Broomcorn is a long-fibered version of sorghum. George still grows some of the broomcorn that he uses to make his brooms.
The tools that George uses to make the brooms are the traditional tools that were used during the early 1900’s. George uses the ‘kicker’ style broom winder to make his wound kitchen brooms. This is the same broom winder that his great-grandfather used in the 1930’s. A sewing clamp from the early 1900’s is used to hold the broom for stitching. He also uses a ‘squirrel cage’ tying table to make the hand-tied brooms. George made this table based on drawings by his great-grandfather. This style of tying table is still used by many broom makers. The other tools that George uses are mostly vintage broom making tools.
The traditional techniques that George uses to create his one-of-a-kind art treasures are the same techniques that have been used since the early 1800’s. All of the brooms are handmade. When George makes a wound broom, the antique broom winder holds the handle while he adds broomcorn to build the broom to the proper size. When George makes a hand-tied broom, his hands act as the handle holder while he adds broomcorn to the desired broom size. Once the broom is wound or tied, George then uses a sewing clamp to hold the broom for stitching. Every broom that George makes is stitched by hand one stitch at a time. After the broom is sewn, the ends of the broomcorn are trimmed. The handle is finished with a lacquer to make it easier to use. George finally ties a leather thong in the end of the handle for a hanger. The broom is finished.
Artist Details
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- Commissioned Artworks
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