ALL OUR OWN WORK : NEW ZEALAND'S FOLK ART by Richard Wolfe

In this beautifully illustrated book, Richard Wolfe explores New Zealand's folk heritage in all its diversity and splendour.

Beginning with the heritage of New Zealand's Polynesian and European founding cultures, 'All Our Own Work' traces the influences on our folk art of the New Zealand landscape, our natural history, agriculture, the sea, shipping, wartime and the Pacific. Photographs accompanying the text illustrate intriguing examples of each type.

Generally distinguished by originality and colour, folk art is a form that has no need of formal training and finds joy in the creation and embellishment of everyday objects.

Displayed here are the varied arts of home and community, lovingly crafted objects from furniture to paintings, kitchen utensils to model ships. Some, such as quilts and rugs, had a straightforward practical purpose; others, like poker-worked breadboards, were more decorative.

With its arresting photography and engrossing commentary, 'All Our Own Work' will prove a must for anyone interested in New Zealand's culture and visual arts.

Larger format softcover (152 pages) Published by Penguin Books, NZ in 1997 Ex-library with all the usual markings