A wonder of modern book design (and portraiture photography), this 200-page full-colour, hardcover book includes over 250 photographs from the Artisans of the New England (2022-2024) photo project by Jim A. Barker. Pages are 160gsm silk paper. This book will enhance not only the coffee table it comes to rest upon, but the coffee served from said table too.

Artisans of the New England is a collection of 75 artisans and artisans photographed over the course of 18 months, thousands of kilometres, 38 cups of tea, 24 coffees and countless cold drinks, all throughout the New England region of NSW.

To be with an artist in their studio is to be welcomed into a sacred space. A place that has been created to house the most personal of expressions, a place to conjure the magic of creativity and explore their inner world. Each studio appears as an extension of the artist, a flexible and ever changing space that lives and breathes along with its inhabitant. A place of safety from which creativity thrives and works can be cultivated.

The space can move and morph, grow and shrink as if it were a shell on the artist’s back. It can be found in a case of materials they take with them to work out in the landscape, it can fill an entire barn, a garage or a small spot in the kitchen where they can squeeze an easel.

This book explores 75 artisans and their studios throughout the New England region of New South Wales. A pocket of Australia characterised by rocky ridges, grassy woodlands and fluffy clouds that make your heart sing. Take a peek inside and explore the incredible expanse of country that many artists call home.

“What I noticed in researching subjects for Artisans is that our region’s creativity feels like a secret. Maybe that’s because artists are famously terrible at self-promotion, or maybe it’s because they live in the shadow of our region’s main exports, beef and grain. My hope is for Artisans to address this secret in some small way, potentially attracting more artists to the region or perhaps encouraging those who live here to take up a craft, a practice, an artform. To make the New England known for its rich creativity and not just its rich soils.” - Jim A. Barker