Leatherwork

To many people the word leatherwork conjures up the crafting of belts, bags and boots. Today this is not what leatherwork is all about, particularly in the South Pacific. Because we are geographically remote from the rest of the world, our leatherworkers do not follow international trends. Our thinking is often inclined to shun the practical and traditional aspects of the craft and leans heavily towards the artistic presentation of the medium. Contemporary leather art is beginning to be recognised as a true art form.

Some considerable success has been achieved by a number of our artists in international exhibitions in Australia, USA, South Africa and Europe and some are now considered to be the equal of leather artists around the world.

Following a visit in 1982 by Rex Lingwood, an internationally recognised leather sculptor from Canada, the Association of New Zealand Leatherworkers was formed to unite leather arts and crafts people and to promote the craft locally and internationally.

The Association sponsors workshops throughout the country organised locally by Liaison Officers, who are located regionally to keep in touch with their local members. These workshops give members a chance to upgrade their skills and learn new techniques from tutors, often brought in to New Zealand from other parts of the world. On occasions national exhibitions been held in conjunction with a national conference.

A magazine, "Leather Artisan" is published and distributed bi-monthly to all New Zealand members and affiliate members throughout the world and is acknowledged as the best leather publication of its kind anywhere. This publication presents to readers news, comments, reports, profiles, feature articles and educational information, along with many other facets effecting the leather industry and its environs.

Judy Denham
Leather artist
September 1998

All content copyright the artist, and/or Treasury of N.Z. Craft Resources Trust Board. Comments:  feedback@craftinfo.org.nz   Site powered by Virtual Curator, 2004