Books Reviews

Maori Designs – Book Review

By Angela Youngman Dec 3, 2012, 15:39 GMT

The rich cultural tradition of the Maori people indigenous to New Zealand includes a lively artistic style that is represented in this collection\'s 100 drawings. Ranging from faces, masks, figures, and animals to abstract patterns and borders, these expertly drawn designs bring the beauty of Maori artwork to boundless new projects and applications. The accompanying CD-ROM allows crafters, hobbyists, and artists to have complete control and access to the original ...more

With tales of the Hobbit and its NZ setting ringing in our ears, it is not surprising that attention is being focused on native NZ art.  The swirling patterns and intricate designs have a definite ethereal, other worldly feel. 

Penny Brown has created 100 stunning patterns and motifs based on tattoo designs, pottery, carvings and woven work. 

The level of detail is amazing. There are pattern edges, animals, birds as well as maori figures and masks.  All of the designs can be copied and used time and time again.  There is also a useful free CD rom included which enables both Tiff and Jpeg images to be printed out.  These are designs which will be useful for many different types of artists and craftspeople.

From children wanting something unusual to color, to carvers looking for an intricate design which can be incorporated on any material.  Drawing such designs freehand needs a lot of skill. Making these designs available for printing or copying enables them to be used by a much wider audience.