Interview: Ned Barraud talks about At Home on the Farm

Ned Barraud studied art in Otago and Illustration at Victoria University and has since authored and illustrated a number of children’s books and journals, including the ‘Explore and Discover’ series about different ecosystems in New Zealand.  He loves to help introduce children to the natural world around them and encourages them to explore it. Ned talks to NZ Booklovers.

What inspired you to create this book?

I hadn’t seen a book about rural New Zealand that truly captured the feeling of the land for me. I spent many holidays on a farm near the Kaihoka Lakes at the top of the South Island, and I wanted to recreate that vibe — the feeling of roving the landscape freely. That area was the main inspiration, but I also wanted to create a book that any Kiwi could relate to. There are other places woven in too — Glenburn Station on the South Coast of the Wairarapa is another spot I absolutely adore.

What research was involved?

A lot of it came from delving into my own memories of those magical times exploring the farm — little pockets of bush, wild beaches, and rugged cliffs. Old huts and broken-down machinery held a kind of quiet mystery. That imagery inspired my early sketches, along with photos from past holidays.

What was your routine or process when writing this book?

Same routine as with most of my books: once my son was off to school, I’d head to the studio with a hot coffee. While working on this book, I actually had access to a wonderful old house in the centre of Nelson — run-down but full of sunlight. I do most of my work in the mornings; I’m definitely a morning person.

If a soundtrack were made to accompany this book, name a song or two you would include.

I’m a bit of a Clash fan, and Joe Strummer is one of my favourite musicians. A couple of tracks I had on repeat while making the book were Johnny Appleseed and Long Shadow. His voice is honest and raw, with real depth.

What did you enjoy most about writing and illustrating this picture book?

Some books are hard — they take a lot of energy and leave me a bit fried. But this one wasn’t like that. It was a pleasure to work on, and the illustrations took me to a happy place. I hope that comes through in the finished book, and that Kiwis can relate to the rhythm and rhyme of country life.

What did you do to celebrate finishing the book?

Hmm... celebration is a bit of an issue for me! I always feel like there’s still one more thing to do. There’s often no clear “I’m done!” moment. But once the cover is nailed down, that’s usually my sign that I’m on the home stretch.

What’s the favourite book you’ve read so far this year, and why?

I’m terrible at remembering names... but there was one about a shipwreck and a brutal battle for survival — it just kept getting grimmer and grimmer. That’s my kind of story: real-life struggle, terrible hardship, all the gritty details — but safely from the comfort of my snug bed! I remember now - The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann.

What’s next on the agenda for you?

I think I’d like to do a bit more painting and drawing that’s not book-related — maybe build up a body of work for an exhibition. But I’ll need to crack the whip... Without a deadline or a publisher looking over my shoulder, it’ll take some serious self-motivation!

Scholastic NZ