Hands in Harmony is an exploration of folk music and traditional handcrafts by acclaimed photographer Tim Barnwell, author of The Face of Appalachia (W.W. Norton, 2003) and On Earth’s Furrowed Brow (W.W. Norton, 2007). Eighty evocative black and white portraits are combined with biographies and oral history interviews with each subject, celebrating those involved in the music and craft communities in and around the southern Appalachian region. Drawn from a thirty-year photographic career, Barnwell's portraits speak to the beauty and uniqueness of the handmade object, and their creators, and the musical heritage carried forward by those performing the original folk songs of this region. These traditions, handed down through generations, connect us to our cultural roots and provide a unique regional identity.

Portrayed here are craftsmen making pottery, blacksmithing, weaving, and other timeless crafts. They share the spotlight with musicians playing all manner of traditional instruments from the Dobro guitar to the fiddle. The interviews provide a personal glimpse into the lives and minds of those involved in these traditions. The accompanying music CD includes twenty-one old-time fiddle and banjo tunes, a capella ballads, blues, and folk songs, showcasing the talents of many of the musicians portrayed. This collection of images, text, and music brings into focus a world of tradition and culture that continues to exist outside of mainstream commercial media.