Let me start by saying this book is a visual feast. The moment I opened it, I was struck by the stunning earthy-toned illustrations that make you want to run your fingers across the pages. It's the kind of book that naturally becomes a conversation starter when left on my coffee table.

The author's poetic approach to ochre and natural pigments is unlike any art book I've owned. Reading it feels like meditation - her descriptions of gathering materials in the Australian outback transported me there. I particularly loved her passage about how different soils 'sing' when mixed with water.

That said, manage your expectations. This isn't a practical field guide. While there's about 25 pages of useful pigment preparation info (including an unexpectedly... creative suggestion about organic binders), most content is spiritual musings. The author's deep connection to earth pigments borders on mystical - which I found beautiful but some may find 'woo-woo'.

The paper quality and printing are superb for the price point. My artist friends keep borrowing it for inspiration, though my geology-focused colleague wished for more scientific data. Perfect for creatives seeking an unconventional perspective on natural art materials.

Would I recommend? Absolutely, but only if you're open to an experience that's more soulful than instructional. It changed how I see dirt - literally.