An Indigo Summer

In this lyrical memoir, Ellie Evelyn Orrell transports readers to their hillside garden, reflecting on a summer spent learning to work with indigo and witnessing the power of creativity in moments of mourning and recovery. It weaves together stories of resettling in a once-familiar landscape, the healing powers of art, the historical, mythical, and present-day properties of indigo, and the presence of this indelible color within the Welsh landscape.

Format: Hardback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 06 October 2022
Publisher: University of Wales Press

In the enchanting realm of Betws Gwerful Goch, nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of North Wales, a profound reunion unfolded between a mother and daughter. Ellie, having returned from her academic pursuits at university, joined forces once again with Jeanette, who had delved deep into the art of indigo dyeing in Japan. Within the confines of this serene village, a unique sensation washed over them—a sense of being enclosed in a protective cocoon, where the vast ocean offered a tranquil refuge. It was as if they were separated from the outside world, finding solace within this serene embrace.

As the summer sun bathed the village in its warm glow, a poignant chapter in their lives began to unfold. The death of a father and grandfather had brought them together, uniting their hearts in grief and remembrance. In this poignant memoir, Ellie Evelyn Orrell invites readers on a journey back to their hillside garden, where she embarked on a transformative experience. Through vivid prose, she reflects upon the summer spent learning the art of working with indigo, witnessing the profound power of creativity in the face of mourning and recovery.

Within the tapestry of her narrative, Ellie weaves together captivating stories of resettling in a landscape once familiar, exploring the healing virtues of art, delving into the historical, mythical, and contemporary properties of indigo, and celebrating the indelible presence of this vibrant hue within the Welsh landscape. An Indigo Summer emerges as an immersive meditation on art, rural life, roots, grief, creativity, and the artistic process. It invites readers to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of emotions, experiences, and insights that unfold as the mother and daughter navigate their journey of healing and growth.

Weight: 334g
Dimension: 143 x 223 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781915279071