Throughout the book are sumptuous pictures, and there are times when, as viewer rather than reader, I wanted more – a whole page picture (or one of the Terraforme pictures hanging on my wall); a hardcover format that would stay pristine longer; a coffee table book full of nothing but images. The Sub Rosa and Terraforme series are both gorgeous – featuring seascapes and rock formations in natural, vibrant colours that hint at something not easily put into words: the texture and complexity of life below our frame of vision.

But reading Marshall’s journey from concept to creation is fascinating, and it is certainly of relevance to both the art lover and the artist. She lays her own journey out honestly, celebrating the successes and exploring those areas that didn’t work – struggling to create new meaning in both areas through the relationship between words and visual impressions. It isn’t always an easy thing to do, but Marshall has produced a work that is an important addition to the aesthetic canon, and a pleasurable read full of both heady insights and lovely images.

The book ends with a bibliography that it, itself, an interesting mixture of influences, from artist Paul Klee to poet Graham Nunn to creativity guru Eric Maisel, along with recommended reading. The book is attractive and inspiring and would make a terrific gift for anyone working in any aspect of the arts. It’s also nice enough to give to someone who just enjoys looking at the work and thinking about its origins.

For more information visit the book's website.