Book of Earth

Art meets science in this guide to creating colour with earth’s extraordinary pigments and understanding their uses throughout history


Part anthropological study, part art book, and part how-to, Book of Earth immerses you in the world of ochre, a naturally occurring mineral used to make pigment. Each chapter explores Gustafson’s rare pigment archive and provides a thorough exploration of color. The book also includes practical advice and techniques for creating your own pigments, alongside projects to apply your new skill set.


Called the “ochre whisperer” by American Craft, and noted as the “woman archiving the world’s ochre,” in the New York Times, Heidi Gustafson collaborated with Jason Logan on Abrams’ bestselling book Make Ink. She is featured in Logan’s upcoming documentary, The Colour of Ink, as the ochre-ista. Her personal archive of more than 400 pigments from around the globe is a unique treasure, and her passion and field experience will captivate you from the first page to the last.