New Project: Illustrated Collection of Ella Young’s Stories and Poetry
I am thrilled to share some exciting news about a project that is close to my heart. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with some remarkable individuals to bring a cherished literary treasure to life.
In April, biographer Dorothea MacDowell, producer Linda Rosewood, acclaimed author and illustrator Sean Fitzgerald and myself presented an evening at the 2024 AE George Russell Festival, held in the Armagh County Museum in Armagh City.
After a series of engaging emails and Zoom conversations, we decided to embark on a creative journey together. Our mission: to create a beautifully illustrated collection of the stories and poetry of Ella Young.
Ella Young, a significant figure in the Celtic Revival, was an Irish poet and mythologist who brought the magic and mystique of Irish folklore to life through her words.
Ella Young published four collections of stories during her lifetime, each imbued with the rich tapestry of Irish mythology and the enchanting spirit of Celtic folklore. Despite the enduring charm and cultural importance of her work, these stories have never been collected into a single edition, nor have they been accompanied by illustrations that reflect the aesthetics of the Celtic Revival.
Our goal is to honor Ella Young's legacy by creating a comprehensive edition of her folktales, complete with new illustrations that capture the essence of the Celtic Revival that inspired her. Sean Fitzgerald and I will be working diligently to craft images that resonate with the themes and emotions of Young's stories, aiming to provide readers with an immersive and visually stunning experience.
We expect to complete this book sometime next year, and I am eager to share more updates as we progress. This project is a labor of love, and I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to contribute to the preservation and celebration of Ella Young's remarkable work.
Thank you for your continued support, and stay tuned for more news about the release date and special previews of our illustrations. Your enthusiasm and encouragement mean the world to me as we bring this beautiful collection to life.
Warm regards