I’m apprehensive about assigning precise meanings to colors, although it has been done throughout history. My relationship to them changes according to what’s happening in my life internally and externally. For me, defining anything too closely limits the potential of what it might bring or invoke. I’d rather allow my intuitive self to choose its color, size, etc., in present time.
On the other hand, I once took a color test from a homeopathic doctor in Roma. I must admit that I was quite astounded by the results.
In terms of painting, as I said in my artist statement I think of myself as an intuitive alchemist when I mix the paints. I don’t stop to think that yellow and blue make green, for example, and although you might say, yes, but that’s ingrained from all the years of working, I’ve never worked by the chart. It takes away the fun and the sense of exploration. One is always happiest when they discover things on their own.
To continue the Thanksgiving theme, last night I made a meal of autumn colors. I baked a small pumpkin squash and yams, cooked amaranth grains and poached eggs. The center of the eggs oozed out yellow trails to the other food, making an underlying natural sauce. I added a spiral line of olive oil over all the food on my plate, and sprinkled parmeggiano on the amaranth. The rich colors appealed to my sight and made my meal even more delicious. It made me think of how some colors in paintings make me want to eat them. Some of Mark Rothko’s paintings have had that effect on me, and even more a desire to be embraced and merge with the colors. I also had that reaction when Donna, one of my workshop students in Ischia showed us photos of a series of her completed work.
Buon appettito,
Barbara