Several weeks ago, on the QuiltArt discussion list, ideas for a group challenge were floated and commented on. One that caught my attention was a challenge based on words that had multiple and very different meanings. One offering was the word “resist”. In the present time, that word has come to represent a political movement. But it also refers to a substance used to block the flow of paint/ink/dye on paper or fabric. I have no idea if the proposal ever gained any traction, as most of the discussion takes place on Facebook, in which I do not participate.
But the idea of “resist” as a starting point stuck with me. If one resists something, it could be said that one opposes it. Which led me to thinking about opposites.
For many years, I have been interested in the historical and contemporary meanings ascribed to colors. I have put together quite the list, and it has been put to use as a point of inspiration or refinement of an idea in the creation of my artwork. It has not been my practice to produce blatantly political work, but I liked the idea of using color as representative placeholders. To the viewer not well versed in color symbolism, it would just be another modestly attractive piece to hang on the wall.
The list is broken into positive and negative attributes, and I remembered that the color yellow has some negative characteristics that might serve as a starting place: deceit, instability, betrayal, covetousness, treachery. Grabbing my trusty color wheel, I found purple directly across the way, and checked the positive attributes list: dignity, leadership, truth, intelligence, self-control. Now, granted, these are just a few entries on each list, but it set up a nice juxtaposition.
I have a plan forming, and hope to get to the studio soon to put it into action. Whether the challenge ever happens in the QuiltArt group, it led me in an interesting direction. Pictures to follow, as soon as I have something to show.
However you choose to celebrate, my little chickadees, I wish you peace, good health, and all the blessings of the season.
Larkin