Welcome to the colorful world of exploration!
I've been on a vibrant journey, delving deep into the science of color, and I'm thrilled to take you along for the ride. In the upcoming posts, we'll be unraveling the mysteries of color, from the fascinating physics that make it all happen to the very essence of what color truly is. We'll even venture into the intriguing color code that's all around us. So, hold onto your hats and get ready for a colorful adventure!
Now, let's kick things off with a little introduction to the Science of Color.
Color has always been a bit of a love-hate affair for me. It's a world of black and white, love and hate, like and dislike. I've got a soft spot for blue, but beige? Not so much. Yellow? A definite like. Red? Well, let's say it's more on the dislike side. But, here's the magical twist: when these colors come together, they can create something truly enchanting! Think about some iconic logos out there—Facebook in blue and beige, Gap in blue and beige, Oreo in blue and beige, HP in blue and beige. Or when you see yellow and red, your mind might jump to McDonald's, Old Dutch, and Shell. Color is a part of our lives from the get-go. It's one of the first things we form an opinion about as kids. What we wear or even what we eat can often be dictated by color. Remember your childhood favorite outfit and the veggies you swore never to touch? Color has the power to stir emotions, trigger cherished memories, and make experiences truly unforgettable—much like the magic of our sense of smell.
And for us quilters, color is our trusty paintbrush. When we quilt, we're using colors to convey feelings, emotions, and stories. Take, for instance, donating a quilt to a mental health charity like Blankets of Love. We pick fabrics with colors that spark conversation, exude love and empathy, and steer clear of those that might feel dark, stormy, or somber (although it's important to remember that there's no such thing as a truly ugly color because it's all a matter of perspective).
The fabric industry, in particular, understands the incredible power of color. It efficiently uses color to classify, market, and distinguish materials, products, and product lines. The variety of colors and the constant development of new hues are the driving forces behind the production and marketing of fabrics. Yet, for such a vital aspect of our lives and the industry, the concept of color, its creation, and control—especially in the world of quilting fabrics—remain a bit of a mystery to fabric producers, merchants, and even us, the consumers.
So, what exactly is color or the perception of color? Well, it's a bit of a "psycho-physical" phenomenon. The "psycho" part takes its cues from psychology, the study of human behavior. Interestingly, some animals can see colors too, but they can't quite communicate their perception like humans can with our color terms. You've probably heard expressions like "I was so angry I saw red," or "They were green with envy," which show how we've been using color to describe emotions throughout history. The physical side of color involves physics, anatomy, and yes, even math! But we'll save that for another colorful chat. 🌈🧪🔍
Happy Sewing!
Jody
