November 5, 2010

Navy Blue Weekend


Something has happened to me. I like navy blue all of the sudden. I found it the most dull color in existence, had almost purged my wardrobe of it (except for dark-rinse jeans), and all of the sudden I have this huge old-man cardigan in navy blue, and tights, and shoes, and I'm wearing them all at the same time and I like it. I'm not saying it's the new black or anything, but I am suddenly feeling a lot more tolerant. Next thing you know, I'm going to start wearing khakis.

3 comments:

Elizabeth said...

Probably another sign that you're becoming unrecognizable due to your relationship status. First you stopped making small talk, now you're wearing navy blue, shit, you are probably going to take up some profoundly domestic hobby like sewing... oh wait.

Anonymous said...

n- article from art school. fuck art school. but i'm talking about blue. so-
In the Western mindset blue and its varying shades are often thought of as relaxing, calming but also can be seen to represent times sadness or depression. “Many of these mixtures may be found for example in a “dark blue” ocean, in shadows, among foliage, or on the shaded walls of buildings.” (Lizdey, 2002) It easy to ascertain the reasons why blue in the Western mindset is so often associated with tranquility and/or sadness... Ice, shadow, sea, and coldness all have been depicted in blues both in art and nature. What I was really interested in though was the meanings and connotations of blue in other cultures. Blue, it seems, in many areas has at one point or another represented that which is spiritual and/or god-like. This may be witnessed in the depiction of particular gods through out the centuries. (One can trace this all the way back to Greek depictions of Zeus and other gods or Hindu depictions of Vishnu and other important deities)
There done be this article that reveals that the color blue holds many different meanings in the African and Island cultures. My first recognition of this fact was through archeological studies. The use of beads in African cultures was previously thought of as another means of decoration/ornamentation. But as more sites were explored a unique occurance began to be noticed. The number of Blue beads located vastly outweighed all other colored beads. This began archeologists and scholars alike to investigate alil deeper not only the meaning of the beads but the reason behind the predominance of blue. Through further study it came to be discovered that the color blue has frequently, in African folklore, been used as a potent and expected form of spiritual protection. The abundance of blue beads in African culture can be traced back to the fact? that blue was once held in high regard as a color of protection and safety.
It was also interesting to learn that blue holds some similar connotations in Buddhist beliefs. Blue, both in works of art and lore, has often been associated with spirituality, significance and purity. Light blue in ancient Tibetan ritual is often associated with Turquoise and this precious stone is thought to represent and blending and melding of the both the heavens and earth. It held/holds a spiritual significance that is closely associated with the Buddhist religion. Dark blue also plays an influential role in Buddhist prayer and contemplation. In Tibetan and Himalayan kingdoms Buddhist portraits and statues of Buddha were often painted a deep rich blue color. This rich dark blue was thought to have a curative and strengthening effect on all those who came in contact with it.
Through this research I have been provided witha great opportunity to learn an increasing amount about the value and connotations of the color blue in various cultures. From a European/Western point of view I always considered the use of blue to create either a sense of longing and/or/and serenity. Through information gained about African, Indian and Buddhist cultures I have come to understand that blue has held a very significant role in both the form of protection and also the belief in various religious tenants and feelings of comfort and/or safety.

Rachel Wrong said...

It comes down to this. I am becoming profoundly domestic and am protected and safe in the cocoon of my navy blue cardigan. There are worse things. I could start wearing black leather all the time.