secret lives of color

 

Color 1: Scarlet
Title: Kermes Beetle
Materials: Acrylic paint markers

For this piece, I chose to draw a Kermes beetle- the insect historically used to produce the vivid red pigment known as kermes dye. In The Secret Lives of Color, the author explains that the name “scarlet” originally referred to a luxurious woolen cloth from the 14th century, which was so frequently dyed with Kermes beetles that the word eventually became associated with the color itself. The dye was exceptionally bright, rare, and expensive, symbolizing wealth and exclusivity.

By focusing on the beetle, I wanted to highlight the often-overlooked origins of this iconic color and acknowledge the natural source behind a shade long linked to status, beauty, and luxury.

Color 2: Fuchsia
Title: Button Scarf
Materials: Yarn, Knitting Needles, and Buttons

For my second piece of the Secret Lives of Color assignment I chose a knitted scarf I am making as a Christmas gift. Fuchsia is one of my friend's favorite colors- and I found the perfect shade at Michaels. Luckily, Fuchsia comes in a "variety of ballerina hues- including whites, reds, pinks and purples" (The Secret Lives of Color, page 124) Because of the range this color can show up in, I had some wiggle- room while still staying relatively close to the color.