Wednesday 27 February 2008

Speaking through colour

I was chatting with my spiritual healer friend the other day and mentioned in passing that I was waiting for an order for art materials to arrive, amongst it some cobalt blue oil paint I need for my erotic landscape. I said that it was very expensive to buy and she asked why and I said that some paints are, depending on what they are made from. For instance French Ultramarine used to be made from Lapis lazuli and was incredibly expensive in the old days. "Oh" she said "I've got some of that, would you like to see it?" and indeed I did, very much! So, she brought out her crystals and I sat like a child in a sweetshop enthralled with all the colours, shapes and shiny stones infront of me. She picked out her pieces of Lapis lazuli to show me, and I sat with them in my hand, looking at their particular shade of blue, flecked with gold. How beautiful they were. I pictured the guy who had crawled deep underground to find it, had first seen it, had recognised it for what it was, had brought it into daylight, where it had been sent away to be cut and polished and sold, before finding its way into my hand where I could stare in amazed wonder at it.... And with the Lapis lazuli were other stones, equally as beautiful, a myriad different colours and shapes, all polished and shiny in their settings, they shone and gleamed in the light and enraptured me with their beauty. For I could see their colours and could relate to them for that, but my spiritual healer friend could see their energies and knew their individual powers. And we discussed what we each could see, and learnt from each other of what the other saw. And further into our discussions, it made us wonder about the properties of these stones and crystals, and especially Lapis lazuli, because if it is used as a healing stone, surely there must be something of its power still within it even if it's ground into pigment to paint with? Could its energies be chanelled to the artist and held within the canvas and experienced by the viewer? Healing art? Mmmm.... is that likely? Interesting thought........ so, here are the healing properties of Lapis lazuli:

It is deep blue flecked with gold, and can be found in Chile, Italy, the Middle East, Russia, Afghanistan and Egypt. It opens the third eye, and balances the throat chakra. It stimulates enlightenment, enhances dream-work and psychic abilities, and facilitates spiritual journeying. It releases stress, brings deep peace, processes enormous serenity and is the key to spiritual attainment. It encourages taking charge of life, releases repressed anger in communication or throat. It allows self expression without holding back or compromising. It brings honesty and compassion, encourages creativity through attunement to the source. It aids in expressing own opinions, harmonises conflict, teaches value of active listening, bonds relationships in love and friendship and aids expressing feelings and emotions, dissolves martyrdom, cruelty and suffering, alleviates pain, especially migraine. Overcomes depression, benefits respiratory and nervous systems and the throat. Cleanses organs, bone marrow and the immune system. Overcomes hearing loss, purifies blood, alleviates insomnia and vertigo and lowers blood pressure.

Wow! So, then, if that's the case, will looking at a painting with French Ultramarine in it give you a better nights sleep, make you a better communicator and make you feel happier? Somehow I'd love to think so. But I won't feel any of the above by using French Ultramarine, whether it's in oils or watercolours unfortunately. The reason I know this? Is because Lapis lazuli isn't used nowadays to make paint, its too expensive, the paint is made by a synthetic substitute now. What a shame. It would have been lovely to experience the inner peace the stones can give. Mmm... perhaps my spiritual healer friend will let me look at hers every so often instead..... or maybe I should get some of my own to hold!

26 comments:

Vi said...

Mate, if it does all that, I'd be grinding it up and swallowing it!

Spiky Zora Jones said...

sweetie...oh, that was lovely. I love the spark of fire that grows brighter and bolder when you talk of the things you love.

Honey, where can I get a lapis lazuli stone.

I loved your post...Ciao babes.

nitebyrd said...

There is something magical about holding or wearing certain stones and crystals.

Get some of your own so they'll absorb your own special energy.

Anonymous said...

I have a beautiful Lapis and silver necklace and earrings set which I haven't worn yet. I think I may start to wear them now though. They may get me out of my current blue funk - and into blue jewellery instead!

Great post! x

Utter Basketcase said...

WOW! No wonder you're an amazing artist, you've got an amazing passion for the paint and colours themself! I also believe that different colours effect us in different ways!

Awesome post! :-) xx

Jackie Adshead said...

Vi - Well it does do all that, so you better get some!

Jackie Adshead said...

Spiky zora jones - Wow, I know I speak passionately about the things I love, I didn't realise it shows so much!

I don't know where you would get a lapis lazuli stone in Hollywood. I know in England they sell them in new age type shops. Try the internet, there's bound to be someone selling some somewhere!

Jackie Adshead said...

Nitebyrd - Yes, I'm starting to find out about the magical energies in stones and crystals, and i would certainly like some lapis lazuli of my own. I adore the colours of them.

As for things absorbing my own special energy, I hope my paintings do!

Jackie Adshead said...

Racy redhead - Yes, I think you should start wearing them, they sound gorgeous! And, maybe they'll even help you.....

Jackie Adshead said...

Vi's biggest fan - I have passions for lots of things! I'm glad it shows through in my art though, and yes, I adore some colours, and am definately affected by certain ones!

Indi said...

Yeah I loved it to.. I've got my own stone, well one of many..Tiger eye, brings out the feline spirit in me.. but has other properties too. It's like my angel that I carry around with me..

Jackie Adshead said...

Indigo - That's really good to hear that you have your own tiger eye stone to keep close to you. Very special, and just for you!

Indi said...

Yes Jackie, we all need a guardian angel with us if not in human form then in crystal or stone form.. mine's a fish shape Tiger eye, I wear in on a leather lace around my neck.. one of the many things I make in jewellery

nitebyrd said...

Jackie, I know for a fact, your paintings have absorbed and project your energy. :)

Jackie Adshead said...

Indigo - Clever girl, how talented you are!

Jackie Adshead said...

Nitebyrd - Thankyou, I'm so glad you can see it, and feel it in my work.

Indi said...

So can your crystal healing friend recommend something to relieve emotional baggage? To empty the mind of unwanted love, remnants left behind, not longer needed?

Indi said...

Thank you Jackie, you'd be surprised at just how far my talents reach...!

Jackie Adshead said...

Indigo - No, she can't. Only you can do that by finding a new love. If your talents reach that far, I'm sure you're desired by many!

Bittersweet said...

you reminded me that i am part way through a book called 'Colour' - it is fascinating to read the origins of paint and dye.

yes - i did reply to your email. Let me know if you still haven't received anything for me :)

Jackie Adshead said...

Bittersweet me - oooh that book sounds interesting! I think the origin of the pigment "Indian yellow" is the one that amuses me most .......... Its made from cows urine!! (and its a gorgeous colour!).

Ok, will re check my emails and get back to you....

Indi said...

Indian yellow? .. cow urine? I'm milking 300 cows tomorrow afternoon.. would you like me to capture a few gallons off 426 for you Lol..

Jackie Adshead said...

Indigo - Er... funnily enough.....NO thanks! :) I'll continue to buy mine from Windsor and Newton, it might come in smaller amounts, but it doesn't smell as bad as your variety!!

Indi said...

Nowt wrong with cow sh*t love... excellent for ya rose beds..Lol!!

Jackie Adshead said...

Indigo - I didn't say there was, in the right place, and I prefer roses in my rose beds.......!

Indi said...

I love red roses in my rose beds and women in my bed...