by Debra Disman from Artissima Blog and Artifactory Studio
All that glitters isn’t gold…or is it? Well, it might be “schlag” , or combination metal leaf, it might be 22 karat gold leaf, or it might be copper, silver, bronze or a combination of all of the above. Materials that contain or give the look of precious metals can add instant warmth and light to a room, which can be a welcome addition at any time, but perhaps especially during this the darkest time of the year. Use of metallic leaf, waxes, paints and glazes can be instrumental in transforming a time of darkness into a season of light. In a space that is. Which may just affect our state of mind, and lift our spirits.
We speak of radiance, iridescence, incandescence and luminescence. We crave shine, sparkle, glitter and glamor. We love sheen and shimmer, glow and glimmer. We are attracted to the translucent, which lets the light through, and the reflective, which bounces it back to us. In other words, we long for light, our source, our fuel, without which we cannot live.
So, its only natural that we should adorn our objects, furniture, architecture and accessories with materials which play with and celebrate light, and expand our experience and enjoyment of its qualities.
So, whether it is the enhancement of a craftperson’s decorative detail,
a ceiling treated in tones of gold,
or the embellishment of a chair…
let us celebrate the spark of our spirits, and illuminate our state of mind with the pure enjoyment of things shiny and bright. Let’s revel in radiance, especially during the dark time of the year. Let’s lavish ourselves and our loved ones with light, shine and shimmer, and spread a sphere of good cheer around us wherever we go, during this Season of Light.
Who knows? It may make us whole.
What is your favorite ritual of light? Do you have a special way of embellishing the Holidays with glow and glitter, sheen and shimmer? If you feel so inspired, please share your unique light with us. We love to hear from you. Remember, we are all in this thing called Life, together.
Happy Holidays, and Best Wishes for the New Year!
Debra is the “Color Muze” for Cre8tive Compass Magazine, and for Artistically Speaking Talk Show on Blog Talk Radio. She is Principal of ArtiFactory Studio providing custom decorative painting, faux finishing, color consultation and murals to he greater San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.
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