A few days ago, while wandering around Internet, I run into some beautiful jewellery, sculpture and architecture work, which I immediately PIN into my board “Blog Inspirations”.
Yesterday, while reviewing it, I noticed a lot of them had something very specific in common: somewhere there was a STONG BLUE to which my attention was completely drawn! So I started wandering, why did that blue magnetize my unconscious?
Then I remembered the Blue Feather (1948) from Alexander Calder... Even if the entire piece amazes you, it’s like your eyes always come back to that blue body. You cannot resist it!
Blue Feather (1948) II Photo credit: Calder Foundation , Artsynet
So my question stands: why this fascination for blue?
Empirically, my first answer was kind of childish: blue reminds me of ocean and sky and consequently I associate it to infinity, purity, heaven, suspense and even hope. But then, not entirely convinced by my answer, I decided to do a little research and see what others have to say about this intriguing color.
Do Ho Suh Blueprint (2010) II Venice Architecture Biennale
II Photo credit: Ana Bragança
I learnt a few interesting things. For instance, did you know that the word “blue” did not exist in ancients cultures expect in the Egyptian? Or, were you aware that, for ages, blue was so expensive to produce that was considered a wealthy color? Or even that in The Renaissance people referred to blue as “ultramarine”?
Its history is delightful, and if you fell like reading some articles that talk about it, and inclusively explain why blue has been more valorized in modern times, here are some websites: True Blue, Why blue is the costliest colour; The colour of Technolofy Egyptiona Blue.
Instalation by Felice Varini II Orangerie du chateau de Versailles (2006) II
II Photo credit: Ana Bragança
Of course that then there are the emotions that each colour transmits, as it affects us in a physiological and psychological way. For instance, Le Corbusier used to say that colour stimulates our senses, so he used to assign colour to "specific functions: to enhance the perception of depth or weight, to create inviting atmospheres, to create unity, among others. (…) For Le Corbusier, color selection was a material-based, functional consideration."(1) It might seem paradoxal, but he used to paint a room with this colour to give it light; as it vibrates in the shadow. Moreover, he often reinforced the power of blue by contrasting it with other colors like red or white.
Pic 1. Room in Villa Savoye (1928), Le Corbusier II Photo credit by: ELLE Decoration Magazine
Pic2. Le Corbusier's Apartment in Paris II Photo credit by: Architeizer
So, ultimately, when I re-look at my jewellery inspiration pics, somehow I link them to these "architectural lessons”. For example, take a look at the jewellery pieces from the Emptiness Collection of Burcu Sülek or from the In and Out Collection of Cleopatra Cosulet. First of all, the deep blue definitely elicits strong emotions. It gives their work character, presence and in the end each piece is a strong statement. Moreover, this specific blue helps to enhance their jewellery pieces's form, either organic or sharp. And the outcome of the contrast between these blue bodies and the metal tones is just exquisite!!!
Photos credit II Burcu Sülek; Emptiness Collection
II Burcu Sülek instagram: @burcusulekjewelry II
Photos credit II Cleopatra Cosulet ; In and out collection
II Cleopatra Cosulet instagram: @cleopatracosulet II
I cannot end this post without showing you, once again, some exemples of my favorite jeweller: Michael Becker. As Joanna Hardy explained:
"Recently, Becker has begun to use primary colours in his work and to investigate their relationship with gold and the play of light. (...) Becker uses blocks of colour in the manner of a sculptor , taking rough lapis lazuli and setting in within articulationg links to form a bracelet or neckalce"(2) For me, these pieces are flawless! I have no other word than: Splendid!
Photos credit II Michael Becker Schmuck
Of course that I also have to mention the intriguing International Klein Blue. It fascinates me... But just look at the picture of the Blue Sponge (1959) of Yves Klein and answer me:
HOW CAN YOU NOT BE IN LOVE WITH IT?
Blue Sponge (1959) II Yves Klein II Photo credit: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York Gift, Mrs. Andrew P. Fuller, 1964
(2) HARDY, Joanna (2012), "Collect Contemporary Jewelry", Thames&Hudson, pp34.