Graffiti - Art Or Vandalism? For August 2016

Colour Stories

Graffiti has a long and proud history. Graffiti has always been questioned about its legitimacy as a form of art. Read on to know all about its history…

Graffiti and street art are inextricably associated. The word 'graffiti' is derived from the Italian word 'graffio', meaning "a scratch." During the Paleolithic age, even the early humans expressed themselves artistically. In essence, the few of the first art known to mankind was graffiti! These etchings have been discovered across the globe, from Australia to Africa to North America to Siberia. Graffiti was first used as a term in 1851 in reference to ancient inscriptions carved on the walls of the ruins of the city of Pompeii. The World Wars brought the phenomenon of "Kilroy was here" – a simple doodle that occurred with variations. Soldiers and sailors scribbled the drawing on equipment and shipments around the world. You can still find the occasional "Kilroy" drawn today. The Berlin Wall was constructed in 1961 to divide Communist East Berlin from West Berlin. While the east remained stark, people adorned the west side with a wild range of graffiti, expressing themselves freely.

The definition of graffiti has expanded and includes all kinds of public art, from simple doodles to elaborate street art. The style of graffiti that most people have seen and know about that makes use of spray cans, came from New York City in the late 1960s, and was born on the subway trains. Taki 183, who lived on 183rd street in Washington Heights, worked as a messenger. He travelled all throughout the city and wrote his name at subway stations and also the insides and outsides of subway cars using markers. He became popular across the city as this mysterious figure. After an interview of him was published by the New York Times, kids in New York began to emulate him, realizing how famous they could get by "tagging" their names on subway cars and as many places as possible.

Graffiti is still evolving and has come a long way from simple bubble lettering spray-painted on a surface to skilled and esoteric lettering like Wildstyle. English street artist Banksy has used spray cans and stencils in his street art while artists like Vhils and BLU have experimented with street art using different kinds of methodology. Some street artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring have transformed their artwork into mainstream art gallery fare. Graffiti has given birth to artists who have made stunning murals and incorporated video art too.

What makes graffiti even more fascinating is that it exists in the public for the public. It is often eradicated as it is perceived as vandalism, questioning powerful authorities. However, the artists have achieved commercial success owing to its increasing popularity and have a regular presence in pop culture and the contemporary world of art. We hope this article gave you a new perspective on graffiti and things you didn't know about it before!

Colour Trivia 

Colour Facts For August 2016

1. Did you know why are soccer balls Black and White? The game was meant to be watched on TV, and back when there were black and white screens, they wanted the soccer ball to easily catch the eyes of the viewers.
2. Man first invented the wheel, and then Sir Isaac Newton invented Colour Wheel – the second best invention that helps comprehend colours and help in different fields whether interior design, fashion design, paint etc.
3. Did you know why the Olympics symbol has Blue, Yellow, Black, Green and Red on a white background? When the symbol was designed in 1912 it was to represent flags of all competing countries then. The idea was that these six colours should reproduce every country's flag, making it a global entity.

Colour Quotes For August 2016

• What makes things memorable is that they are meaningful, significant and colourful.

  - Joshua Foer

• She sees in black and white, thinks in greys, but loves in colour.

  - J.M. Storm

• I would like to paint the way a bird sings.

  - Claude Monet

Colour Tips For August

1. If you want to introduce colour into your home but are unsure how, start small. Use colours contrasting the sofa for your cushion cover and see how they immediately brighten up the room. If the seating arrangement in neutral, go for vivid shades of reds or purples and select muted tones and creams if it is the other way round.
2. One combination that will stand true for all the seasons of the year is the pale blue-dark grey-light grey combination. These hues look classy regardless of the weather outside and can give the touch of elegance to your home. You can keep changing the accessories to mix things up every now and then. Use the pale blue for walls, the dark grey for ceilings and the light grey for trim.
3. To give a room painted a light shade of pink a more mature look, simply swap the furniture for one made of darker wood, you can also change the upholstery to dark nautical stripes. It will immediately make the room feel that much older and refined, perfect for growing up daughters or even you if baby pink was your favourite colour a while back!

World Of Colours

Colours & Emotion For August 2016

1. Do individual colours actually affect our emotions? Different studies come up with different results but here is one that says yes and no both. Angela Wright, Colour Psychologist, believed that it wasn't one individual colour but rather a combination of colours that made us react a certain way. Example, Grey skies on a sunny day won't make us feel too gloomy because we'll also have bright flowers to look at, while on an already dull day with a white sky, the grey clouds will just stand out further and make us feel worse.
2. For most of us, summers are when all the white clothes are brought out. But for widows in Hinduism, white is the only colour they can wear. This can have two reasons, One being that since white is the purest colour, it symbolizes the life a widow should lead henceforth and lends her strength to overcome all her future struggles while the second one says that white is chosen as it represents old age, asceticism, asexuality and infertility- all of which is applied to widowhood in Hinduism also. The latter explanation is more widely accepted than the former in popular culture.

Colours & Fashion For August 2016

You may have often seen people wearing really tight, dark clothes with splashes of colour or just having vividly coloured hair/piercings in contrast. Being 'Emo' is a lifestyle choice and with it comes its own fashion rules. So why do Emo kids wear mostly black? This is because they focus a lot on the sad, negative aspects of life which black represents, and the colours they wear stands for their love of music, poetry, books and other forms of art. The Emo subculture believes in expressing emotions and the exploration of it.

Colours & Gems For August 2016

1. 'Apache Tear' is an oddly-shaped gem with a fascinating legend regarding its origin. A party of Apache Indians was ambushed by an enemy tribe wherein two-thirds of the Apache warriors were killed. The rest of the Apache warriors chose to die by leaping over a cliff's edge. The apache women of those who had died gathered and mourned at the base of the cliff. Their sadness was so great that the Great Spirit is believed to have encased their tears into this gem. It is often used to calm muscle spasms, detoxify the body and absorb vitamins.
2. Chrysocolla is a copper stone whose name comes from the Greek word 'chrysos' meaning gold and 'kolla' meaning glue, which together means 'Gold Glue'. It is known as the stone of communication and its very essence is dedicated to teaching, expression and empowerment. Mistaken for turquoise due to its blue-green colour, this stone encourages strengthening of character and compassion. In ancient Egypt, it was known as the 'wise stone' and lore has it that this stone was carried around by Cleopatra everywhere as it had power to make violent people sensitive and tolerant. This lovely stone is also believed to attract love.

Colours & Nature For August 2016

1. Ever wondered why the predators found in the Savanna region are a golden brown colour? Lions, Leopards and Cheetahs, all found in the grasslands of the Savanna have a tawny fur coat which helps to camouflage them amidst the golden grass in that area. In fact, because cubs lack the ability to protect themselves, their coat is lightly spotted to help them hide better between the long strands of grass. This makes it tougher for their prey to spot them and run, thus giving these predators an added advantage!
2. There are quite a few different colours of rabbits like black, brown, white; but did you know that rabbits actually change colour every time they moult? Moulting refers to the process of an animal shedding old feathers, skin, or fur. Once a rabbit grows into a full size adult, one can notice the change in the fur coat's colour every time they moult! While light moulting occurs every few months, heavy moulting is observed at the end of winter and summer season.

Decor

Care Right For Your Decor

After a certain age, one begins to invest in some really expensive home-decor pieces or collectibles. Whether paintings, bronze or brass figurines or massive chandeliers, once bought, how do you maintain them? Oil paintings catch dust, figurines lose their shine and a dirty crystal chandelier is a big no-no!

We bring to you easy tips and tricks to care for investable decor items to make them last a lifetime:

1. Crystal Chandeliers
Chandeliers are absolutely gorgeous to look at and instantly transform the way a room looks. But you must be extremely careful while cleaning them. Always use a soft, cotton cloth. Dry tissue papers leave behind scratches which then results in the light looking fragmented. Do not use any kind of harsh soap or dishwashing detergent on the chandeliers. Not only will this dull the crystal, it could lead to the frame corroding. If the chandelier is a large one, take it apart before cleaning and later put it back again. Remember to switch the lights off before cleaning!

2. Expensive Artwork
Rule #1 for maintenance of any artwork is that it can never be exposed to sunlight directly. Exposure to sunlight leads to the pigments and colours losing their sheen over time and spoils the canvas faster too. You also have to protect the pieces from humidity, ask the artist or gallery for ideal storing temperature. Be wary of woodworms, termites etc. since they can do irreversible damage to the frame or the artwork itself. Regular pest control is a must. Lastly, wipe the artwork with a clean, soft cloth to remove dust.

3. Bronze Figurines
To restore the lustre or even maintain it in the first place, clean the bronze figurines and articles with a soft cotton cloth and a paste made from baking soda and lemon juice. You could also use a paste of vinegar, salt and flour to get rid of the green patina. Clean in gentle, circular motions but do not rub vigorously. For corners and crevices, use a soft bristles toothbrush to rub the paste in. Don't polish them too often. For regular care, it is better to wash it gently in lukewarm water and pat dry with an old cotton t-shirt.

So venture forth and buy that eye-catching artwork for your living room. We promise you, it's worth the effort.

Get Your Home Festive-Ready!

Come August, the festivals line-up right from Independence Day and Raksha Bandhan, to Janmashtami, Onam, Ganesh Chaturthi and go on till Dussehra, Diwali and Christmas. That means friends and relatives will keep frequenting your humble abode and it’s time to get your home ready for the festivities!

Everyone wants their home and décor to be envied and praised by the guests. Keeping that in mind, here are some useful tips to make your home festive-ready -

1. Light it up -
No festival is complete without a lot of lighting to make your home bright and lively. Invest in a beautiful chandelier for the living room or if you're on a tight budget, you can go for economical bamboo or paper ceiling lamps and lanterns. Liven up your dressing table or kid's room with some fairy-lights and enjoy the magical glow! Pro tip - Always go for yellow lights as they give more warmth and make everything (including you) look better!

2. Quick-fix with festive decals -
If you don't have enough time or funds (or energy), you can give a quick revamp to your living space and walls using the trendy and easily available wall decals. You can opt for something religious and festive like God/Goddesses decals or something abstract like a family quote or family tree with photo frames or anything else you relate to. Do keep in mind that if your wall's paint has faded or is very old, you might want to give it a touch-up so that your decals are enhanced and look attractive.

3. Flower power -
Indian festivals always have lots of flowers. You can add a floral touch to your home in many different ways. Invest in artificial flowers or an artificial flower toran for your living room. You can even get into the DIY mode and make/paint your own vase or glass bottle to keep fresh flowers in. You can even change your curtains to a floral print or if you're planning to change your sofa/chair covers, you can go for a floral Chintz print.

Though there is a lot you can do to make your home look festive, always keep in mind that the colour combinations should complement the overall look and feel of your home, and it should not look over-done or cluttered. You can also buy some incense sticks or potpourri so that your home is fragrant and guest-ready! Happy festivities!

Evolution Of The Cave

The truth is that men want to have a cosy nook too. But since the phrase “cosy nook” brings feminine imagery to mind, men have found a way around it and behold the brilliant idea of a man-cave!

When it comes to decor, one inevitably turns to a woman. That is because the house, for centuries, has been thought of as a woman's domain. It is her turf, and she gets to have her chintz sofa and cute wall art. But things are changing, more and more men are staying at home for longer periods of time and they want, nay, deserve a place where they can go unwind.

Read on to know what you can fit into the converted space to get low whistles of approval next time you call the guys over:

1. A gigantic TV
Did we say gigantic? We meant GIGANTIC. At the end of the day, when you sit down with a keg, you know you don't want to squint at the television, trying to make out if that play was a foul or not. So invest in a widescreen LCD/LED and set the mount at a decent height for easy visibility which will fulfil all your media needs.

2. A good entertainment unit.
This is an absolute must. Scour the stores or build your own unit, but it must have sturdy shelves to hold all the gaming equipment and consoles along with built in compartments for wirings and plugs etc. Select one that doesn't take up too much space at the same time because it is a man-cave and not a mansion.

3. A Kergerator
A Kergerator is a converted refrigerator used to store kegs. This allows one to keep a keg for an extended period of time, a few months generally. It is easy to DIY, pick up a kergerator conversion kit and be that much closer to the perfect cave.

4. A recliner or couch
It just isn't the same if you're clutching a drink and sitting on the carpet now, is it? Venture forth and get home the comfiest couch in sight for you'll need them for when you're entertaining. Bean Bags are a favourite for lounging for hours or you could always get proper recliners à la Joey and Chandler!

5. Wall of Fame
Last, but definitely not the least, is your wall of fame. The wall of fame is where you will pay ode to all the memorabilia collected over the years. It will proudly display your Star Wars' light-saber, your vinyl collection, and the old Gameboys. It is every bit of personal trivia that's gone into making you and it definitely needs to be as special as possible!

Now that the knowledge has been shared with you, pick up that floor plan and start building your haven.

Colours & Ancient Sciences

Feng Shui For August 2016

Feng Shui is a long lasting way to attract love in your life. Discover fast and simple ways to invite love and romance by using Feng Shui.

Using Feng Shui To Attract Love!

As you look for romance, remember that Feng Shui won't do its job on its own. You have to take a good look at yourself. You need to make yourself the kind of person you would like to have a relationship with - it is only then that you can develop into a person someone else would love. Feng Shui is all about changing the person inside as well as the environment outside.

Feng Shui has to be practiced with a pure heart and strong intentions. Do not practice it to harm anyone but for personal enrichment. What this means is that you can strengthen your position in someone else's life but not use it to eliminate your competition for that person's affections will surely backfire.

You should maintain a diary or a Feng Shui journal to record things you did to change your Feng Shui to attract love and the dates you went on.

Here are ten treasure troves of Feng Shui dos to attract love in your life:

• Create a special corner in your home for a loved one if you do not have special mementos of that person.
• Keep your religious altars in a less traffic area in your home.
• Place figurines of dogs in your home as it represents faithfulness.
• Sleep on an elevated bed to permit beneficial and healthy chi energy to circulate around you as you sleep.
• Keep a headboard on your bed to provide support for your aspiration.
• Sleep on the side of the bed that is farthest from the bedroom's entrance if you want more influence in your home.
• Take care that there are no corners of furniture such as a bookshelf or a hairdresser that point towards your bed as it sends out sha energy that causes bad health.
• Use soft, curved lines and designs in your bed linens to attract good rest.
• Place your bed diagonally across from its main entrance as this position will empower you while you are sleeping.
• Sleep with your bedroom door closed, especially if it leads to a bathroom.

With these Feng Shui love tips, you can come one step closer to meeting your prince charming or the girl of your dreams.

Reiki For August 2016

Reiki is a wonderful healing mechanism and can solve all your relationship issues. Read on to know how you can improve your relationship using the power of Reiki.

Reiki for Relationships!

Reiki is used for healing all kinds of problems. Right from physical pain to emotional trauma, it is proven to heal anything when it is allowed to. It can help manifest your desires into physical reality very quickly. You can apply the same principle and give Reiki to the relationships in your life that require healing. You can use Reiki to heal the bonds that have been severed between people or to create new, meaningful relationships. It is proven to be an effective tool in creating and nurturing successful relationships in life.

The root chakra rules how safe we feel about ourselves and people around us. What we experience comes forth from within us and from our subconscious mind.  When there is an imbalance in a relationship, it is quite often rooted in power issues and/or fear. Problems arise when one or more chakras are out of balance. If we wish to see the changes in relationships for the better, we need to change our core beliefs. We fail to realize that we ourselves are the ones responsible for nurturing a loving relationship. It cannot change without us changing.

The first step to heal a relationship with Reiki is to identify the areas of weakness or imbalance. It is often wise to pick an object that can physically represent the relationship. Objects such as gifts, photos and crystals that have been given to each other can serve effectively. The purpose of choosing an object is to clearly aim at healing energy when you are working on the relationship. You need to choose an object that represents the relationship and use it in your meditations and healing.

You also need to find a special place to keep it. It can be kept anywhere, be it the table, shelf or altar as long as the energy field is not disrupted. If you plan to carry the object with you, it is wise to keep it in a special carrying case or a scarf. Choose a quiet place and time where there is no interruption from anything or anyone. Sit or stand before the object in a position that suits you and create a prayer of intent. Next, draw all the symbols of Reiki you are attuned to over the object, invoking the sacred name of each symbol three times as you draw them.

You can do this without the symbols if you are a Reiki practitioner. Then draw the symbols on your crown, palms, throat, third eye and heart chakras. When this process is over, ask the Reiki energy to flow completely through you for healing your relationship. Let the energy flow as long as you feel it. It is good to allow 30 minutes after you empower the object for it to work. It is necessary to acknowledge the healing that has occurred by thanking the forces which helped you, and send Reiki back to those forces. This is how you can balance the energies between you and your guides. The ways to heal with Reiki are infinite. It all starts with you, and all you need is belief!

Vaastu For August 2016

The origin of Vaastushastra is believed to have taken place more than thousands of years ago. Read on to learn about the fascinating legend associated with it…

Mythological Story of Vaastupurusha!

Long time ago, Lord Shiva fought a fierce battle against a demon known as Andhakasur. While fighting with the demon, Shiva began to sweat profusely. A man was born out of the drops of Shiva's sweat called Vaastupurusha. He was extremely hungry and started eating everything in his sight. The Gods went to the Creator of the Universe - Lord Brahma for protection, who gave Vaastupurusha a push, making him fall to the ground face down. Lord Brahma then told forty-five gods to sit on him and not let him get up. Vaastupurusha pleaded for Brahma's mercy saying that he was created hungry and that he was only following his nature. Feeling sorry for him, Brahma granted him the blessing of having his endless hunger fed by offerings from the inhabitants of the houses built upon him. Vaastupurusha was to remain inside the earth and take care of the health, happiness and prosperity of the inhabitants. Those who did not follow Lord Brahma's rules would awaken Vaastupurusha's hunger and suffer the consequences. This incident is depicted graphically in the Vaastu Purusha Mandala which is an indispensable part of Vaastushastra.

These days, Vaastupurusha is often depicted as lying on it with the head in the North-East direction and the legs in the South-West but he keeps changing his position all through the year. It is recommended that one not dig in the direction where Vaastupurusha's head lies in that particular month. The Vaastupurusha rests with his back up. The concept is that the burden is carried on the back. It is a rule that pillars are not to be raised on his sensitive points. According to the science of physics, the sensitive points are inlets and outlets, and it is believed that Vaastupurusha would suffocate if inlets and outlets were blocked with pillars. The sensitive points exist on the folds of the arms and legs as well. Pillars, if erected on those points, would not find adequate support. Thus, those points are to be avoided for pillars. Today, the Vaastupurusha is the presiding deity of any site.