Fascinating Psychedelic Art For February 2017

Colour Stories

We often overlook Psychedelic art, calling it garish and banal. It is debated that it is much more than that. Read on to learn more about this fascinating art form…

Psychedelic art is believed to be art influenced by hallucinogenic drugs and the rock music of the sixties and seventies. However, it is a lot more than the trippy experiences of the artists. Contrary to popular belief, it is steeped in American politics of the sixties and is associated with the birth of the counterculture movement.

It is said that the birth of psychedelic art was Albert Hoffman's discovery of LSD, which was embraced by the artists who found their inspiration in those experiences. This association between psychedelic art and hallucinogenic drugs has been criticized, as the art form was looked upon as a mere attempt to recreate the sensual and visual experiences of the artist during their experience, holding no further aesthetic value. Those who were more tolerant spotted the connection between psychedelic art and historic genres such as Art Nouveau, Op-art and Surrealism.

The end of World War II in 1945 brought about a post-war economic boom in the U.S. It also brought about a tremendous spike in the birth rate, known as 'the baby boom.' This generation of 'baby boomers' questioned the political and social values of post-war America, and were the ones responsible for the birth of the psychedelic art movement. They protested against the cultural values of their parents, war, social norms of the consumerist America in the 1950s and segregation. The rejection of the mainstream culture gave rise to new music genres like psychedelic rock with new cover artworks, which stand as great examples of psychedelic art till date.

Wes Wilson, Peter Max and Victor Moscoso were arguably the best-known poster artists in the sixties and their work has shaped a whole new generation of musicians. Wes Wilson was the one to introduce the popular psychedelic font which made the letters appear as if they were moving, while Victor Moscoso was the one to use the vibrating colours effect. During the golden years of psychedelia, the very same aesthetics were used for poster works of underground comix.

Psychedelic art, with all of its interesting features, became part of the world it initially fought against. In the seventies, the recognizable imagery of psychedelia from contrasting colours and kaleidoscopic patterns to morphing objects and surrealistic subject matter was used to sell different kinds of products. Today, with the availability of graphic software, it has become easier to represent psychedelic experiences.

Colour Trivia

Colour Facts For February 2017

1. The Northern Lights are actually caused due to collisions between gaseous particles in the Earth's atmosphere with charged particles released from the sun's atmosphere. The colour varies due to the type of gas particles that collide. The most common auroral colour, a dull yellowish-green, is produced by oxygen molecules, 60 miles above the earth. The rare, all-red auroras are produced by high-altitude oxygen up to 200 miles. Nitrogen produces blue or purplish-red aurora.
2. Fallow is one of the oldest colour names to ever exist in the English language. Though not a considered by most to be a lovely colour, the pale brown is named after the fallow fields as well as the soil, which is often sandy. The word 'fallow', to express the colour, was recorded in 1000 first. Interestingly, it is known in South African and Indian cultures as 'Ravi brown.'
3. Did you know that the Greeks and Romans didn't have a word for the colour blue? Interestingly, for the legendary author Homer, the sea was 'wine-red'! Blue was also completely omitted from descriptions of the rainbow in Ancient Greece and Rome. However, the colour existed even if it was not named and was in fact one of the several colours used for clothing in those times.

Colour Quotes For February 2017

• "We can choose to stand tall and see life as the colourful and unique mosaic it really is. Perspective is everything."

  - Anonymous

• "Colours are the smile of nature."

  - Leigh Hunt

• "Colours are brighter when the mind is open."

  - Adriana Alarcon

Colour Tips For February 2017

1. While painting glass panelled doors, it is recommended to use a paint shield, an angled cutting-in brush or masking tape to keep the paint off the glass. No matter what you use, see that the paint goes on to about 2mm of the glass to seal where the glass and frames meet. Paint the rest of the door with a broader brush of about 75mm wide. To avoid the paint dripping off, do not overload the brush with paint. If gloss paint does get on the glass, it is best to take it off with a rag damped with white spirit before it dries off. If paint dries on the glass, you can scrape it off with a glass scraping tool.

2. If you have any kind of metal pipes on the exterior of your home, you probably know that they will rust when exposed to the different seasons. Painting them is a wonderful way to protect them while also blending them with the outside of your home.

   Here is a useful guide to painting those unsightly metal pipes. Ensure that the copper and steel pipes are clean and free from corrosion. Use fine wire wool to clean them. Apply gloss paint directly with a brush measuring 25mm or 50mm. There is no need for a primer unless the pipe is made from lead. Start by brushing up and down, then smooth the paint along the length of the pipe. Remember not to paint over stop taps or controls or they will not work.

3. As with most painting jobs, preparation is the key to succeed. To prepare ceramic tiles for painting, there are two important components to remember—prepare the surface properly and use the right type of paint. You can make old ceramic tiles look brand new by just changing its colour. It has to be prepped properly by repairing the chips and by removing other imperfections on the surface of the tiles. Next, rub sandpaper to the glossy surface after repairs are finished until the finish is stripped away. Following these steps will ensure you have a durable surface that looks much more visually appealing than the out-dated look you may have at present.

World Of Colours

Colours & Emotion For February 2017

1. "To see red" is a phrase used when someone has suddenly become angry or annoyed. When someone gets angry, their face flushes red and there is additional blood in their skin. It is believed to be derived from the popular sport of bull-fighting where the toreador uses his red-coloured cape to deceive the bull. However, it is interesting to note that bulls can't actually see in colour and are attracted by the waving of the cloth rather than the redness but the theory still remains. It is an allegory more than anything for being inflamed by anger. Example: "If she knew what he was doing behind her back, she would see red."
2. Until you are blue in the face', you've probably heard this expression before, which means 'for a very long time.' It comes from the fact that if you hold your breath for a long period of time, the lack of oxygen makes the skin on the face turn blue. For example, if you are quarrelling with someone over a topic and you strongly oppose the other's views, you can say, "You can argue until you're blue in the face, but I still won't agree with you." The phrase is used to describe the pointlessness of trying to convince someone to change his/her mind.

Colours & Fashion For February 2017

Let's take a look at the colours that dominated in the recently held Golden Globes awards 2017. Colours like yellow, pink and gold were the colours of the night. The darling of the red carpet, Priyanka Chopra wore a Ralph Lauren body-hugging sequinned gown, while Sofia Vergara twinned with her in a curve-hugging metallic gold gown. Brie Larson too turned out in a glistening, gold number, looking stunning. Reese Witherspoon, Emily Ratajkowski, Kerry Washington, Maisie Williams and Natalie Portman looked radiant in buttery yellow shades while Emma Stone and Lily Collins chose to dazzle in pink. The Golden Globes 2017 was a spectacular event, with the A-listers of Hollywood dressed in their best!

Colours & Gems For February 2017

1. The gemstone beryl is one of the most valuable of all coloured gemstones. It is a 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale and is found in Colombia, Brazil, Africa, Russia, Pakistan and California. The name is from ancient Greek, 'beryllos', meaning "precious blue-green colour." Legend says that Beryl was used to ward off evil spirits and demons. According to ancient literature notes, Pliny used powdered beryl to treat eye injuries. It is also believed to protect travellers from danger and to treat spine and heart disorders. It is also believed to promote cheerfulness and marital love.
2. Charoite is a rare gemstone which is available only in Russia. It was discovered there in 1978 and is derived from the Charo River. On field, it is believed to be opaque and unattractive, a fact that may have led to its late recognition. It is found in bright lavender, violet and lilac to dark purple with swirling patterns of black Augite, transparent crystals of microcline feldspar, and/or orange Tinaksite. It is often mistaken for synthetic owing to spiral strands of fibrous material. It is believed to boost self-esteem, accelerate spiritual growth, and improve the ability to love.

Colours & Nature For February 2017

1. The Madagascan sunset moth is one of the most beautiful moths on the planet. It is also featured in many coffee table books around the world. It belongs to the Uraniidae family and is sought after by collectors all across the globe. It gets its name from the rich reds, turquoise and oranges that depict an African sunset. Most of its wing is actually unpigmented and covered with several clear scales. The multi-coloured appearance occurs due to the structural components of the scales and the movement of its wings. When the wing moves, light is reflected and scattered, causing the appearance of colour. Interestingly, this moth flies only during the day.
2. Discus are colourful and impressive tank inhabitants. They are believed to require a higher level of care than other aquarium fish. They need a large aquarium of about 3 feet with stable and clean water. For this very reason, they are not recommended for the beginner aquarist. They can be housed with many any other fish as long as they need the same water conditions. They live best in planted aquariums. They have tiny bright red eyes, vibrant blue, green or brown coloured body and nine vertical, dark stripes. Their coloured appearance depends on the geographic location of their natural habitat, which are usually deep and still backwaters with submerged plants and trees.

Décor

Interior Colour Trends Of 2017!

Some of us like being ‘spot on’ when it comes to the latest trends, and that’s a great thing. To bring in the coming year, we cover some of the hottest wall paint colours making the rounds this 2017…

The beginning of a new year is usually the best time to plan a redecoration of your house. This is simply because the latest trends that will define the rest of the year are out and fresh at this time, so you can be the first to set the trend in your circle!

Speaking about trends, Pantone's colour of the 2017 is Greenery, a fresh take on nature that is believed to be symbolic of new beginnings. We couldn't agree more; we love the zesty vibes of Greenery and feel it'll make a great palette for those looking to create a natural, yet contemporary space.

Colour Theory for your Interiors

Let's start with interior wall painting tips and recommended palettes, since green is the colour of the year, we can use trendy blue-green shades like teal and aqua, which go well with combinations of taupe, black, white, browns and pale creams. If you want to up the ante and create an impact, you can also pair the above with orange and other spicy accents.

If you're a fan of wooden and cane furniture, bring the outdoors inside with a gorgeous combination of olive green interior wall paints and pair it with cream accents and earthy accessories like a brown rug or a rustic wooden bookcase. Cosy up with a book and can enjoy the beauty of nature in your living room!

For those who love going against the grain and who'd like to try a shade other than green, you can opt for comfort with light greys, golden creams and rose.

This is just the beginning of what you can do with your interiors, so what are you waiting for? Let's get down to decorating!

Exterior Colour Trends of 2017!

Some of us like being ‘spot on’ when it comes to the latest trends, and that’s a great thing. To bring in the coming year, we cover some of the hottest wall paint colours making the rounds this 2017…

We've covered the interiors in our previous post, whereas for your exterior walls, we all know that this isn't an easy task. For most of us living in apartments, this isn't really something we think about much – but this one is for our home-owners!

Colour Theory for your Exteriors

When it comes to choosing and painting colour shades for your exteriors, we suggest settling on three colours, for your walls, trims and accents. This gives you an option to create a beautiful palette that can show off your house from near or far.

A few tips to remember is to keep your trim lighter than the sides, so lighter shades of creams, whites and greys are recommended. You can go for stronger shades on your accents for a pop of colours and to increase the personality of your house.

A safe choice to go with is neutrals as the main exterior wall paint, with creams on the trims and rusty reddish orange or earthy shades for the accents. Other interesting and quirky choices are pale yellows as the prime exterior wall colour, while opting for a pastel or pop blue for the accents, with white trims.

Add some sophistication with black and darker accents, but ensure that your trims are always lighter in shades, as it naturally makes your home feel dynamic - choosing similar shades for the trim and exterior wall colour can make a house look flat, so be sure you remember this tip.

If you are fortunate to be surrounded by greenery, stick to lighter shades, as trees can shade the house and sometimes alter the effects of the shades.

We hope you've picked up quite a few tips to help you in your choice of exterior wall paint colours and shades, good luck and happy redecorating.

Storage Goes Extreme!

As the world gets smaller and our storage needs get bigger, extreme storage ideas are in demand. Let’s take a look at some tips that push the envelope of storage…

We've covered storage and space topics quite a bit, but this time, we're going extreme! As cities get more crowded and spaces get smaller, we city-dwellers find ourselves scrambling for space more often than not. Being mostly renters, it's also important that any storage option can be picked up and moved or reused easily in our next accommodation. But for those lucky ones with homes in the city, worry not, since we have tips for you too!

Out of Sight, Out of Mind!

A lot of people forget the space that exists above the line of sight and tend to store everything on the ground or eye level. Utilize this untapped space with the help of stacking drawers and cabinets above sturdy cupboards and kitchen storage units. You can also place a plastic drawer unit over your refrigerator. This place is best used for items that will not be used often. If you don't live in a rental, you can double your storage space by installing cabinets high above or add a swanky ceiling-tall sliding bookcase over your doors for a cool touch.

DIY Hacks to the Rescue!

Often, space for a countertop or dressing table in the bedroom is a luxury and we have to make do with the available space for storing knick-knacks, such as jewellery, cosmetics, watches and accessories. In such cases, there are a couple of cool hacks you can use. For those who love some quirk, a cork board with pretty pins forms a perfect place to hang your jewellery. This can be hung behind a door, inside the sides of your cupboard or even your walls with the help of a frame. Speaking of doors, the back of bedroom and bathroom doors are a great place to hang door organizers.

Upgrade to Smart Furniture!

This is the advent of smartphones, smart watches and smart accessories, so why not invest in smart furniture too? Smart furniture is simply functional furniture with convertible options and/or storage spaces, nooks and crannies built in. Most of us already beds with storage areas, but there are several other types of smart furniture like couches with drawers or storage pouffes.

Make the Most of Nooks & Crannies!

Nooks, crannies and corners are often overlooked. Take a look around your home and notice unutilized spaces, like corners, empty wall spaces, hallways and under the stairs, to name a few. For those not in rentals, arranging custom made snug-fit storage fillers under their stairway is a great idea and creates a lot of space, or else, you can still find a standalone cabinet or drawer stack that can fit as well be moved later. As for corners, invest in corner fitting cabinets and dressers as this can utilize oft-unused corner space and leaves the rest for other furniture. Deep furniture pullouts are also a great investment as they can store a lot of things as well as be hidden easily by sliding back into their space.

Colours & Ancient Sciences

Feng Shui For February 2017

The phoenix is considered a lucky symbol in Feng Shui. Read on to know its symbolism and how it can benefit you...

Power of the Phoenix!

The phoenix is a magnificent large bird, part of four celestial animals. The phoenix is the one who rises from ashes when everything is destroyed and this symbolism of the phoenix makes it a very auspicious and important part of Feng Shui. This bird is associated with the fire element. In ancient China, it was believed that the phoenix would appear in good times when there was peace and harmony. Therefore, it is considered auspicious and is believed to bring good luck and fortune.

According to Feng Shui Bagua Theory, the South direction, which is the sector of fame and recognition, is the direction of the phoenix. Placing a phoenix figurine alone in the South sector activates the yang energy, creating both popularity and great opportunities. Keeping a phoenix painting or any image of a crimson phoenix in the home encourages good luck and prosperity. The best place to hang the painting or picture of a phoenix is the south wall of the house or in the living room. Placing it in the front of the home, in complete view of the main front door is believed to bring several good opportunities. However, it is advised not to place a red phoenix in the bedroom as it activates the mind, making one unable to sleep peacefully.

The phoenix symbol is also used for wish fulfilment. It is suitable for individuals who are looking for love or for those wishing to make their current love stronger and to heighten the level of loyalty to their partners. When it is placed alongside a Dragon, its yin energy is activated. The phoenix and dragon is the perfect couple and complement each other wonderfully. It is optimum for couples (yin and yang) who are looking for everlasting love and for matrimonial bliss.

The phoenix can face any adverse environment and prosper among difficulties as it is believed to possess energizing yang energy. It does not represent any religion and can be kept by any individual following any religion.

The phoenix works as a great gift for the matriarch of a family or to someone who is struggling in the professional life or to someone who has hit rock bottom financially, physically, socially or emotionally. It is believed to help one bounce back and turn life around with a new found glory.

The rooster's body symbolizes several virtuous qualities, making it an excellent earth substitute for the phoenix. You can place the image of the rooster or a ceramic sculpture of it in the south of your living room.

Reiki For February 2017

There are some preparatory procedures and rituals that need to be followed before undergoing a Reiki session. Read on know more about it…

Prep up for Reiki!

Removing jewellery

Almost everyone likes to wear jewellery. However beautiful it may be, it may pose problems on the energetic levels during a Reiki session. Metals and stones attract subtle energies and often form closed metal circuits. This is the reason why precious stones have to be purified for healing purpose. The body may not respond to Reiki energy due to impairment of the closed metal circuits.

Removing Quartz watches

Watches made of quartz have their own rhythm of subtle electromagnetic vibrations which can be checked electronically. As the human body has a different vibration frequency, it is affected by the rhythm of the quartz watch, which can be a constant source of interference during the Reiki treatment. If the recipient wishes to benefit wholly from the Reiki session, choosing an attractive and mechanical watch that is easily available in the market is advised. This is applicable to the one who practices Reiki on someone else, transferring Reiki energy as well. The person transferring Reiki may also benefit from the energy flowing at each session. The energy flow may also be greater for the practitioner if sources of interference are completely eliminated.

Washing hands

Apart from the obvious hygienic purpose, washing hands also holds an aesthetic meaning. Hands perspire a lot and also touch a lot of things. In the initial positions of the whole body Reiki treatment, hands are placed directly on the face or next to it where the recipient may be able to smell any odour. It is best to have a neutral smell as it will ensure a positive and pleasant Reiki session for the recipient. Washing hands after a Reiki session will help the practitioner get rid of any imprints that may have been transferred from the Reiki recipient.

If for any reason, there is an unavailability of water, you can pass your hands on both sides of the flame of a candle. This will also effectively cleanse the hands.

Invocation

Before the actual start of the Reiki treatment, the practitioner has to ask mentally or aloud to channel Reiki energy onto the recipient and heal the individual. This is considered a mark of respect for the person who will receive the Reiki energy.

Vaastu For February 2017

A garage built according to the principles of Vaastu can help in the long life of the vehicle and bring luck to its owner. Read on to know more…

Vaastu for Garage!

Though one of the most ignored areas, a garage is as important as the house itself. A Vaastu-perfect house radiates positive energies and ensures healthy life to the people living in it. The same principle applies to the garage too. It is advised to have a garage built with proper Vaastu for better efficiency of a vehicle.

The location of the garage is one of the first considerations you need to make and ideally, it should be in the northwest or southeast direction of your house. If the vehicle is placed in the west of the northwest positioned garage, the owner is bound to travel quite often. For a vehicle parked in the southwest corner, it is believed that the vehicle will require minor maintenance work. The floor of the garage should slope towards the east or the north. It is recommended that the size of the garage have 2 feet of walking space left after parking the vehicle, ensuring movement of light and air inside the garage. Also, ensure that the vehicle does not touch the compound wall or the main building.

It is a strict no-no to park the vehicle in the north-east direction as it is believed to be an access point for heavenly forces and obstructing such forces is not wise. However, if the garage is built in the basement, parking in the northeast area is permissible. A garage built in the southwest would mean rare usage of the vehicle and in need of constant repair.

It is believed that placing the vehicle with its front portion facing the east or the north helps prevent overheating. It is also believed that the vehicle might face fire hazards if parked facing south or west. Also, the gate of the garage should face the north or the east. It is also important that the height of the garage gate is not more than the main gate of the wall. It should open freely, without any hindrance, allowing ease of movement for the vehicle.

It is considered auspicious to paint the garage white, yellow or in any other light colour. Remember not to keep any waste or inflammable material in the garage as it can cause unnecessary harm to the garage.