HOMEGROWN TALENT / DC DESIGNERS -- Day 2, Mary Douglas Drysdale

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Peeps,

With the advent of grey(er) fall skies and the need for seasonal cheer, who amongst us can quarrel with Mary D. Drysdale's liberal use of bold color (pictured above).  When yellow is applied such as this--bold and masterful, even the color-fearsome can find solace in yellow's purported ability to warm and cheer, invigorate and motivate.  I find within this kitchen an allusion to the charming country homes one finds nestled throughout sunny Spain, Mexico, France, and South America, all areas which embrace more fully of life's offerings.  And, so that I am not scolded by blog readers in India, yellow, in all its many variations of hues and shades is much beloved there, and can be seen everywhere from foods (curry and tumeric), fabrics (silks and cottons), body paints and make-up (adorned during festivals), as well as upon temple walls and throughout private homes ranging from palaces to Anglo-Indian plantation homes to village huts where a profusion of color and pattern celebrates the wondrous diversity of our multiple universes.


As we consider other world cultures where unadulterated yellow dominates, China's embrace is unequalled; emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasty used yellow to confer their royal status, and even today yellow is considered the most beautiful color.  Yellow denotes a special reference to the earth, as well as corresponds to the solar plexus chakra.  It is posited that the solar plexus chakra (located in the stomach area) is representative of vitality and will.  When the chakra is open and unblocked, it acts to empower and help in finding one's personal strength.  An open chakra turns dreams into goals and goals into reality.  Perhaps all this explains China's rapid rise throughout the ranks to become a leading player in the world's economy.  Certainly, something to consider as here in the United States we grapple with declining export quotas, a sluggish economy, and an unwillingness on the part of some to embrace much needed change.


Please enjoy today's visual treat showcasing Washington's undisputed queen of color--Mary Douglas Drysdale, who states, 'Yellow, in particular, warms up a space and energizes it.  Color and classical architecture go well together and when used proportionally with good architecture and design elements, it helps to create an inherent harmony in the space.'  Photos of her many acclaimed projects can be easily viewed at her website.


Thanks for being a devoted blog reader.


Sincerely,
Shane

PS:  Tonight's soundtrack is The Last Emperor by Ryuichi Sakamoto....