Colors that can't be caught

Palette of the Month 001: Non-violets

This is a story about something ephemeral. The thing itself vs the trace it leaves behind. How do we feel when we try to hold on to something as it actively shifts? What does it mean to let go of control? Here one moment, different the next, leaving behind memories, stories, and artifacts.

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As our plane was landing, our eyes were flooded with the unexpected color of violet. We had no idea we would be in the peak time window for this. I could hardly remain seated! In fact I think I was bouncing up and down on my seat like a kid.

Violet, positioned teasingly at the very end of the visible light spectrum, has the shortest wavelength. Because of this, violet light carries a higher charged energy compared to other colors we perceive. This higher energy stirs us a bit. As the color enters the consciousness, it may provoke us to inquire, or try to unravel a mystery or two…

Violet is a kind of rarity, and we tend to adore it. It stands out vividly when encountered in landscapes, such as the case with certain flowers. The violet in Iceland so intense that giddy sleep deprived airplane passengers can spot it from the July morning sky, amidst the smoky charcoal and moss green terrains, is emanating from the (very) abundant Lupine flowers. They seem to proudly sing with windswept voices: here we are, like it or not!

Lupine, grounds eye view, Iceland 2023

And there we were.

In a metaphysical context, violet represents a connection to higher states of consciousness. No wonder it captures us, and no wonder we want to capture it back. It seems to provoke a deeper understanding of one’s place in the universe. But what is violet’s place in Iceland? How has the presence of a flower become a subject of debate that seemingly divides a population? Why do we covet the elusive and grieve its absence? What can we learn from impermanence? Why is violet pigment tricky for artists? What is all of this about if the Palette of the Month this month does not contain even a semblance of violet?!

Read on!

This post will tell a story about these pigments, why they aren’t purple. What they mean instead.