Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Purity and Innocence

A white stretch of expanse as far as the eye can see. It is untouched by humans or animals and when the sun hits it, it glistens and glitters in iridescent shimmers of tiny points of light. A fresh snowfall is pristine and adds brilliance to the landscape.

These are the same reasons that designers use white in their designs. The symbolism of purity is portrayed in the color white. White is sanitary and clean, fresh and wholesome and was once the only color that nurses and doctors wore to emphasize the cleanliness of their profession and evoke trust in their skills and abilities.

White is used to symbolize freshness and bridal innocence.

When white enters a design, it brings a spaciousness to the design. There are no hard borders and the design is free to open up and encompass its’ surroundings. A white space around an element draws the eye into the element. An all white piece of jewelry, such as a strand of pearls, provides the eye with simple pleasure. There is no thinking when the eye is drawn to a string of pearls. It is pure in shape and design while pleasing to the eye. The use of a contrasting black dress makes the simple white design dramatic and classic.

White is used with other colors to tone them down. When white is mixed with any color, you get pastels. The white used in a design brings the other colors into focus without overwhelming the eye with too much of a good thing. White and shades of white temper a design. It brings harmony into a design and draws together all the colors of the color wheel. It represents deep winter designs as well as spring flowers. It brings contrast to both an autumn and a summer palette.

White makes a great stabilizer, while being able to hold its’ own in a design consisting of only white. White frames other colors and designs. It opens up space and allows light into a design.

Pearls, mother of pearl, quartz, stone, marble and so many other natural materials are shades of white and utilized in design.

Designers use white to create the mood they are looking for when creating a piece of jewelry, clothing, photograph or other artistic endeavor.

These artists have used white in their designs as an expression of the mood they wanted to achieve.

SolanaKaiDesigns

Freshwater Pearls Glass Gold Seed Beads

specialtivity

16 and a half inch Cobalt Blue Renaissance White Glass Pearl Necklace

artbysunfire

Flower Bouquet hand stamped blank greeting card 219

cindiscreations

    Handmade "Rag" BurpCloths and Matching Blanket-Geometric Floral

    PamelaBead

    White Jade with Pink Seed Bead Earrings

    ResetarGlassArt

    Night Light with Blue and Yellow Millefiori Flowers on White Base OOAK

    UnexpectedTreasure

    Little Girls Skirt - Blue and White Lattice and Lace with Flowers

    Thesingingbeader

    White glass pearls two long strands earrings magnetic clasp gift box

    Uniquelyhandmade

    White Formal Tablecloth Embroidered Grapes And Leaves Fringed 48x86

    bluemorningexpressions

    Pink Rose Flower Lampwork Glass Earrings Handmade Swarovski Crystals

    evezbeadz

    Snow White Natural Coral Graduated Necklace

     

    berkshirebowls

    Nested Heart Puzzle - Three hearts in On

    wingsofflutter

    Handmade Necklace Multi Strand Pink and White Vintage Enamel Flower

    KatsAllThat

    Amethyst Chip Porcelain Bead and Crystal Multi Wrap Bracelet

    Covergirlbeads

    Etched Bead Black And White Geometric Handmade Lampwork Glass Focal

    ThaddeusRose

    Wire Wrapped Eagle Eye Agate Pendant, Quartz and Glass Bead Necklace

    hollyknittercreations

    Hand Knit White Wave Lace Mini Washcloth or Dishcloth

    postcardsintheattic

    Antique Postcard Beautiful Swans Swimming on a Lake with Lily Pads - Pond - 1909

    ButterflyInTheAttic

    Vintage Chunky Bangel Bracelet - White - Swirl - Retro

    PrettyGonzo

    White Beaded Bracelet with Polka Dots, Swarovski Pearls, Toggle Clasp

    dianesdangles

    Pink Doves and White Mother Of Pearl Gemstone Necklace

    walkinthewoodsllc

    Emerging Love - Hand Spun Spirit Cord - Handmade with Love

    Umeboshi

      Abstract Dichroic Fused Glass Double Bail Jewelry Pendant on White

      jnldesigns

      White Pearls and Antique Copper Toggle Bracelet

      ClicksbyKaren

      Three Flowers Blooming in Yellow, Red and Green, Tile

      KevsKrafts

      Hearts and Swirls Framed Wood Wall Art Handcrafted from Oak Plywood

      ShadowDogDesigns

      Chunky Handmade Necklace Snow Quartz Zebra Jasper Gemstone OOAK

      craftsofthepast

      Hand Painted Pastoral Scene on Wood Beads, Coral, Mother of Pearl

       

      As you can see from the many uses of white in a design, the differences are dramatic. Whether alone or with another color, white is an integral part of any design or artistic endeavor. White is a versatile addition to any composition and should be considered when designing.

      If you are interested in other designs by these artists, they have showcased a wide variety of their designs for Mother’s Day gifts in this blog post: http://bmebluprint.blogspot.com/2013/02/mothers-day-gift-idea-countdown-week-2.html

      That post will also take you to their individual studios and shops on the web.

      Enjoy all that is white!

      Julie and Blu