Deracine: A foyer project by Enjoy and Andy Palmer

Andy Palmer

Nature is the supreme colorist, the moody master of harmony. For most of the tiny creatures who move about the earth’s surface she provides a continuous performance with her colors. She paints her moving pictures in miniature as well as on a grand scale; but size is always impressive and the average observer is likely to be more moved by her grand effects. No uncommon intelligence is needed for the enjoyment of nature’s “works of art,” but enjoyment can be increased by some degree of understanding.

The colors displayed by insects, fish, birds, beasts, and human beings have either one or both of two causes: (1) the presence of color-forming chemical matter in or among the cells (pigment) and (2) the structure and arrangement of surface tissues. That is, a body can convey a sensation of color either because it has a pigment deposited on or near its surface or because it has a surface which is devoid of pigment but which breaks up the light irregularly, or because of both conditions.

Color, a constant companion of nearly all forms of life on this earth, has, like other great forces, potentials of good and evil. It is our privilege, perhaps our duty, to learn to use it for good as much as possible. Woven into our modern civilization in such a way as to be an integral part of it, color can be taken for granted, but it cannot be ignored. The sudden removal of all color would produce chaos until vast readjustments were effected, not only in human affairs but in those of almost all other creatures associated with man.

Since its influence is manifested largely through the sense of sight, the power of color is most effective when this sense is keen. The faculty of seeing, in normal individuals, can be cultivated and sharpened by mental concentration and practice. It is a real pleasure to see a dramatic sunset, a colourful chorus on the stage, or a beautiful flower. But seeing anything involves more that looking at it. Such perception is a mental process, which for most of us requires conscious effort. After a period of self-training or, better, of completely guided training, the average individual can see that which he looks at. The color of life then takes on a new meaning. It ceases to be just another inescapable factor of existence and becomes one of the most pleasurable and constantly thrilling experiences of life.

Note 1: The reflectance value of a colour indicates the amount of light and heat that a colour will reflect. Black has a reflectance value of 0% and absorbs all light and heat. The surfaces are consequently very dark and can get very hot. In contrast, white has a reflectance value of 100% and keeps a building light and cool. All colours fit within these two extremes. Note 2: Tones listed above are subject to change if colours are reformulated.

Note 2: Tones listed above are subject to change if colours are reformulated.

Deracine colours are available exclusively in Enjoy premium paints from Enjoy ColorShops nationwide. The Enjoy product range includes a full selection of interior and exterior paints, so no matter what you paint you can paint it with Deracine.

Always use testpots to confirm your colour choices in the area you are planning to paint. Deracine colours are available in convenient 55ml testpots from your local Enjoy ColorShop.

Call 0800 ENJOY or visit www.enjoy,org.nz for you nearest Enjoy ColorShop.

Enjoy Public Art Gallery
Level 1/174 Cuba Street
Wellington
Ph. (04) 384 0174