Monday, April 16, 2012

Ochre - a very old color


Ochre is believed to be the earliest pigment used by people to create art and beauty.  The pigment comes from mineralized clay and comes in shades of gold, browinsh gold, red, purple, and white.  In Australia, ochre pieces have been found in burials at least 45,0000 years old.  It feels old and of the earth, to me.  I was really excited to see this color for the challenge this week.  I went to my stash of deconstructed shirts to find a few pieces, then added some others.  I had no clear idea in mind, and just let the colors do the speaking.


I apologize if the letters and words are upside down, but I was looking only at the patterns.  As the different parts came together, I saw that certain things were emerging that drew my eye from one part of the design to the next.  The white lettering in the middle is not so bright in real life.
Do I like Ochre?  Yes, very much.
What colors does it work with?  It is easier to talk about colors I don't think it would work with.  Then, maybe that would be hard as well.  I guess that is why I like it so much.  It even makes pink more tolerable for me.  Case in point, this piece.


Would I use this color again?  I will use it as often as I find a need for it. 
Thank you, again, for this color challenge.



11 comments:

Chris said...

Thanks Miki - I like both of your pieces, and your stories too!

Willa said...
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Willa said...
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Willa said...
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Willa said...
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Willa said...

It's great to see how differently and yet successfully you used ochre!

The Thimblemouse of Country Crossroads said...

Great Block and gosh, a history lesson too...thanks!

janequiltsslowly said...

Miki: I agree that it is hard to find a color that doesn't work with ochre. I wish I had the same stash of cool shirt fabric that you do. Lovely work.

tropicslady said...

Really like your two blocks. And I have to add that I have the same fabric as the blue, red and white with anenomes as shown in the first picture. If I remember correctly, it was a skirt!

Helen said...

Earthy and sacred....I see V's Mary fabric looking very lovely here!

sheila 77 said...

Very different and interesting with lots to look at. Thanks for the little Ochre lesson.