In the 1990s there was virtually no secondary art market in India. Between 2000 and 2008, the price index of Contemporary Art multiplied by seven! While Anish KAPOOR and Subodh GUPTA are among the world’s fifteen top-selling Contemporary artists with auction revenues..

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I adore the vibrant colours of these two pieces by Anish Kapoor. They sing! Clearly the Indian colour palette incites joy!

Labels: Colour, Spirituality in art, Thecolourgirl.com

"I have always been able to see what others were unable to see; and what they did, I did not see."

- Salvador Dali

Several years ago while in New York I stumbled on a book that was to change my life - "Psychic living: tap into your psychic potential" by Andrei Ridgeway.

"In this technological day and age filled with busywork, " he writes, "many of us neglect our psychic potential. Our instincts are repressed and our inner voices buried...."

"...For many, the word "psychic" is so big, so titanic, they can't accept it. They don't realize it is a normal state of being, that as a lover, and a friend, we use this part of ourselves all the time."

Today as I continued to feel my way toward my preferred future, my true path with heart, and needing a boost I decided to try one of the exercises in the book - evoking the seer.

"For an artist, whatever, he is looking at has meaning. He doesn't need to use the word "clairvoyant, " because the whole universe is holy. Whether it be a spirit that appears out of thin air, or a piece of fruit on the table, it has soul," he writes. Then he encourages us to see the world as an artist and expand our vision to see into other times and places. "It is a wake up exercise, like a cup of coffee for the eyes."

Seeing exercise

Try Andrei's exercise - I just did and it was extra-ordinary! (I've posted my experience at the end of this entry)


Step one Go to a bookstore, library, art gallery or museum and visit the art section. You can make it a filed trip with a friend or lover. Give yourself time. Pretend you are living in the Renaissance, before the invention of People Magazine, when art mattered. Go through the books as if you have never seen any of those painters before, and be especially open to painters whose work you have never seen before. If you have not been in the painting world for a while and feel the need for a starting point, try one of these artists: Salvador Dali,Alex Grey (especially his book Soul Mirrors), Georgia O'keefe, or Claude Monet.

The books that you are drawn to will contain images and colours that resonate with your soul. Go through the pages/view the paintings at a leisurely speed. When you find a painting that really moves you, that stirs your optic cells, sit there and stare at it for a while. Let the light and the colour fill you up.


Step two Write a paragraph about your favourite painting, why it touched you, what is was about it that awakened your soul, Write stream of consciousness (IE just free write without "thinking") I liked the painting because it made me think of god and being a little kid and no end to wonder with yellow warmth and excitement in my belly. Let your pen go wild. No censorship.


Step three When you enter back into reality - your home, office, or the coffee shop next door - see if you can perceive in the objects and people around you the same level of beauty you saw in the painting. Rarely do painters create strictly from the unconscious. Most of them combine their hidden selves with the world around them, blending spirit with matter int heir own masterful way. See what it feels like to perceive life through this double lens, to bring your soul vision into the mundane, to see in the face of a stranger the same wonder and intensity that lived in the painting.

If the painting you chose was famous, buy yourself a print and put it somewhere in your home. It will act as a reminder of how your soul sees the world, keeping your eyes attuned to beauty as you pass through the day."

(excerpt from "Psychic living: tap into your psychic potential" by Andrei Ridgeway, pg 43)

Seeing Cass


Leap Away Girl 1969, Ian Scott

Today I went to Te Papa and after wandering around the many walls of art this painting "Leap Away Girl" by Ian Scott immediately called to me.

Here's what I wrote:

"Fresh yellow greens, clear blue sky and white puffy clouds - the colours call to me as does the name of the painting - Leap Away Girl. "go follow your dreams" the painting called, "look to the horizons and keep following your dreams, allow the fresh, invigorating colours of nature to guide and inspire you - the red energy of passion and goals, of motivation; green the energy of pastures news, of the heart chakra , of feeling energetic and alive, connected to nature, of following the seasons; blue the colour of peace and calm of warm days and summer skies of mother earth and the heavens that envelope her; white the colour of purity, marriage, union, partnership and marriage - contracts of love."

The energy and vitality of the painting arrests me, stops me in my tracks, draws me deeper still - it's joyful, hopeful, sensual,epxectant . The curvy shapes of the clouds in the sky and of the hills - dancing, playful, irregular, creative, uniform - heralding surprises, defying expectations.

"Let go. Let live. Follow your dreams," it challenges and encourages me. Allow the green of the heart - of courage and positive emotion, growth and renewal to nurture you; the blue of the horizon and sea to guide you - to flow like their currents to distant shores and new memories awaiting. The white of the clouds to soften your fears to life you higher still."


Now that I am back at the office the painting lives inside me still, whispering to and challenging my soul. I have printed out a copy of the painting and placed it on my inspiration wall, saved it as my screen saver, and pasted it in my inspiration journal. I see myself in the image of the girl - colourful, jubilant, happy beyond belief. It reminds me of my dream "I dream I am on vacation, it's the perfect career for me" - taken from a song by the Eagles. And of my morphing back toward art, writing, photography and photo journalism - and there on my business card for all to see is a reminder:
Cassandra Gaisford - Artist, life coach, author, photojournalist"


"Art washed from the soul the dust of everyday life." Pablo Picasso


Try this exercise yourself - I'd love to hear how awakening the seer within transforms your life.

Labels: Colour, Cultivating Creativity, happiness, intuition, Life coaching, Motivation, Spirituality in art, Thecolourgirl.com

I received an email today from a lady who attended one of my The Colour Girl workshops: " how colour and personal branding can enhance career and life success."

"after attending your inspiring workshop I know it's time to rid myself of black," she wrote

yay! I thought.... I can't wait to help. As my Dutch friend and dress designer says, "why does everyone in New Zealand dress like they are going to a funeral?"

here's what the ladies at the GBL sponsored function said:
"it's easy
it's slimming
we don't have to think
it's safe
it goes with everything
no one notices us - we don't stand out
it's strong
it's sophisticated..."

While black is not without its merits too much black can be:

bland
boring
depressing
aging
draining
tiring
sombre
unimaginative
career limiting
everywhere!

Do yourself and everyone who comes into contact with you a favour and create more joy in the world - wear more colour

Stand out from the crowd and watch your life soar - you'll be amazed at what a bit of colour can do. Wearing colour makes me feel happier, look younger, attract positive attention, generate business, inspires others, feeds my passions, led me to my life purpose, and attracted my soul mate

what will colour create for you?

Labels: Colour, happiness, Thecolourgirl.com

First impressions are lasting impressions.

Impressions are formed by a variety of factors – it’s not just what you say, but what you wear, that speaks loudly about who you are.  Do you, like 80% of the corporate workforce, dress head to toe in black? 

What does black communicate? For many people black is the colour of mourning; the grim reaper; depression; conservatism; boredom and nothing at all. 

Are these the messages you want to send out? 

Boost your visibility. Stand out from the crowd and add colour to your corporate wardrobe.  

“Godiva stood before them all, wearing a dull black dress that she only ever wore at funerals. With no jewellery and with her long, newly graying plait hanging down one shoulder, she resembled an aging maiden. The effect was worse than a funeral; she seemed to be dying on her feet before their eyes.” - Extract from Lady Godiva, Nerys Jones

 

A colourful Personal Brand can help you to:

 • Create powerful, lasting first impressions

• Increase your visibility and raise your profile

• Build a reputation that precedes you

• Be known as the expert in your field

• Gain and maintain a competitive edge

• Fare better in economic downturns

•Boost your confidence and self esteem

• Increase your income

Contact The Colour Girl now and live a life more colourful

“I had a lovely time with you yesterday evening. I was delighted with the colour consultation and it was a lot of fun. I’m very excited about starting to wear more vibrant colours! I feel more confident about broadening my range of colours now. You came across as knowledgeable, enthusiastic and authentic with the Colour Girl service, and of course you looked the part.” - Julia Napier, Communications professional

You may not be ready to toss out all your black but with help you can begin to explore other alternatives and wear a range of colours confidently. You may find, as I did, that the best colour for me was one I never, ever, dreamed I could wear. Orange and yellow have become my signature colours and people stop me in the street to tell me how fabulous I look. More importantly they tell me how wonderful seeing these colours makes them feel.

You may be wondering why you need to see an image consultant? Times are changing. More and more people are seeking a life coach for inner transformation, a career coach to help find their best-fit career. As competition steps up, for jobs (and relationships) smart people are turning to image consultants to help give them the edge.

Get the edge - schedule an appointment with me - the colour girl - now!

 

Labels: Colour, Thecolourgirl.com

Glorious summer is still here but winter looms on the horizon. The worst thing about winter in NZ is not so much the cold, it's the deathly march of people dressed head to toe in black. :(

Please, please try to make the world a more colourful, joyful place by not dressing this autumn and winter as though you are going to a funeral. There is absolutely no reason to dress head to toe in black! Many people are depressed enough. One eye sees and the other feels – so do you part and help people feel great in the months ahead.

If you need more courage to wear colour contact me for a colour consultation – I would love to help!

Black is very rarely chic - more often it is dull, boring and depressing. It is also incredibly aging and tiring.

Black is the colour of:
Mourning
The vultures that circle cemeteries
Black crows announcing bad things to come
The grim reaper
Depression
Conservatism
No colour at all



In New Zealand June 01 is officially the beginning of winter. Join me in the Colour Girl challenge and ban black from your wardrobe this season. Everyone is depressed, or repressed (depending on your world view), enough as it is. We'll be encouraging everyone to mark the first day of winter symbolically by colouring their hair a glorious colour. This can be permanent or temp - it's up to you

Do yourself and everyone else a favour and stay well away from black - NOW! I dare you!

Colour gives life! It makes people feel joyful, sexy, motivated and hot to trot!

I just received this lovely feedback from a recent client of my new service The Colour Girl. It was so exciting to see how wonderful she looked in vibrant colours. So much better than than the funeral black garb everyone thinks is chic. :

“I had a lovely time with you yesterday evening. I was delighted with the colour consultation and it was a lot of fun. I’m very excited about starting to wear more vibrant colours! I feel more confident about broadening my range of colours now. You came across as knowledgeable, enthusiastic and authentic with the Colour Girl service, and of course you looked the part.”
Julia Napier, Communications professional

Just read this in a book I have just finished - sums up the deathly overtones of Black perfectly:


“Godiva stood before them all, wearing a dull black dress that she only ever wore at funerals. With no jewellery and with her long, newly graying plait hanging down one shoulder, she resemembled an aging maiden. The effect was worse than a funeral; she seemed to be dying on her feet before their eyes.”

Extract from Lady Godiva, Nerys Jones


If you would like some help injecting more vibrancy into you life contact me to arrange your personal colour analysis session - start living a life more colourful today!

Labels: Colour, Thecolourgirl.com

Yellow! My personal favorite, and now according to global colour experts Pantone a world favorite too!


This from their website:

Pantone, an X-Rite company (NASDAQ: XRIT), and the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, today announced PANTONE® 14-0848 Mimosa, a warm, engaging yellow, as the color of the year for 2009. In a time of economic uncertainty and political change, optimism is paramount and no other color expresses hope and reassurance more than yellow.

"The color yellow exemplifies the warmth and nurturing quality of the sun, properties we as humans are naturally drawn to for reassurance," explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. "Mimosa also speaks to enlightenment, as it is a hue that sparks imagination and innovation."

Best illustrated by the abundant flowers of the Mimosa tree and the sparkle of the brilliantly hued cocktail, the 2009 color of the year represents the hopeful and radiant characteristics associated with the color yellow. Mimosa is a versatile shade that coordinates with any other color, has appeal for men and women, and translates to both fashion and interiors. Look for women's accessories, home furnishings, active sportswear and men's ties and shirts in this vibrant hue.

If yellow is not your thing don't despair....here's some of the other top colours for the year ahead.

COLOR MARKETING GROUP PREDICTS
HOT COLOR TRENDS FOR 2009

Choices Driven by Concern for Economy and Optimism for the Future


Color Marketing Group, the leading international non-profit association of color design professionals, has been accurately predicting color trends for more than 45 years. CMG predicts more evolution than revolution in color trends for the coming new season.

"We're finding comfort in colors that are familiar, and yet, at the same time, we're embracing colors that make us happy -- especially as accents," said executive director, Jaime Stephens. "Everyone’s concerned about the economy, yet the spirit of the country coming together after the election is powerfully reflected in these choices. Also, the demand for colors and products that reflect an environmentally 'greener' world goes way beyond a trend. It's now 'a given.' "

According to CMG, look for these color trends in 2009:

Purple, Purple, Purple! - Emerging as a hot fashion color last fall, purple is not just a fad -- it's an entrenched trend, strongly influenced by the election. (After all, red plus blue equals purple.) Look for a greyed-out violet that works equally well as an accent or a neutral, as well as redder, plummier purples and bluer-influenced fuchsias in a huge range of products. Purple is 2009’s “must have” color.


Blue is the New Green - Various greens have symbolized "green living” over the last few years, but in 2009 the "green" environmental message is delivered by the color blue. There are watery blues, sky blues and a whole range of blues that now represent our commitment to living on a greener planet.

Cooled-down, Greyed-out Browns and Greys - Complex neutrals satisfy our urge toward classic colors in an economically challenged time. They also bridge the area between black, which seems harsh, and brown, which doesn't seem strong enough.



Yellow for Energy – The neutrals may have greyed, but look for lots and lots of bright vivid yellow to give us energy as we re-build the economy. It's the stand-out accent color for 2009.



Bright Accents from India, China, and Turkey – The exotic has become the familiar. Oranges, turquoises and teals, reds, and yellows will abound in hues from far-away countries that now seem very near. They are the optimistic touches we crave.



White is now a Business Color – Technology has produced amazing new (and very practical) finishes, which helps explain why white is showing up everywhere, even in corporate board rooms. The contrasts are all in the finishes: matte versus gloss; shine and shimmer on reflective surfaces; textured whites versus smooth -- all washable and cleanable. White also represents purity of thought, motive and result – exactly what we want from businesses now.

The Return of the "M" Word - It's mauve. Remember mauve? An old color that looks new again, in dusty violet shades, mauve works as an accent but also serves now as a neutral, punched up by those bright Asian accents (orange, turquoise, teal, red, and yellow.)


Here's hoping that the power of colour can heal the world -expect a miracle.

Labels: architecture, Colour, Exhibitions and competitions, happiness

“Everyone knows that yellow, orange and red suggest ideas of joy and plenty.”
Eugene Delacroix, artist

Yellow and orange definetly count amongst my favourite colours. Whenever I feel a bit "blah" i know splashing these colours around will help lift my spirits immensely!




Yesterday for example. I created this Rothko inspired artwrok to give a dull wall a bit of a boost.




I also reduced visual clutter by colour coding my bookcase - I can't believe what a difference this makes!

Wear mote joy!
Feel great and look even better - wear the right colour for you!


If you could do with a colour boost check out the following resources:

Websites
Check out this very cute site....99.8% they got it right as far as my passion for orange goes...http://www.123peppy.com/games/peppy-color-girls

http://www.soothingminds.co.uk/Articles.aspx?artid=158
interesting articles including one on colour astrology – no surprise to see that not one of the zodiac signs is Black. Being a Libran my colour is green. Currently though my favorite colour is orange…but I am shifting to purple….but I thought it was interesting to learn what my astrological colour says about us “greenies:” Libra is the balancer and green is the energy of the heart chakra and harmony. Those who are born under the sign of Libra are known to be peacemakers. 'Green' people are the ones that you can go to when you have a problem as they are the most compassionate of all the astrological signs. So colour can also help clarify your vocation! As a life coach being compasssionate is essential! Check out the site to see what colour you are.

Books
Colour and Meaning- John Gage

The Complete book of colour - Suzy Chiazzari.
Includes tips on clothes and make-up, colour and interiors, colour diets for health, finding your soul colours, colour in the garden, healing with colour, your personal colours and more much more!

How to Heal with Color, Balance Your Chakras! - Ted Andrews

Color Psychology & Color Therapy - Faber Birren


Interesting facts

Several of the world's best musical composers have seen colors in music. Franz Liszt was known to say things like, "This is too black," "More pink here," and "I want it all azure."? Ludwig van Beethoven referred to B minor as "the black key." Franz Schubert described E minor as being "unto a maiden robed in white and with a rose-red bow on her breast."

In Thailand every day of the week is assigned it’s very own colour
Sunday - red
Monday - cream/yellow
Tuesday - pink
Wednesday - green
Thursday - orange/brown
Friday - blue
Saturday - black/purple
What is your lucky colour. Click here and go back and check out what day you were born to find out


Try it! It really works. My colour came out as orange! Anyone who knows me knows I wear a lot of orange – I even painted my garage wall orange!

Labels: Colour, Exhibitions and competitions, happiness

If you are not in the mood for celebrating right now the following creative tips may help:

Take a wide berth from negativity. I hadn’t realised what a gloomy effect that tapping into the media’s constant barrage of negative news about the economy was having until recently. We know it’s tough out there – what’s the point of reading and re-reading it? Nothing – it only increases feelings of despair. The same goes for hanging out with negative, pessimistic people.

Surround yourself with beauty. Creative works of art have tremendous healing power. Two of my favorite celebratory pieces right now are my quatrefoil by Max Gimblett called “Choice” and my recently acquired Len Castle bowl from his “Let The Molecules Dance” collection. And dance they do!
http://www.cassandragaisford.com/2007/11/spirituality-in-art.html

Listen and celebrate more. Get into the mood by custom designing your own inspirational sound track. Listen to songs with an upbeat feel and watch your spirit soar. Some of the songs on my 2009 motivation track include The Eagles, “Busy Being Fabulous,” the Bee Gees, “You should be dancing,” Duffy’s “Distant Dreamer” and Edith Piaf’s “Non Je Ne Regrette Rien.” I reckon there could be room for a Beach Boy’s number too!


Be grateful. The more grateful you are for what you do have the more life wants to give you. Take a note of all the things you cherish right now and put this list of gratitudes in a prominent place.

Boggie. Take up dancing or do something else that gets you moving and grooving. Exercise of any form is a great tonic – even more so when shared with others.

Celebrate with colour. Give your wardrobe or home environment a colour make-over. It’s amazing the difference wearing or surrounding yourself with the right colour can do. Artist Paul Klee got it right when he said, “One eye sees and the other feels.”

Many people drown themselves in black clothes and boring coloured walls. Black is incredibly aging and, in my view, it is also incredibly “depressing.” Too much white or Pearl Lusta can sometimes be plain dull!

If you would like help confirming what colours suit you contact me now. Call me now on 04 972 4663 or email me at Cassandra@cassandragaisford.com if you would like to book at appointment. Men and woman welcome!


Celebrate your successes. When was the last time you celebrated the things you have achieved in life? Sometimes we can be so busy pushing for more that we forget to celebrate the things we have already done.

Make a wish list of future celebrations. Wishes are motivational intentions followed by actions.

Barak Obama's wish-list includes: challenging and inspirational schools; equal opportunity to go to university, regardless of financial standing; well-paid jobs with benefits such as health care; and a pension plan that will allow people to "retire with dignity.” Barak’s wishes also include the ability to "push the boundaries" of discovery to encourage the development of new technology and inventions that improve lives and protect the environment. What are your motivational intentions this year?

Labels: Colour, Exhibitions and competitions, happiness

Have you ever wondered how many people appear to master the art of effortless style? Chances are they've had the help of a professional image consultant. I know I did!

10 years ago I had no idea what suited me and,like many people, dressed head to toe in black.

The colour black is a colour that only a very select few can wear confident in their knowledge that it flatters. For the large majority of people black drains them of colour making them look sickly, old, tired and dull. Is that really how you want to look and feel?

You may not be ready to toss out all your black but with help you can begin to explore other alternatives and wear a range of colours confidently. You may find, as I did, that the best colour for me was one I never, ever, dreamed I could wear. Orange and yellow have become my signature colours and people stop me in the street to tell me how fabulous I look. More importantly they tell me how wonderful seeing these colours makes them feel.

You may be wondering why you need to see an image consultant? Times are changing. More and more people are seeking a life coach for inner transformation, a career coach to help find their best-fit career. As competition steps up, for jobs and relationships) smart people are turning to image consultants to help give them the edge.

First impressions are lasting impressions - and you don't have much time to make one! 10 seconds at last. 30 at most!

Impressions are formed by a variety of factors - but what you say speaks loudly of who you are. You may think people should spend time getting to know the real you, but the reality is very often they won't. Time is short and visual impressions are lasting ones.

Anyone can look great and anyone can wear colour. It's not dependent on age, lifestyle, budget or body shape. Some of my most successful outfits cost less than $10. Yesterday I bought a dress for $8 and everyone raves about it. The trick is knowing what to wear and how to wear it in a way that makes you look and feel great. Confidence plays a big part.

An image consultant can help you break free of bad habits and encoruage you to find and try a new look more suited to who you are and who you want to be.

The key to dressing well is to understand your colouring and body shape and then dress to flatter it.

In each consultation I spend time getting to know more about my clients - what they love and what they dislike, their hopes and their dreams and the outcomes they most want. This is an important part of understanding who they are on a deeper level. I don;t want to force a style onto people but help co-create one that truly brings out the best in them.

I then spend several hours analysing and confirming their best-fit personal colours. These are the colours that light up their face and make them sparkle. A trained eye can see it straight away. I then spend time doing a warddrobe audit. 80% of most clients wardrobes are full of black, yet less than 10% of people can wear black well. It's not always easy or necessary to bin it all at once. I teach people how to make the most out of what they already have and how to introduce shots of colour inexpensively.

If the budget allows we then go shopping. I have a special knack for picking up bargains and great relationships with fabulous designers, including dress makers who can tailor something fabulous just for you.

I can't stress the importance of investment shopping enough. You should always buy key pieces each session that give you maximum versatility and a great cost per wear return on your investment. If you have great building blocks you can get more mileage out of your clothes and lower cost items can look like they cost a million dollars.

Take a good look at your wardrobe. Most women will waste thousands of dollars over their lives on clothes they never wear. The majority of my clients say they only wear 20% of what they own. Some even confess they never even tried them on in the store!

When I do a wardrobe audit I go through and work out where the gaps are. The aim is to build up a working capsule wardrobe. This helps clients mix and match with confidence. My creative talents also come in handy - helping people to combine unusual colours and accessories to maximum impact.

Information overload? Leave it to me! I love what I do and I do it well. Employ me to help create your personal image and I'll do the work for you. You'll be left with a new fabulous image, an organised wardrobe, a swatch book of sensational colours that flatter your skin tone and makes the most of your natural assets. Plus you'll look younger, feel confident and turn heads with your fabulous new image.

Treat yourself to a make-over now. You're worth it!

Contact me via email or phone to arrange an appointment 04 972 4663 or Cassandra@cassandragaisford.com

Discover how a strong Personal Brand can help you to:

• Create powerful, lasting first impressions
• Increase your visibility and raise your profile
• Build a reputation that precedes you
• Be known as the expert in your field
• Gain and maintain a competitive edge
• Fare better in economic downturns
•Boost your confidence and self esteem
• Increase your income

Contact us on +44 776 800 2840 or email Cassandra@cassandragaisford.com

Labels: Colour, Thecolourgirl.com

As you will see from my earlier thread I was feeling a bit grey myself. I was doing some research and came across something I had written 2 years ago.....just shows - we all need reminding now and then!

Here it is just for you!

It’s official: black is banned from everything I do. It’s fine as an accent but other than that does little to lift the spirits or inspire. John Gage, author of Colour and Meaning, believes that colour is more than just a physiological phenomenon. It affects feelings and emotional states. Just how and why it does that, he believes, lies in the particular historical context in which it is experienced and interpreted.

In parts of Asia for example, black is believed to be a very lucky colour. What about New Zealand? Other than the (normally) positive association with the All Blacks, black too often is a colour of mourning – the stock standard attire for funerals. I walk down Lambton Quay in Wellington and I feel like I am going to a funeral every day. Perhaps it is the same in your city or office building. Heaven forbid it may be the standard color you put on every morning!

As artist Paul Klee said, “one eye see and the other feels.” If you want to feel passionate, positive, motivated, excited or any other joyful state join me in the November Colour Challenge and banish black from your life too. If you can’t banish it completely try to do something every day to bring a little more colour in the world. You could accessorise with new shoes, a scarf or tie, a brooch or environmentalise (new word) with flowers on your desk, a lick of paint, happy music (see interesting facts) a colour screen saver etc.

The truth is that the more colourful you are the happier you can make others feel. Today it was rainy and cold so I put on my most colourful dress (purple, orange, red and white- recently purchased in sunny Hawkes Bay) grabbed my orange bag, popped on orange shoes and headed into town. The first thing my local barista said was, “here’s my little rainbow - you’ve brightened my day.” I didn’t even say a thing. What I wore said it all. What are you saying when you wear black? How do you want to be remembered? Maybe you don’t! Some colourists believe that black can prevent us from changing and growing.
"We often wear black when we wan to hide from the world,” says author Suzy Chiazzari.

Note: if you love the colour black, it suits your skin tones and it makes you feel good, then by all means wear it! Think “little black dress", think The All Blacks, think Audrey Hepburn. Put together well black can be ultra sophisticated. However my ardent, not evidenced by exhaustive research, intuitive sense, is that the majority of people wear black because mass produced clothing outlets offer few alternatives and people just don’t know what suits them. See a colourist, find a tailor - or fly to colourful Thailand and get your clothes there! If you can’t afford to travel, buy a colourful painting or purchase a photograph that puts some joy on your walls….I know just the place:) Come visit me at www.cassandragaisford.com



Websites
http://www.soothingminds.co.uk/Articles.aspx?artid=158
interesting articles including one on colour astrology – no surprise to see that not one of the zodiac signs is black. Being a Libran my colour is green. Currently though my favorite colour is orange…but I am shifting to purple….but I thought it was interesting to learn what my astrological colour says about us “greenies:” Libra is the balancer and green is the energy of the heart chakra and harmony. Those who are born under the sign of Libra are known to be peacemakers. 'Green' people are the ones that you can go to when you have a problem as they are the most compassionate of all the astrological signs. So colour can also help clarify your vocation! As a life coach being compasssionate is essential! Check out the site to see what colour you are.

Books
Colour and Meaning John Gage

The Complete book of colour Suzy Chiazzari.
Includes tips on clothes and make-up, colour and interiors, colour diets for health, finding your soul colours, colour in the garden, healing with colour, your personal colours and more much more!

'How to Heal with Color, Balance Your Chakras! Ted Andrews

Faber Birren Color Psychology & Color Therapy.

Interesting facts

Several of the world's best musical composers have seen colors in music. Franz Liszt was known to say things like, "This is too black," "More pink here," and "I want it all azure."? Ludwig van Beethoven referred to B minor as "the black key." Franz Schubert described E minor as being "unto a maiden robed in white and with a rose-red bow on her breast."

In Thailand every day of the week is assigned it’s very own colour
Sunday - red
Monday - cream/yellow
Tuesday - pink
Wednesday - green
Thursday - orange/brown
Friday - blue
Saturday - black/purple
What is your lucky colour. Go back and check out what day you were born to find out
http://www.thai-blogs.com/index.php?blog=5&title=what_is_your_lucky_colour&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1

Try it! It really works. My colour came out as orange! Anyone who knows me knows I wear a lot of orange – I even painted my garage wall orange!


Note: if you love the colour black, it suits your skin tones and it makes you feel good then all means wear it! Think “little black dress, think The All Blacks, think Audrey Hepburn. Put together well it can be ultra sophisticated. However my ardent, not evidenced by exhaustic research but intuitive sense is that the majority of people wear black because mass produced clothing offers little alternatives and people just don’t what suits them. See a coloursit, find a tailor (or fly to Thailand and get your clothes there!)

Labels: Colour, happiness

Have just purchased a website domain "thecolourgirl.com" and all ready to get out there and fill the world with colours that incite positivity..I have been feeling a bit flat myself this week - has been a very taxing, trying week

I realised with a jolt that much of my flatness was due to the bleakness of the sky, the blandness of the buildings that surround me and the harsh grey road that weaves its way around the city. Plus, here in Wellington everyone looks like they are permanently going to a funeral - black reigns king.

So now I am busy injecting more colour into my world. So far I have been busy rearranging my paintings and moving more colour onto the walls and have just purchased the most amazing citrus orange shot dress and a zingy yellow one too - nearly purchased a red silk flowing number..but don't feel just ready for red yet - too strong......will post photos!

Colour always uplifts my soul. As fellow visual artist Paul Klee said, "one eye sees and the other feels." That's why surrounding myself with and wearing more of the colours that make me feel the way i wish to feel are an essential took in my wellness kit.

How could you wear more joy in your life? Right now I am planning to purchase another Gimblett - this one a juicy quatrefoil in succulent orange, meadow green and a dash of cheery red...ooh nearly forgot the dashes of heartwarming yellow...a very joyful piece indeed.....Common universe...send me some $$$$ to pay for it! As always I begin with my intent and challenge the universe, and myself, to catch up.

My new business line, I am sure, well definitely help! So many people have said it will be fantastic..a french can thought I could be the Gordon Ramsay of the colour world! (the C word!..c for colour that is!)

Am wondering if i need to decamp, sell up and move toward the tropics myself...will see what flows in weeks leading up to Christmas..everything so grey and windswept here - a domination of black and grey threatens to consume.

Talking about one eye seeing and the other feeling...take a good look at this image and consider "how does it make you feel?"
It's horrifying to think that this is the Child Youth and Family Mental Health Centre in Wellington. IF you weren't depressed before you will be once you clap eyes on it. What a nightmare....unloved, uncared for and painted an insipid mental ward green.

Labels: Colour, happiness, Thecolourgirl.com

I’m excited to announce my new business line Thecolourgirl.com. As many of you know one of my greatest passions has been colour. I love the energy, vitality and transformation that colour can create in people’s lives. So now I’m making a bold, colourful commitment to make helping people bring more colour into their lives.
So as of December I’ll be extending my range of personal services (life and career coaching; creativity workshops; and art and photography) to include:

• Image and colour analysis
• Personal style and body shape analysis
• Personal shopping
• Wardrobe analysis and make-over
• Make-up techniques
• Corporate workshops and seminars
• Interior design

My new website www.thecolourgirl.com is a work in progress at the moment. I’m off to Auckland to study with professional colour and image consultant Beverly at the Fashion Academy.

You know when you’re in flow when things seem to happen effortlessly. I’d just made the commitment to do the training when a lady approached me and told me how much she loved what I was wearing. I told her what I was planning to do and the next thing I knew not only had she booked an appointment but four of her colleagues had too.

I’ve already practiced on one of my friends. Initially I went over to help her with her wardrobe and colours, but the moment I went to her house it was obvious the house needed a de-clutter too! “How do you feel when you look around your home?” I tactfully asked. “terrible! There’s so much clutter – I just don’t know where to start!” “one room at a time I suggested, and off we went! It was great fun and therapeutic too. I know because I have had a great friend help me too. Everyone needs a helping hand from time to time – there’s no shame in that!

My friend was so thrilled. “Thanks so much for the motivation yesterday. You are amazing. I have never had anyone like you. What you did was so lovely – the combination of actually getting me started on some action within taking over. You have that gorgeous way – it’s a fine balance motivating people and you’ve definitely got it. “

If you would like to book a pre-Christmas image make-over and/or help to de-clutter your home contact me now. I still have a few spaces in my calendar prior to Christmas. My aim is to help you recession proof your life by making change affordable too. Call me now on 04 972 4663 0r Cassandra@cassandragaisford.com It would be such a joy to hear from you

Labels: Colour, Thecolourgirl.com