The Color Turquoise: Both Tranquil and Invigorating
When I traveled to Antigua, I stayed at an incredible resort called Sugar Ridge, which was slightly inland. If you wanted to go to the sea, a man at the resort, named Vorn, would drive you to the nearest beach in a little golf cart.
I vividly remember when Vorn brought me up on that first day.
I was completely mesmerized by the color of the turquoise waters.
The color permeated my being, filling me up with wonder and expansiveness. I was so light with elation, that I didn’t know what was me, and what was the sea. I remember thinking to myself, “I am going to paint this color”, so that its radiating joy could stay with me for a lifetime.
Nothing compares to the in-person vision, but the painting Turquoise Imprint on my mind is my homage to that moment when the spirit of the turquoise waters was imprinted upon me.
Turquoise, a captivating blend of blue and green, often evokes feelings of serenity, spaciousness, and tropical waters. It’s a hue that's both calming and invigorating, mysterious and open.
Turquoise Imprint in My Mind 30 x 40”, acrylic on canvas.
The word 'turquoise' derives from an Old French word for 'Turkish', as the stone was initially imported to Europe through Turkey. The bright blue-green mineral, also named turquoise, has been adorned by civilizations from ancient Egyptians to Persians, from Native Americans to the Chinese, often signifying power, status, and protection.
Turquoise is often associated with:
Calmness: Just think of a tranquil tropical beach, and you'll understand why!
Creativity: It’s believed to open the mind to fresh ideas and clarity.
Expression: Turquoise relates to the throat chakra, assisting in personal expression and communication.
Energy: Its vibrancy embodies the spirit of youth and rejuvenation.
The calm yet invigorating effect of the color turquoise is at the forefront of The Caribbean Collection, a series of original paintings inspired by abstract artist, Christina Contaldi.
The Caribbean collection is inspired by the turquoise waters of Antigua and Barbuda. Famous for their 365 beaches — one for each day of the year — these islands became the artist’s muse when they mesmerized her during her travels.
In these abstract works, Christina captures the complementary essence of the Caribbean waters. Not just in the complementary colors of blues and oranges; but also in warmth and coolness, adventure and relaxation, solitude and connectivity. She constructs a visual story where seemingly opposite desires, can come together in a harmonious way. This is a space where stark duality integrates cohesively, allowing us to have, and be, both.
View the full collection: The Caribbean Collection
Update: Prints Now Available!
Museum-quality, giclee fine art prints of this series are now available.
View the full collection of prints: The Caribbean Collection