Color as Energy: Symbolic and Physical with David Johnson

In this presentation, David Johnson talks about the physics of color in terms of light and wavelength but also address spiritual or emotional elements that artists use to communicate to the viewer. Most are familiar to the symbolic use of color in the painting of Van Gogh.

As a tapestry weaver, David Johnson dyes his own yarns. His approach to creating a full pallet of color in the dye studio is very structured using stock solutions in relationship to the weight of the yarns to be dyed. In this way he is able to control very specific hue and value gradations. Dying protein fiber with acid dyes, vinegar setting the dye, is and amazing thing as the color migrates from the water in the dye pot to the yarn over time leaving clear liquid at the end of the dyeing cycle. It is kind of magical for David.