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Red: A Voyage Into Colors
From the dawn of time, every race and population have attributed various meanings and symbolism to colors. This book talks about colors, how humans can benefit from using them, how our health, spirit, and state of mind can improve by using all colors without distinction. The book teaches how to create and mix colors as a study for people who have an interest in becoming artists and are just starting. Also, the book delves into understanding colors from a spiritual point of view and how to use them, in a technical way, for interiors, fashion, food, entertainment and much more. It is so important when mixing colors to look at nature as our best teacher, where all colors are mixed together and co-exist well without rules and prejudices. We can simply copy nature and feel perfect in our choice of colors.
126 pages, Paperback
Published October 18, 2019
12 people want to read
About the author
Valentina Cirasola
5 books7 followersI am Italian born, my native city is Bari, a beautiful place in the South-East region of Puglia, on the Adriatic Sea. I began my design career as a fashion designer and worked in my own Atelier Valentina. Growing up in Italy, often I wondered what I could have possibly found beyond that horizon I was admiring every day. The saying goes:
“Be careful what you wish for, it might happen.”
Well, it did happen. One day, as an opportunity was presented to me, I left my fashion work, my family, and friends to make a giant leap over the ocean. I landed in the United States where I started a new life and a new design business all over again, without knowing a soul. It was very hard, and it didn’t come easy. At times, I even doubted myself to have done the right move, however, I am the type of person that when sets the mind on something gets it done, with no excuses, and thus I went on pursuing my goals.
One of my clients suggested turning to design homes and to leave the fashion to the Italians. In the States, the majority of people don’t spend much money on fashion, but they invest in their homes and properties. She told me that and was right.
I went back to college, I was fortunate my Italian studies were fully approved, I only had to attend a few years to get certified in interior designing. That’s what I have been doing since then, which amounts to 30 years of design work between Italy and the USA.
A few years ago, I also became a TV producer and added this fun activity to my design career. I am the host of my shows and produce them under my label: Valentina Design Universe.
In 2008 the country was under a heavy economic recession, it was the right moment to write that book I have always wanted to write. Up to that moment, I was writing articles for local magazines and papers, I needed to think of writing my first book. I did it and wrote five additional books after that and I opened up my three blog columns.
My books are non-fictional, they are practical suggestions in design, fashion, cooking, and travel.
At the moment, I am writing a study course for people who want to design their home by themselves without a designer.
The course is called: ©Be Your Own Interior Designer.
I enjoy writing about the subjects I know, and it doesn’t seem I will stop anytime soon.
“Be careful what you wish for, it might happen.”
Well, it did happen. One day, as an opportunity was presented to me, I left my fashion work, my family, and friends to make a giant leap over the ocean. I landed in the United States where I started a new life and a new design business all over again, without knowing a soul. It was very hard, and it didn’t come easy. At times, I even doubted myself to have done the right move, however, I am the type of person that when sets the mind on something gets it done, with no excuses, and thus I went on pursuing my goals.
One of my clients suggested turning to design homes and to leave the fashion to the Italians. In the States, the majority of people don’t spend much money on fashion, but they invest in their homes and properties. She told me that and was right.
I went back to college, I was fortunate my Italian studies were fully approved, I only had to attend a few years to get certified in interior designing. That’s what I have been doing since then, which amounts to 30 years of design work between Italy and the USA.
A few years ago, I also became a TV producer and added this fun activity to my design career. I am the host of my shows and produce them under my label: Valentina Design Universe.
In 2008 the country was under a heavy economic recession, it was the right moment to write that book I have always wanted to write. Up to that moment, I was writing articles for local magazines and papers, I needed to think of writing my first book. I did it and wrote five additional books after that and I opened up my three blog columns.
My books are non-fictional, they are practical suggestions in design, fashion, cooking, and travel.
At the moment, I am writing a study course for people who want to design their home by themselves without a designer.
The course is called: ©Be Your Own Interior Designer.
I enjoy writing about the subjects I know, and it doesn’t seem I will stop anytime soon.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 24, 2020
For the most part, I am a fiction reader. On occasion, I pick up a non-fiction book when the subject matter or theme is of interest. Red - A Voyage Into Colors by Valentina Cirasola was a book that crossed my path earlier this year when I stumbled upon the author's design website and personal blog. Being a person who generally leans toward blacks, grays, and whites, I thought maybe I should learn a little more about the color wheel.
Although this book is entitled Red, it is not merely about this one color. The author shares the history and background of all the colors on the spectrum, teaching us the differences between hues and shades, tones and variations. The book is only ~125 page and contains dozens of photos of colors and their uses in various designs, homes, and picturesque settings. It's easy to digest, well-written, and has an amazing personal touch. Valentina has quite a fun personality.
Some of the content I recall learning in school. Other I've picked up throughout my life. Seeing it all together again in one book is a comprehensive way to learn about our lives. For instance, I remembered why red was a warm color, and blue a cool one, but I didn't know how it affected my life or made me feel. It was great to dive back into these ideas and facts, and seeing how these colors play in my life today was helpful. I actually (without knowing it) designed my living room to use all the appropriate matching color patterns and schemes. My bedroom might need some work though!
What a great way to make us ponder the things we often spend too little time thinking about... I pick clothes based on what fits. What if I went out in search specifically for clothes with color combinations that work for me? I plan to re-read this book again in small chunks. Too much at once can get lost because you want to process the advice and imagery. Next time I need to make a color decision, I'll definitely come back to this one to focus on the important questions.
I recommend this one for every type of reader because it has a little bit of everything when it comes to choosing what makes us happy versus what might be the first thing we see in our closet or drawer, on the computer or phone screen, or on the rack of shelf at the store.
Although this book is entitled Red, it is not merely about this one color. The author shares the history and background of all the colors on the spectrum, teaching us the differences between hues and shades, tones and variations. The book is only ~125 page and contains dozens of photos of colors and their uses in various designs, homes, and picturesque settings. It's easy to digest, well-written, and has an amazing personal touch. Valentina has quite a fun personality.
Some of the content I recall learning in school. Other I've picked up throughout my life. Seeing it all together again in one book is a comprehensive way to learn about our lives. For instance, I remembered why red was a warm color, and blue a cool one, but I didn't know how it affected my life or made me feel. It was great to dive back into these ideas and facts, and seeing how these colors play in my life today was helpful. I actually (without knowing it) designed my living room to use all the appropriate matching color patterns and schemes. My bedroom might need some work though!
What a great way to make us ponder the things we often spend too little time thinking about... I pick clothes based on what fits. What if I went out in search specifically for clothes with color combinations that work for me? I plan to re-read this book again in small chunks. Too much at once can get lost because you want to process the advice and imagery. Next time I need to make a color decision, I'll definitely come back to this one to focus on the important questions.
I recommend this one for every type of reader because it has a little bit of everything when it comes to choosing what makes us happy versus what might be the first thing we see in our closet or drawer, on the computer or phone screen, or on the rack of shelf at the store.
October 26, 2019
The author is one of the few people who shares my unquenchable thirst for colors. Join her as she takes you down visually exciting streams of rainbow hues. Learn to take charge of the moods you create around yourself through the colors you choose. Feel the difference it makes when you surround yourself with color. Valentina will be your expert guide.
I was fortunate to have an advance copy of this delightful book. I freely recommend it.
I was fortunate to have an advance copy of this delightful book. I freely recommend it.
August 14, 2020
Valentina’s book is compelling. From her view on the psychic vibrations of colors, to interior design education, it’s a great read!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews