Contact us at: whispernthunder1@gmail.comConscious Cognizant Conversations on Crayons
~ Orannhawk
I hold a deep respect and fascination with
crayons. The enchantment began as a child,
developing in kind, as childhood moved
through adolescence into adulthood. Boxes
in multiple sizes and shapes came into my
life, collectively increasing my ability to recognize the characteristics, tints, and hues. They were friends, family, and I loved them all, still do.
Exposure to the world of crayons or colors as we often called them, transcended
regardless of whose hands touched or saw them. The rewards of specialty boxes lent a new sense of excitement and awe, from their unique aroma to the varying tones of color.
There is a sense of wonderment about the names assigned to each new shade, and I often sat in peaceful contemplation about the names. One of my favorite crayon names is Kind to the Core, in the luscious green shade of Granny Smith Apple. That particular crayon is a part of the collection known as “Colors of Kindness” created by Crayola LLC. Each crayon in this special edition includes words of kindness. I hold a special place for the crayon named Rise Above, a rich shade of Purple Mountains Majesty. If you know me personally, you will understand why.
From classic colors to confetti, metallic, cosmic, neon and more; crayons, like the hands that hold them, come in various sizes and shapes. The introduction and expansion of skin tone crayons in the set “Colors of the World” remains a source of joy, introspection, and acceptance. The origins of a particular color, gender identity or language of a color is not an issue. There’s a place for each one. Let’s go over that again, shall we?
The origins of a particular color, or gender identity or language of a said color is not an issue, because there is a place for everyone. There is no exclusivity with crayons, in many ways, we are quite similar. We all come in assorted sizes and colors, and in our strength, we stand among one another equally. Equally.
It’s interesting in the multitude of crayons I have, I rarely use the color white.
From an artist’s perspective, and the understanding of color theory, white is the blending of all colors. For those who use cosmetics, it is easy to understand the levels that create shades of color. We are all varying shades and tones. Skin tones move from fair to light, medium to dark. However, warm, cool, and neutral undertones interject variations of color. Warm undertones include hues that range from golden, yellow to olive. Cool undertones carry the hues of red, pink, or blue, and neutral mixes it all up with both warm and cool tones.
So back to those white crayons. Think about looking at the sky, at a large fluffy white on white cloud. You’re seeing the bigger picture now, aren’t you? There is no true white, as white can’t be defined as a color, because it is the result of all possible colors and light. Look at that cloud again. Depending on the light and reflection, you can see an extensive range of colors. Colors defining shadows and highlights, perfectly imperfect nuances creating something truly majestic and beautiful. The beauty is in the blend of all colors. All colors.
It is not the exclusion of one color, one race, one gender, one ethnicity over another. Furthermore, the audaciousness of erasing names of POC, and altering names of places to suit an already bloated ego will not stand.
I am exactly who the Old Ones chose me to be. As an Indigenous woman, I am layers of Ancestral generations, colored with unique blends of shades, tints, ethnicity and culture.
Crows are singing, the drums are echoing, and Turtle Island is holding fast.
We are Still Here and We Aren’t Going Anywhere.