Celebrate colour... Celebrate life

Plascon recognises the power of colour and is taking a week to celebrate it through National Colour Week, which takes place this week from 7 September. The aim is to highlight the many uses and effects of colour as well as to bring some cheer to chosen charities around the country.

"Colour is an essential part of our lives, wherever we are, we are surrounded by colour, it's in our clothes, food, architecture and surroundings so much so that most of us take it for granted and are not aware of the powerful effect that colour has on us," explains Plascon Colour Manager, Anne Roselt.

During the week there will be colour themed activities and workshops taking place in Cape Town and Johannesburg starting with the latest trendtalk gathering where the topic will be "the colour of the times."

The speaker panel includes celebrity journalist Les Aupiais, fashion stylist Catherine Bowen and colour trend forecaster Anne Roselt. The theme will look at, amongst other things, new colour directions for 2014 and an overview of the recent "Fall Collections."

Plascon's overall forecast for 2014 is called "Colour Nation" and it has four themes: Urban Tribe, which is in response to a growing national pride expressed in bright contemporary colours mixed with gold and black accents. Second Nature takes its inspiration from our relationship with the natural world. It has a palette of vibrant greens and blues. Calm Contrast tracks the evolution of pastels in modern design and includes neutrals plus dark blue and copper. The last trend is called Inner Space and looks at the way we use sanctuary environments to rest and reflect in a busy world. Colours include a collection of neutrals and blues.

Check out the great competitions on Plascon's Facebook and Twitter pages including the chance to win 100 litres of paint by submitting a photograph showing how you have revitalised a space or object using paint and colour.

If looking at others paint rather than doing the painting yourself is more your thing, then don't miss out on interactive art displays involving live painting an sculpting by some of South Africa's best sculpters and painters. "The Art of Colour" takes place at the Design Quarter in Fourways and is a collaboration between the Plascon Spaces Showroom and ARTYE Gallery. The exhibition kicks off during Colour Week and will continue for the rest of the month.

Plascon staff will also be adding a dash of colour, bringing much needed cheer to selected charities during the course of Colour Week.