Deep Color

"As John Ruskin tells us in The Stones of Venice, “The purest and most thoughtful minds are those which love color the most.” This quote immediately comes to mind when reading Deep Color, author, editor and trend forecaster Keith Recker’s inspiring, in-depth look into the world of color. Fueled by his lifelong fascination with color, Keith takes us on a immersive journey from the Big Bang to the present day, describing color’s integral relationship to our global culture and the distinctive ways in which our perceptions of color continually evolve throughout time. Across fashion and design, art and society, Keith celebrates the language of color, opening our eyes to the unique characteristics of a plethora of tints and tones as well as to the universe of meaning each color family expresses. Deep Color is a a truly colorful masterpiece."
-- --Laurie Pressman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute
"Deep Color by Keith Recker is a journey around the color wheel that immerses the reader in the intriguing world of color. Through beautiful imagery and engaging storytelling, Keith draws us from one page to the next with ease, furthering our understanding of the meaning and symbolism carried by each color family. Histories are beautifully blended with current examples of communication through color, heightening how we interpret color both socially and culturally today and into the future. Keith challenges us to think about color from different vantage points, while considering various perspectives on the meanings and symbolism associated with every color on the color wheel. Deep Color also probes the “why’s” behind how we see color and how our emotions, both positive and negative, are associated with color. Keith’s extensive knowledge of color is eloquently expressed, inviting us to take a moment to appreciate the many nuances and transformative power of color."
-- --Andrea Magno, Director of Color Marketing and Development, Benjamin Moore
"Many underestimate the complexity of color, but Keith has managed to beautifully elaborate on its many layers, weaving together elements of symbolism, history, psychology and modern-day applications into one place: no small feat. Deep Color will easily become a must-have resource about color, no matter the industry." -- --Leslie Harrington and Tess Murdoch, Color Association of the United States
Keith Recker’s poetic writing, peppered with nuance and intrigue, makes the rich ingredients of Deep Color: The Shades That Shape Our Souls, easy to digest. As he navigates the often contradictory language of color, he deftly guides his reader on a journey through the classics, religion, history, art, science, and contemporary culture.

Recker answers the questions that have perennially perplexed. Why is the red of communism and the labour movement also associated with the Republican party on the right of politics in the United States? Why is blue both a royal color and the internationally recognized color of the working man?

By embracing the meanders and unexpected detours of Reckers journey through the spectrum one arrives with a pocket full of fun facts to impress one’s friends. Deep Color: The Shades That Shape Our Souls is the perfect companion for the creative and the curious. If anyone ever asks me what my favorite color is, I shall from now on ditch my beloved blue and declare it to be pink.
-- --Polly Leonard, Founder, Selvedge Magazine