Before I knew the word fuchsia, pink was my favorite color. I was a girly-girl growing up. I played with Barbies, baked cakes in my Easy Bake Oven and wanted anything that sparkled. I wore only dresses (but with shorts underneath) so I could try to keep up with my tomboy friend Kelly.

Very early, I had strong convictions about right and wrong. I was (am) very sensitive and knew the hurt of feeling different from everyone else. I stood up for kids who were bullied and, in turn, got bullied myself.

In 4th grade I “tattled” to my teacher that my schoolmates were mercilessly taunting a girl with poor hygiene. So I befriended her and it turns out that she really was stinky. We had little in common, but I hope I gave her some moments of comfort. After our teacher chastised the class for their behavior, I became the target. I guess it was clear I had been the voice of reason. A brief reign of the We Hate Alicia Club began. Luckily my BFF Kelly stood by my side so I was not alone and the shunning passed quickly.

This is FUCHSIA for me. That immutable bold light inside us all. Okay men, you can pick another color (but you would be wrong). It is strength and softness at the same time. It is hope. Fuchsia is the courage to stand up for light despite shadows enveloping you.

Painting is my visual voice. I paint so you too can have fuchsia when you need it.

Soft Fuchsia © 2015 Alicia R Peterson. Acrylic on linen, 20 x 10 “. Photo by: Peter Scheer

In the fall and winter of 2015 in preparation for submitting to a juried show, I investigated fuchsia on my canvas. Working with this color as a foundation infused me with optimism, internally about myself and externally about the world. I share this with you through my paintings.

P.S. I did not get into the exhibition, my first rejection of 2016. I am proud to admit that my “spin” on it was, “Ok, got NO over with for 2016 shows and “Oh what a glorious process.” My resiliency ruled because, of course… it’s fuchsia.

What colors live inside of you?