Seeing Red: its
significance in design

BY FREEDOM TREE

There is no one who will not have a reaction to red. It is a fascinating color, signaling life itself. Associations with red touch cultural, moral and aesthetic considerations across the world.

Red is a color of extremes. Sacred and profane, it is both benediction as well as taboo in our cultures. Think of Asian brides or cabaret dancers in the same passionate hue. Red, the colour of cardinals and royalty, yet attributed to the netherworld and to a profane lewdness.

Above all, red posits itself as the color of love in every shade of magnitude… from baby blush to passion pinks, alluring reds and deeply loyal maroon. In a month of promises, as the early days of 2025 roll in, we pay homage to this color in this photographic editorial.

Leading the way is the new collection in hand painted stoneware: The Toddy Palm. A joyous illustrated red palm with bursts of turquoise on its leaf tips, the central motif from our recent archives. Freedom Tree’s palm family drawings are dotted on the ceramics.

Unusual pink mats in block print add a naïf touch in their compelling contrast. The casual flowers contribute to the boho vibe. The image is tempting in its sensual hues. The image inspires us to recreate this in our own home.

In complete contrast is the particularly styled painterly photograph shown below. Deep rich velvet absorbs all light while adding to the scene. We learn here how red and more red, can be used alongside other colors and still not be overpowering.

A clandestine creative series of moments, never venturing far from the frame, they continue a conversation with each other, play with setting the food while letting the frames run. Intimately observed gestures and detail are captured. Sharp light with an occasional flash, luminosity with blur and shadow, create an almost dreamlike effect.

The visualization of this red is somewhat different from Freedom Tree’s usual styling. This is not fresh and light filled … it is risky, rich and fulsome. However, it does play into our DNA of doing things that are outside our comfort zone. Something mysterious and maverick; this time staged and sensual. Celebrating the quiet audacity of color.

How We Got the Photography Just Right for Toddy Palm:

To capture the essence of our Toddy Palm collection, we used a few unique techniques:

Flash Photography without a Diffuser
We shot with flash, no diffuser, to create sharp contrasts and highlight the textures and deep tones of the ceramics.

Hazy Effect with Vaseline
For a soft, dreamy look, we added a thin layer of Vaseline to the lens, giving the photos an ethereal, warm glow.

Natural Light for Product Shots
To showcase the hand-painted details, we used natural light to create a window-like effect, enhancing the colors and textures of the pieces.

Know More- 

Photographer: Vikrant Kharat
Camera & tech details: Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Explore more Red with Freedom Tree's collections >>