Well Reader, you may recall that I have a love of delving into the lives of women that I find inspirational and courageous on lots of different levels. This is definitely one that fits the bill. So in celebration of the beginning of Fall, let's take a look. Now, I love Frida Kahlo not for her controversial communist rebellions, or her...shall we say...somewhat outrageous sexual escapades. Instead, I find her thrilling because of her raw passion for life, and yes, that ever present painful love affair.
Pull up a chair. Here's what we know...Frida was born in Mexico in 1907 in the midst of political turmoil. Injured as a young woman in a horrific bus accident, she endured many surgeries and unbelievable pain in her life. But this is where Frida's love of art and painting began. Frida was know to...in fact...paint from bed. Gorgeous and beautiful paintings; usually self portraits. About painting from her bed she once said, "I am not sick. I am broken. But I am happy as long as I can paint." And what, you may ask, made this woman broken? Her stormy marriage to another famous painter of the time - Diego Rivera. Frida once said, "There have been two great accidents in my life. One was the trolley, and the other was Diego. Diego was by far the worst." Wow. Yet they married - twice- and he became a fuel for her paintings. As she once said, "My painting carries with it the message of pain." And they certainly do. Mostly self portraits, Frida explained, "I paint self-portraits because I am so often alone, because I am the person I know best."
Frida spent most of her life grappling with both physical and emotional pain. Her painting was therapeutic, but often not enough. She once said, "I tried to drown my sorrows, but the bastards learned how to swim." 
And so Frida Kahlo has become not only a legendary art figure, but woman of note as well for her depth and controversial life. To me, one of the most poignant things she wrote was this: "I think that little by little I'll be able to solve my problems and survive." I guess that's all any of us can really hope for, huh?
This month, spend some time investigating a woman you find fascinating.
6 comments:
Cool blog...she certainly was a passionate woman. I saw the movie about her with Salma Hayek. Love your little linens hanging on your towel bar. Thank-you so much for the comment. cherry
I have to admit when I saw you mention Frida... I did pause. But you are totally correct! Frida was a gifted artist who battled alot of "pain". I don't agree with some of her choices... you can really feel her through her paintings! Thank you for sharing a unique artist. You know, I just might take up your challenge for this month of September...focus in on a special woman who has made an impact! Thanks for a great post!
Sorry, I meant to say BUT you can feel her through her paintings... It's a good thing.! Sorry!
I had never heard of Khalo until I stepped into an art deco exhibition at the V&A in London. I think it was a sort of tapestry or rug though, not a painting, but it was riveting and well, too strong for me. I can't look at pain in the eyes like that, and it was so stern and silent.
LOVED this post! My best friend loves her art and was the first to introduce me to her story. Salma Hayek did such a good job portraying her too.
Dena
If I had to choose , I will choose FRIDA .
I love her art , her spirit , what she did in her life and with her life . And I love Mexico
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