It is Frida Kahlo’s birthday (July 6, 1907) What an appropriate day for my first “musing”. (Although Frida gave her birthday as July 7, 1910, the year the Mexican Revolution began.)
I am not sure when I first became aware of Frida Kahlo’s work and of her. The flower crowns that she wore and that are in her paintings seem like they have been familiar to me for years.
While watching Project Runway Season 14, I was fascinated when Ashley Nell Tipton said her final collection was inspired by Mexico City in the 50’s. I must admit I was disappointed in the clothes that she presented in the finale, the pale colors did not appeal to me. My thoughts of Mexico City fashion are vibrant colors, florals, full skirts, peasant blouses. To me the flower crowns were the heart of the collection and what connected it to Mexico City.
Ashley Nell reignited my interest in Frida Kahlo, not only as an artist but as a person who so well defined personal style.
After I became aware of Frida again, it seemed references to her popped up in my everyday life. I was participating in reading with some elementary students at a language immersion school and the story we were assigned to read was about Frida. I became more aware of fashion references and the art of Mexico. I watched the movie about Frida’s life. I talked with people who had visited the Blue House.
Last week, I had the opportunity to visit Mexico City. A trip to La Casa Azul was a must do for me. It is a beautiful place. Seeing Frida’s studio and the house where she lived, her bedroom, the kitchen, the garden…all gave me a new appreciation of who she was and her art and her style.
A lot of Frida’s life was sad and there was so much physical pain. She died young but she accomplished so much. I find very few parallels in her life and mine. What am I learning from being aware of Frida and her life and her work?
Perseverance
Passion
Self awareness
Acceptance
Musings of This Old Girl 