Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Frida and Chickens



I have always appreciated the art of Frida Kahlo. I see how the bridge of her suffering
became her art and the two were intertwined. Her birthday was July 6, 1907. (my birthday
is July 6 too!)
A few facts about her are:
A streetcar accident in 1925 forever changed her life. She began painting while she was recovering.
She married Diego Rivera, a famous Mexican artist in 1928. She passed away in 1954.
There are many excellent books about her and a fabulous movie by Selma Hayek, portraying
Frida.

I have wanted to create an embroidery piece in honor of her for the longest:




http://alicewalkersgarden.com/

I read this delightful book by Alice Walker (The Color Purple). It is a quick read, which for me is a good thing.
She beautifully weaves her everyday life with her chickens and shares heartwarming/touching
stories you will not forget. A must read.


Another delightful library find was:








To my surprise Emily created two of her favorite historical heroes! One is Frida. This book is chock
full of the most creative and fun paper dolls I have ever seen. She gives you sooo much in this book.
She shows you how to create your own paper dolls, flip book, etc. etc.  This is a must for those who love paper dolls, or moms with small children, or anyone who wants to learn a thing a two about painting/drawing.

Have a great week!

13 comments:

  1. I need that chicken book for my mother. She is an avid reader and has several chickens in her yard in Brenham. (:

    ReplyDelete
  2. Gina, I think your mom would really enjoy the Chicken Chronicles book, especially since she owns chickens she will be able to relate to this story
    in so many ways. I think anyone would enjoy it because she weaves so much of her life into the story.

    ReplyDelete
  3. If anyone is in need of a good book involving chickens...
    One of my all time favorite books is: The Egg and I.
    You may know this book from the movie based on it, or because you are familiar with Ma & Pa Kettle.
    What I know is that I picked it up at a yard sale for 25 cents or something 30+ years ago. I proceeded to read it while pregnant with my son in one of the hottest summers No. Nevada had known up to that point. What a blessing this book was as I forgot about my uncomfortable-large body and the heat and laughed myself off the couch!! I've loved it ever since! Give it a try!

    http://www.amazon.com/Egg-I-Betty-Macdonald/dp/0060914289/ref=pd_sim_b_1

    ReplyDelete
  4. Such a beautiful photo of Frida! She looks so happy and relaxed. Always good to have some book recommendations for summer reading! Love all the stitching you are doing!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Nancy,
    I went to Amazon and read the excerpt of the book, "The Egg and I"
    and it really looks like a fun book to read. I really enjoy anything with humor! Thank you. : )
    <3

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Mary,

    It is nice to squeeze a few books in this Summer and I am really enjoying any outdoors time stitching I can get. Hope you are having a lovely Summer : )
    <3

    ReplyDelete
  7. Marie, I love your new banner! I've been intrigued by Frida, too. Maybe because she suffered so, yet created and lived as fully as she could. We include her every year on our Day of the Dead altar right along with family members. I figure we're all related beyond the veil!

    And thanks for the tip about the books. I need to have that Black Apple book right this minute!

    ReplyDelete
  8. HI Woman with wings,

    I decided one morning I was tired of my banner and needed a change so, I pulled one of my older photos of stitching and created a new banner. I see it as a temporary one : )
    I think I relate to Frida in some ways because on a personal level I have suffered through my own issues. I know we all have our things we must "walk through" on this journey called Life. What inspires me most is how Frida took her pain and created art. I love the celebration of Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead. I have begun collecting things to create a vignette of the Day of the Dead that is Art that I keep out. The Black Apple book was a lot of fun to look/read through. <3

    ReplyDelete
  9. Love you new banner and I'm a fan of Frida. I'm looking forward to see the embroidery finishes. Such a strong image of Frida you are working on - Hugs
    Nat

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi Not just Nat,
    Thank you <3
    I just needed a little change.
    Yes, I am a fan of Frida too! I loved how she embraced her culture/clothes
    and wore things most women would not.
    Hugs <3

    ReplyDelete
  11. I just requested The Chicken Chronicles from the library. Looks good! Looking forward to seeing how your portrait of Frida Kahlo turns out...

    ReplyDelete
  12. I liked that it was a quick read.
    I thought of you while I was reading it and how you might enjoy the book.
    Let me know what you think about it...
    I am not sure where I am going to use the Frida embroidery???
    Thanks : )

    ReplyDelete
  13. happy reading this post. love frida, her work & that movie, and deeply appreciate alice walker, met her years ago when she came to the bookstore i was working at...lovely, lovely. look forward to seeing your finished frida.

    ReplyDelete