Friday, 17 September 2010

Frida

Don't you love it when seemingly separate bits of your life suddenly seem to pull together? The latest book I am reading is The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver. Like her last novel, The Poisonwood Bible it has taken me a couple of weeks to get going with it but now I'm really enjoying the story of Harrison Shepherd who is working in the household of Mexican artists Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo in 1935. It is a tale of art and revolution, but I particularly like the vivid descriptions of Frida Kahlo.

During the summer I borrowed the DVD Frida from Silverpebble (still got it Emma!) and was totally absorbed with the life story of this amazing, colourful woman. I had studied some of her work during my last degree module when I was looking at the work of women artists during the 20th century, so was interested to see the film interpretation of her life. I was not disappointed - it was a brilliant and entertaining film.

And in the last couple of weeks I have begun research on gender specific textiles for my next module and one of my sketchbook pages has focused on colourful garments such as traditional Mexican dress... and of course, that led to Frida Kahlo.

She seems to be popping up everywhere, in all sorts of ways and so I can see this might become the focus of my research.

There is something very joyous about such a mass of glorious colours worn together.

And something quite joyous about separate elements of one's life tying in together... like puzzle pieces slotting together.

Next post is my 500th so I will pick the winner of the final giveaway. Still time to add your name to the hat if it's not already there... leave a comment here.

14 comments:

  1. Oh I love colour too and although I say my favourite colour is purple that is not totally true, I love colour full stop. I love the solid blocks of colour in an otherwise neutral coloured room, I love the richness of exotic fabrics, and I love walking into a large fabric store with so many colours and textures to choose from, so I understand what you mean. I like it when things slot together too in life and I feel my course does that, although I just need to incorporate some creativity and it will be perfect.

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  2. Frida has become quite an icon lately hasn't she? I enjoyed the film too. I wpnder how accurate it was? Maybe the book will be able to tell you. You'll have to fill us in on it when you finish.

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  3. I loved the film too Gina and thought the actress playing the title role was brilliant (salma Hayek?). Have a good weekend x

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  4. i rarely buy books now - using the library when i can - but a couple of weeks ago saw this book at the airport and knew i needed to won it. it's next on my list...

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  5. I've had a long time fascination with Frida. Her paintings are so haunting and beautiful - filled with vibrant colour and life. I didn't realize Kingsolver's book was about Frida and will have to go out and pick it up today. Thanks Gina!

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  6. What a treat to be working on a vibrantly colourful project!

    I'm glad you enjoyed the film though I have to be honest - I didn't. In fact I didnlt finish watching - I think I was trying to do something else at the same time which didn't help!

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  7. It's great that you have found a focus for your research, and that the subject is a person who inspires you. I have been attracted by colourful designs and clothes on my rare trips abroad, but somehow they never look as beautiful when brought back home. They seem to need their rightful climate and background.

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  8. Those patterns and colours are so vibrant - gorgeous. She's a fascinating topic for studying, that's for sure. So glad you enjoyed the film (although to be honest, I'd forgotten I'd lent it to you - what a woolly head). Have a lovely weekend x

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  9. I wasn't terribly keen on Frida Kahlo when I was doing my degree. But then, when G and I went to see the Kahlo exhibition at Tate Modern several years later, my view completely changed. Amazing. I loved the movie, too.

    K x

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  10. Feel free to put my name in again.... desperate?... moi? I too went to the Kahlo exhibition at Tate Modern and LOVED it. Like you said, it is so joyous to see the colours and patterns......

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  11. Inspiring Frida ......i loved the film too made me want to wear loads of pattern and colours ..........oh I think I do already !!..x

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  12. I have stumbled across Frida's work occasionally in the past and have wondered about her life and what had inspired her creativeness. Maybe I should take a more studious look.

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  13. Isn't it funny how things can all come together like that?! Definitely a sign that Frida might need to be the focus of your research! lucy x

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  14. have just finished Lacuna - thought it quite marvellous. Thank you for these little windows on your world, I'm a new blogger and finding my way. Yours is one of my inspirations

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