Happy Birthday Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo fascinates me. Her work is so emotional. Her biography is filled with anguish and grief, but also strength and beauty.

What little I know about Frida is what I learned watching the biographical film starring Salma Hayek.

And from reading short biographical bits about her that I come across every so often.

But the most interesting things I've learned about her come from reading about the lives of other people. I read a book about Leon Trotsky in college, and was intrigued by the time he spent in Mexico with Diego and Frida.

This relationship was further explored in Barbara Kingsolver's work, The Lacuna.

While she may not have received much attention during her life, her work lives on as a testament to her resilience in the face of great pain and unhappiness. When I'm faced with health issues or conflict, I draw inspiration from her life story and her drive to express herself through her art. Although I'm sure she would take issue with being called a princess, she was certainly a woman who rescued herself.

Happy Birthday Frida!