A short film by Anna Thorsen
What I love about this film by my daughter is that she has been able to visualize the peace I find in the creative process. In my own home, on a cozy weekend, in pjs and cozy sweater… It also illustrates a core value I hold dear to my heart- that the process of art is precious, but the end product is not.
I hope the exit is joyful and I hope never to return. – Frida Kahlo
Nothing is absolute. Everything changes, everything moves, everything revolves, everything flies and goes away. – Frida Kahlo
I am celebrating Frida Kahlo‘s birthday!
Although her birth certificate says she was born on July 6, 1907, Frida Kahlo told people her date of birth was July 7, 1910. She allegedly did so not to seem younger but simply because she loved her home country, according to The Life and Times of Frida Kahlo filmmaker Amy Stechler. Kahlo adopted a 1910 birthday so that her birth would coincide with the Mexican Revolution and the start of a modern Mexico. [source]
Today’s Frida Study:
Frida’s Diary
(2005) The Diary of Frida Kahlo- an intimate self-portrait. Abrams, New York, in association with La Vaca Independiente S.A. de C.V.
Thank you LAURA MACK for this profound and beautiful gift. It means the world to me.
Journal entry re: Frida:
Frida and the 7 chakras
Seventh Chakra CROWN: Spiritual Centre, Enlightenment– central nervous system, muscular system, skin. I am; I understand.
Sixth Chakra THIRD EYE: Wisdom, intuition, visualization– brain, neurological system, eyes, ears, nose. I know; I think.
Fifth Chakra THROAT: Communication, inner voice, truth, creativity- thyroid, esophagus, trachea, mouth, jaw, teeth, neck, vertebrae. I speak; I express.
Fourth Chakra HEART: Love, compassion, unconditional love, hope, forgiveness– circulatory system, ribs, breast, thymus gland, lungs, shoulders, arms, hands, diaphragm. I love.
Third Chakra SOLAR PLEXUS: Power centre, manifestation, self-confidence, esteem– stomach, pancreas, adrenals, upper intestines, liver, gall bladder, middle spine. I can; I do.
Second Chakra SACRAL: Creativity, sexuality, money, career, power, joy– sexual organs, large intestine, lower vertebrae, pelvis, hip area, urinary bladder. I feel; I want.
First Chakra ROOT: Survival, security, family, connections, instinct– spinal column, rectum, legs, bones, feet, energizes body, increase overall health. I do; I am.
I think that little by little I’ll be able to solve my problems and survive.
– Frida Kahlo
Today’s angel card[s]:
Recommended Frida Kahlo book:
To feel the anguish of waiting for the next moment and of taking part in the complex current (of affairs) not knowing that we are headed toward ourselves, through millions of stone beings – of bird beings – of star beings – of microbe beings – of fountain beings toward ourselves.
– Frida Kahlo
I had a real awakening in 1986 when I took the CREATIVE PROCESS class at (what was then called) Emily Carr College of Art and Design with Kitty Mykka. It was a LIFE CHANGING CLASS that introduced me to the theory, practicality and universality of the creative process.
Beware! I now know a language so beautiful and lethal
My mouth bleeds when I speak it.
– Gwendolyn MacEwen
Kitty also took my journaling work deeper than I had ever gone before, opening for me a safe personal space in which to process my work and my life.
And as three decades have gone by since that Fall of 1986, I continue to embody the creative process. I often tell my students that process for me is much more important than the end product. That is why I love street art- I put it out there- it will (de)volve as it will. The ongoing process is what intrigues me.
As I approach age 55 in a few weeks, I feel a renewed sense of peace at my core. Not only is my creative process not attached to the outcome- my life is not attached to the outcome. These days, if I feel a sense of angst rise up as I try to juggle all my projects, or look at my bank account, or worry about family and the future, or fall into saudade, or feel guilt for deciding not to pursue certain projects so that I can commit fully to certain partnerships, as I worry I am not prepared for a session, or as I plan the road ahead and feel overwhelmed looking at the to-do list, or as I think think and over-think, or as I work on my graphic novel worrying if I am on the right track, or if I feel helpless to help someone in need- my heart releases and my mind is reMINDed to not be attached to the outcome.
And it is a lesson I try to instill in my art students. It is a way to quiet the inner critic without stifling it. To not be attached to the outcome sets us free to create.
I don’t mean to sound dismissive, but START WRITING. There is NO SUCH THING as “too late” in the arts. Trust me. START. – Patton Oswalt
Is that Self Compassion? Is it maturity? It is PROCESS. TO STAY and LIVE IN THE MOMENT- to (try to) ride it, no matter how difficult that moment might be.
Let your indulgence set me free. – Shakespeare, The Tempest
There is no doubt that art has saved my life. And I am not attached to its outcome.
Related:
ART SALE:
A special panel from my DRAWING ON PAIN
Frida Kahlo is an icon and muse that I return to again and again. I am infused by Frida and I consider myself a Kahloist. She epitomizes the artist and woman in pain. As I was going through my divorce, I was driven to draw Frida as a child. The medium I chose (or it chose me) was china marker on masonite board. Child-Frida was a light to help me process through and to lift me out of the hole of depression.
I LOVED making this series even though they were done at 3 AM with my heart pounding and anxiety choking me. They allowed me to release the pain in the moment. They allowed me to process the pain in my personal therapy sessions.
The 12 piece-series (only a few remain in my personal collection) illustrate the power of art to process life changes. Heavily, honestly. I never tend to go light.
And the pieces have been protested: LINK
I am releasing Frida and the Wounded Bird for a special holiday art sale.
Email transfer to britakatarina@gmail.com
or PayPal
“My painting carries with it the message of pain.”
― Frida Kahlo
I love the evolution of the street art creative process- the pasting of original art and letting it go into the world…
Like the journey of my Frida angel pasted on Valencia Street, San Francisco, three plus years ago:
August 24, 2013 (photo by Anna Thorsen)
November 28, 2016 (photo by Anna Thorsen)
What motivates someone to put something out into the world? Why do it?
– Keri Smith
And what motivates me to draw Frida? Over and over and over again…
Is it meditation?
Is it an anxiety tool?
A sanctuary?
An obsession?
Appropriation?
To get myself realigned and prepared for diving into writing/drawing/reflection, I check in with my Church that is Frida Kahlo and let the stream of consciousness flow.
Head to heart to hand.
To prepare for output, there must be some quiet me time, input. Some meditation. And for me that is the private act of sitting in my studio bedroom and applying china marker to paper, just for me. Output is input. To prepare to create, I create. I draw to draw.
To feel the anguish of waiting for the next moment and of taking part in the complex current (of affairs) not knowing that we are headed toward ourselves, through millions of stone beings – of bird beings – of star beings – of microbe beings – of fountain beings toward ourselves. – Frida Kahlo
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The cosmos is within us. We are made of star-stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself. ― Carl Sagan
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You may recall, I set my intention for 2016- to simply meet it all with love. Yet I knew it was important to take the time to do soul work. But it’s been hard, so very hard to get “started” on it.
Yet- that’s not really correct… Actually, I have started.
I have been collecting soul work to do’s. I’ve been preparing.
So yesterday, I thought allotting myself a two-hour window to create a mind-map of my vision and goals would suffice. I was expecting to be able to share it quickly with my daughter, Anna, and with Patti, over a simple Skype chat. I predicted an 18″ x 24″ piece of paper. No, no, no.
This 2016 toolkit is taking a lot longer than I expected.
But I finally committed to it last night. I created a toolkit last night in an old, recycled journal (a leftover from my work with youth on the Downtown Eastside). I collected, cut, pasted, organized. It’s ready to go. And I’ll do a few at a time.
My personal toolkit contents includes a variety of empowering tools I’ve developed or gathered from my network. All too good to forget so I just kept adding to the list. A toolkit to visit in bits and pieces, as needed, throughout the year.
My list:
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This morning I awoke pretty frozen by anxiety (a variety of typical right-now reasons).
Larger scale inner RESETS are often accompanied by intense experiences of some kind that threaten the ego and false personality and may even cause one to feel like you are going a little crazy or completely falling apart. The Power Path January 2016 Forecast
Instead of drowning in it though, I dragged myself through the morning then finally yanked out the toolkit I prepped last night and dragged it to a coffee shop, grabbed a coffee and sat outside and forced myself to write through tears, through fear:
After I got that out of my system, I addressed item 19: “Remember to rely heavily on your spiritual practice, your allies and your community.”
I texted my daughter and my friend/agent Peter for some much-needed good vibes. Got some fabulous get your head out of your ass (Anna) advice.
Everything is as it should be. U just need to allow (Peter).
Draw an angel card (Anna).
The sun came out as their multiple texts rolled in.
I decided to continue on the self-care focus for the rest of the day. Do the toolkit. Do the toolkit. So I am taking my time, allowing, trusting and doing it.
For example:
Item 11: what kind of bird am I?
My sister-in-law asked me that question the other day as we reflected on my street art project.
After much thought, I really feel it is the Sparrow. I always stop and observe birds. But there is something in particular that I connect with in the Sparrow.
The Sparrow reflects self-worth. If a Sparrow totem has entered your life, ask yourself if you know your own self-worth. The Sparrow will show you that even a common little bird can triumph.
The Song Sparrow reflects the chakra energy awakening from the heart and throat. It reminds us to sing out our own song of dignity and self-worth. [source]
Item 12 The Power Path January 2016 Forecast mind-map:
Item 1: Review vision board from 2013:
I look at pertinent quotes on the 2013 vision board and make a found poem:
How to survive going nowhere?
What she said:
We change into our capes in a telephone booth-
and take on the world’s evolving challenges.
Referring to myself:
Ways to stay up in the air?
New York
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Item 24: Pull angel cards and create daily ritual.
Beauty is the quality of being pleasing, especially to look at, or someone or something that gives great pleasure, especially when looking at it
The conception for beauty is used or studied in art, sociology, social psychology, and culture. An “ideal beauty” is an entity which is admired, or possesses features widely attributed to beauty in a particular culture, for perfection.
The experience of “beauty” often involves an interpretation of some entity as being in balance and harmony with nature, which may lead to feelings of attraction and emotional well-being. [source]
The journey continues. I will indeed meet it with love and trust I’ll have some pressing issues sorted.
Everything is as it should be.
Much love, Kat
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I revisited Brideshead Revisited last night and was struck, more deeply than usual, by Waugh’s opening line:
“Here, at the age of 39, I began to be old…”
Why did this opening line stand out? I’ve been trying to find the right quote, the right words to help me reflect on my current dip into anxiety after the vulnerability hangover took over a while back. It’s not letting up.
My body has rebelled, or more accurately, my chakras are screaming! Or even more accurately, or what comforts me to focus on, is that my sacral and throat chakras are in dire need of attention apparently!
My lower back was thrown out last Friday and refuses to ease. Ah, it’s the old dance injury, familiar worries about money, embracing transitions, change, re-experiencing triggers. And my old wound is acting up (an old left parotid gland/facial nerve tumor issue)- so scratching my left ear feels like I’m scratching my cheek. Running my tongue along my upper teeth on the left side, pausing at the missing tooth, is interpreted as my lower jaw. It’s all familiar. It’s nothing new. Benign. But important. Just old friends encouraging me to pay attention.
So why does the Waugh quote feel like the right words?
“Here, at the age of 39, I began to be old…”
What does it have to do with aches and pains and anxiety?
The quote brought me right back to my 39th birthday, when I began to be old. It was the turning point. I experienced an intense, earth-shattering betrayal. The wound was deep, great, painful. It was different from other losses and experiences. It attacked the very core where my innocent inner self was housed.
When a strong trigger strikes now, it opens that wound in the heart.
It’s a falling back into darkness. It’s the place I am forced to go, to huddle and shake and decide how to utilize this in my personal journey.
On my 39th birthday, truth came out and I was exposed.
Vulnerable, raw. I began to be old. Of course, so much more has happened before and since, but that experience stands out as the turning point into adulthood.
It fascinates me that as I look back on my journals and see where my anxiety/depression is at its height (or my energy at its lowest if you will)- it is after I have been exposed. Or am exposing myself to the world.
Risking. Risking failure. Thus the vulnerability hangover.
Recall posts:
ANX·I·E·TY /ANGˈZĪ-ITĒ/ August 20, 2011
DIH-PRESH-UHN November 13, 2011
We all struggle. And I send out love to all who are struggling right now.
Check out articles shared on FB:
Thank you, Patti, for this one:
Thank you, Margot, for this one:
And so…
There, at the age of 39, I began to be old.
And I have journeyed through. I accept my struggles, accept that life is a rollercoaster of triggers and emotions. But I am HERE. Strong, vulnerable, able, fragile, triggered, achy, anxious, a woman trying her best, a very very human being.
What do I do with all this info, lessons, tools, self-care, evaluations, experiences, wisdom etc.?
Well, here, at the age of 53, I decide I am wise. And ready.
Yes, today is a new day. I’ll wrap up the old wounds. Lengthen my spine, listen to the birds, and revel in the theme of of this month [thepowerpath.com].
The robin brings a fresh new perspective to situations that are otherwise foggy and unclear. Try calling on robin energy for clarity when your judgement is clouded or when you need light shed on an issue.
The red robin reminds us it’s time to shake the sleepiness out of our head (both figuratively and literally), get alert, get moving, and start enjoying life! Spring has sprung, tides have turned, and no matter how crummy or grey our world has been it is time for new beginnings! Enjoy the bright road ahead because it’s only going to get brighter! [source]
I love customizing composition books. Prepping a new one for today. I am particularly in love with this one so I’m making this version available to you!
Lilla My fan art custom made composition books:
Ready to contain your hopes, wishes, dreams, ramblings, musings, to-do’s, purges, goals etc. A safe place to vent as you take a bite out of life!
You deserve the best, the very best, because you are one of the few people in this lousy world who are honest to themselves, and that is the only thing that really counts. – Frida Kahlo
$25 CAD/ $20 USD
Features handcolored prints of my Tove Jansson’s inspired fan art drawings- Moomin’s Lilla My on the front cover and Lilla My as Frida Kahlo on the back.
Each journal contains a little surprise introductory exercise!
Deluxe embroidered versions with 12 journaling exercises also available for custom order.
Contact me at britakatarina@gmail.com for purchase info. Bulk order price options available!
I’ll have to calm down a bit. Or else I’ll burst with happiness. – Tove Jansson
I’ve been celebrating my blog with an art event. The event honors the woman who inspires me to keep it going as an artist: Frida Kahlo.
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For 10 Tuesdays, I have been creating/posting 10 different portraits of Frida Kahlo (plus some additional posts here and there) in some form/medium or another. It may be a drawing, an object, a doll, multimedia, whatever… A surprise.
Recall:
Frida No. 4: Frida and her magic cone of truth
Frida No. 5: A Coloring Page for You
Frida No. 6: Sock Doll in Tehuana Dress
Frida Kahlo July 6, 1907- July 13, 1954
Frida No. 8: Dia de los Muertos sock monkey
Frida No. 9: Frida and the magpie portrait
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And so… here we are.
Frida No. 10: Moomin Frida
Inspired by Tove Jansson‘s “Lilla My” from Moomin.
It is simply this: do not tire, never lose interest, never grow indifferent—lose your invaluable curiosity and you let yourself die. It’s as simple as that. – Tove Jansson
Here, Frida as Lilla My chews on her Diego cookie. She wears the hand earrings sculpted for her by Picasso:
The most curious thing about the supposed lies of Diego, is that in the long and short of it, those who are involved in the imaginary combination become angry, not because of the lie, but because of the truth contained in the lie, that always comes to the surface. – Frida Kahlo
I’ve been celebrating my blog with an art event. The event honors the woman who inspires me to keep it going as an artist: Frida Kahlo.
—
For 10 Tuesdays, I have been creating/posting 10 different portraits of Frida Kahlo (plus some additional posts here and there) in some form/medium or another. It may be a drawing, an object, a doll, multimedia, whatever… A surprise.
Recall:
Frida No. 4: Frida and her magic cone of truth
Frida No. 5: A Coloring Page for You
Frida No. 6: Sock Doll in Tehuana Dress
Frida Kahlo July 6, 1907- July 13, 1954
Frida No. 8: Dia de los Muertos sock monkey
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Frida No. 9: Frida and the magpie portrait
10 x 14 ” China marker, spray paint, acrylic, embroidery thread on paper.
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The magpie’s speech is symbolic of communication and creative expression. When we hear the magpie speak it is a message to us that we might need to listen to what is being spoken to us – listen with more attention. The chatter of the magpie is also a symbolic message that we may need to speak our minds more clearly….speak up, express our opinions, be creative with our spoken words.
The magpie’s obsession with shiny things is symbolic of our tendency to chase after false ideas or perceptions. When the magpie comes into our lives it is often a reminder that we may have to re-evaluate our priorities. Are we chasing after unsuitable desires? Are we serving a false ideal? Are we putting materialism ahead of matters of the soul?
The magpie builds its home in the thickest “V” of trees. Forks or V’s in nature are symbolic of gateways or paths into the spirit realm. In this fashion, the magpie asks us about our level of spiritual perception. Specifically, the magpie asks to keep an open mind in matters of the spirit. She also asks us where our spiritual foundation is and encourages us to open the gateways of higher (spiritual) vision… [source]
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I’m celebrating my blog with an art event. The event honors the woman who inspires me to keep it going as an artist: Frida Kahlo.
—
For 10 Tuesdays, I have been creating/posting 10 different portraits of Frida Kahlo in some form/medium or another. It may be a drawing, an object, a doll, whatever… A surprise.
See Other Tuesday Fridas:
Numbers 1-6: LINK
Number 7: LINK
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FRIDA NO. 8: DIA DE LOS MUERTOS SOCK MONKEY [MADE TO ORDER]
Frida Kahlo died on July 13, 1954.
To celebrate her beautiful spirit, I am taking orders for my unique handmade Dia de Lost Muertos sock monkeys.
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On sale for only $43 CAD (include shipping fee) until Midnight!!!
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These sock monkeys are super cuddly grieving tools. I find them so comforting to make and to hold. Each one is one of a kind and comes with a hand-drawn embroidered sugar skull face (each one unique), a simple flower crown, plus a vintage flannel material skirt and a small original sketch of the sock monkey.
Email transfers only to britakatarina@gmail.com. Expect 2-3 weeks for delivery.
Frida Kahlo July 6, 1907- July 13, 1954
FRIDA KAHLO BORN JULY 6, 1907
To celebrate the woman who inspires me everyday- I want to spread the love, so I am releasing these 4 original interpretive portraits of Frida as a package deal for only $135 CAD ($106 USD) includes shipping. First come first serve. Email me to purchase.
Package includes:
Frida doll in Tehuana headdress with pocket for prayer, worry and wish. Handsewn, my design. (see other details at LINK)
Fetal Frida doll. Handsewn, my design. (Yes, that is a sock umbilical cord) (see other details at LINK)
Frida portrait– chinamarker on newsprint. (see other details at LINK)
Frida chakra chart– chinamarker on newsprint. (see other details at LINK)
Check out:
Frida Kahlo b. July 6, 1907
See Frida No. 1-6: LINK
I need a miracle.
Don’t we all have that sentence running through our minds at some point?
Sometime we need to hold on to SOMETHING. Like a doll.
So… what would a miracle doll look like?
So… I sew.
The result:
This Frida Kahlo Tehuana Headdress sock doll becomes a reminder to release and to stay neutral amidst change and chaos.
The doll is cuddly for those times that a quiet moment of solitude is needed. Those times we just need to sit.
She has a special embellished pocket to hold prayers, worries and wishes.
Frida holds a sock crow with Frida portrait wings to remind us to laugh and maintain perspective. To hold on, yet to fly.
She is made of recycled materials to remind that nature needs us to care of her.
A special hand-drawn Frida portrait sits at the crown chakra: Stay connected to yourself. The inner reflects the outer.
Your personal environment is a reflection of what is going on inside. If you have chaos in your environment, you have chaos inside. If your external environment is very tightly controlled, chances are you are very tightly controlled and have a need for control. If your environment is cluttered and messy, you probably lack discipline and good boundaries. If your environment is stark or nurturing or colorful or warm or cold or comfortable or uncomfortable, it is most likely some reflection of yourself. – Lena Stevens
I’m celebrating my blog with an art event. The event honors the woman who inspires me to keep it going as an artist: Frida Kahlo.
—
For 10 Tuesdays, I am creating/posting 10 different portraits of Frida Kahlo in some form/medium or another. It may be a drawing, an object, a doll, whatever… A surprise. I have been posting one a week.
Recall:
Frida No. 4: Frida and her magic cone of truth
Frida No. 5: A Coloring Page for You
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Inspired by Frida Kahlo, Self Portrait, 1948, with Tehuana headdress
This portrait sock doll measures about 14 inches long. It is my own design and hand-sewn.
Materials: grey work sock with red detailing, black sock, embroidery thread, vintage crocheted cotton doily, vintage cotton material with pineapple print, vintage ribbon, polyester fibre stuffing, button.
I am taking custom orders for $69.00 each (plus $8 shipping) via PayPal. (allow three weeks for delivery; doll will have similar features but vintage items will vary).
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NEXT WEEK I WILL BE POSTING ON MONDAY JULY 6, 2015 TO CELEBRATE FRIDAS’S BIRTHDAY.
I’m celebrating my blog with an art event. The event honors the woman who inspires me to keep it going as an artist: Frida Kahlo.
—
For 10 Tuesdays, I am creating/posting 10 different portraits of Frida Kahlo in some form/medium or another. It may be a drawing, an object, a doll, whatever… A surprise. I will be posting one a week.
Recall:
Frida No. 4: Frida and her magic cone of truth
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PDF: Coloring page
CHECK OUT:
I’m celebrating my blog with an art event. The event honors the woman who inspires me to keep it going as an artist: Frida Kahlo.
—
For 10 Tuesdays, I am creating/posting 10 different portraits of Frida Kahlo in some form/medium or another. It may be a drawing, an object, a doll, whatever… A surprise. I will be posting one a week.
Recall:
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Perfect for circle discussions.
With humor and gentle nudge, Frida encourages you to investigate and seek the truth!
China marker, marker, acrylic on white 6.5″ Munnyworld Trikky
Character study (china marker on newsprint 12 x 18):
Sit with Frida and speak the truth. From the heart.
Today’s discussion item:
SUCCESS – FAILURE
Write and draw about it.
I’ll share my reflections on the topic tomorrow.
Tell me I’m clever, Tell me I’m kind, Tell me I’m talented, Tell me I’m cute, Tell me I’m sensitive, Graceful and wise, Tell me I’m perfect – But tell me the truth.
– Shel Silverstein
I’m celebrating my blog with an art event. The event honors the woman who inspires me to keep it going as an artist: Frida Kahlo.
—
For 10 Tuesdays, I am creating/posting 10 different portraits of Frida Kahlo in some form/medium or another. It may be a drawing, an object, a doll, whatever… A surprise. I will be posting one a week.
Recall:
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The 7 Chakras are the energy centers in our body in which energy flows through. Blocked energy in our 7 Chakras can often lead to illness so it’s important to understand what each Chakra represents and what we can do to keep this energy flowing freely. – source
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This original hand-drawn china marker chakra chart [on newsprint] measures approximately 18″ x 20″
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I am taking orders for original hand-drawn Frida Chakra charts. Frida is the muse. Your order may be somewhat similar to this one, but the outcome is based on my creative interpretation in the moment.
$95.00 (free shipping) via email transfer or Paypal
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Seventh Chakra CROWN: Spiritual Centre, Enlightenment– central nervous system, muscular system, skin. I am; I understand.
Sixth Chakra THIRD EYE: Wisdom, intuition, visualization– brain, neurological system, eyes, ears, nose. I know; I think.
Fifth Chakra THROAT: Communication, inner voice, truth, creativity- thyroid, esophagus, trachea, mouth, jaw, teeth, neck, vertebrae. I speak; I express.
Fourth Chakra HEART: Love, compassion, unconditional love, hope, forgiveness– circulatory system, ribs, breast, thymus gland, lungs, shoulders, arms, hands, diaphragm. I love.
Third Chakra SOLAR PLEXUS: Power centre, manifestation, self-confidence, esteem– stomach, pancreas, adrenals, upper intestines, liver, gall bladder, middle spine. I can; I do.
Second Chakra SACRAL: Creativity, sexuality, money, career, power, joy– sexual organs, large intestine, lower vertebrae, pelvis, hip area, urinary bladder. I feel; I want.
First Chakra ROOT: Survival, security, family, connections, instinct– spinal column, rectum, legs, bones, feet, energizes body, increase overall health. I do; I am.
I think that little by little I’ll be able to solve my problems and survive.
– Frida Kahlo
PS. Can you spot the sleeping spirit animal?
At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.
– Frida Kahlo
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Nothing is absolute. Everything changes, everything moves, everything revolves, everything flies and goes away.
– Frida Kahlo
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I’m celebrating my blog with an art event.
The event honors the woman who inspires me to keep it going as an artist: Frida Kahlo.
For 10 Tuesdays, I am creating/posting 10 different portraits of Frida Kahlo in some form/medium or another. It may be a drawing, an object, a doll, whatever… A surprise. I will be posting one a week.
Recall Item Frida No. 1: Sock Doll
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This chinamarker panel on masonite board is one of my most personal pieces and measures 18″ x 24″ by 1/4″
It is part of a personal art therapy series of panels.
Frida Kahlo is an icon and muse that I return to again and again. I am infused by Frida and I consider myself a Kahloist. She epitomizes the artist and woman in pain. As I was going through my divorce, I was driven to draw Frida as a child. The medium I chose (or it chose me) was china marker on masonite board. Child-Frida was a light to help me process through and to lift me out of the hole of depression.
I LOVED making this series even though they were done at 3 AM with my heart pounding and anxiety choking me. They allowed me to release the pain in the moment. They allowed me to process the pain in my therapy sessions.
The 12 pieces (only a few remain in my personal collection) illustrate the power of art to process life changes. Heavily, honestly. I never tend to go light.
And the pieces have been protested: LINK
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Email me for purchasing options (and details about the dream).
CONTACT KATARINA: Email
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I’m celebrating my blog with an art event.
The event honors the woman who inspires me to keep it going as an artist: Frida Kahlo.
(How many of you that know me are right now rolling your eyes and saying, “duh”…!?!? I realize I am a tad obsessed.)
For the next 10 Tuesdays, I will be creating 10 different portraits of Frida Kahlo in some form/medium or another. It may be a drawing, an object, a doll, whatever… A surprise. I will be posting one a week.
These new and unique Frida arts and crafts are my own designs and will be for sale here on the blog for a special presale price before I put the item onto my online store. The sale price for each product will last for one week, then it gets listed if not sold here.
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This Frida is made out of 100% recycled, gently used product. Her body is made from a work sock and her hair is made from a black sock. Her skull face has a white sock as ground color. The dia de los muertos/sugar skull face is embroidered. All the thread is from my mom’s old sewing basket. Her tattooed arms feature Frida portraits from discontinued socks from Haight and Ashbury, San Francisco. Her dress is made from vintage materials and her flowers are made from an antique hand-crocheted doily. The little lamb is made from an old blanket. The doll is about 24 inches tall with skirt (body about 18 inches).
PRICE: $175.00 CAD (Shipping free in Canada). Email me for purchasing details.
CONTACT KATARINA: Email
UPDATE May 27, 2015 : ITEM IS SOLD
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There is nothing more precious than laughter.
Frida Kahlo
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UPDATE: May 2, 2015 1:48 PM- DRESS IS SOLD!
It will be worn at the Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo in Detroit exhibit!
THANK YOU for your patronage- Laura Mack!
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***SOLD!***
It’s truly one of a kind double sided wearable street art/ wall hanging.
These are my own interpretations of Frida Kahlo with original drawings and embroidery.
FITS SIZES 4-6
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UPDATE:
WORN BY LAURA MACK IN DETROIT JUNE 3, 2015
China marker, marker, acrylic on white 6.5″ Munnyworld Trikky
I love drawing. I love crafting. I love street art. And I LOVE making paper dresses. Perhaps because it combines all my art forms- I am so blissed out when I make these things!
Here is the latest one the compiles my collection of Frida doodles.
Stay tuned for photo shoot of finished piece next week.
“I may be in America but only my dress hangs there…my life is in Mexico.” – Frida Kahlo
I first became obsessed with paper dresses in January 2013. Go to LINK.
Since then, I made three dresses [LINK]. One was sold and two ended up as street art in San Francisco.
Dresses no. 4 and 5 in progress:
Curled up in my chair in self-imposed exile. Wrapped in old knits.
Loving less interaction. Loving not working on my to-do’s. Happy to be doing less.
Should I worry and fret? Feel guilty?
No. Nah.
Let it go.
Let it all go.
So fatigued- let it go.
Heavy grief dreams these days- let them go.
Dreamt about running, easily, in a race, Olympic level, through the forest- let it go.
Dreamt about mom- and both of us not getting off the ferry in time and being separated from our kids- let it go.
Hey! Feeling valued these days! Let it go.
Feeling more assured- let it go.
Loving the new work- let it go.
Should be illustrating- let it go.
Should be should be- let it go.
Hey, waking up without anxiety! Let it go.
Should I be worried about—? Let it go.
What about resolving—? Let it go.
Organize those papers- let it go.
Push yourself- let it go.
The sun through the kitchen window- let it go.
Look how far you’ve come- let it go.
I need to think. Let it go.
Loving solitude. Let it go.
Simplify? Yes.
By letting it go, it all gets done. – Lao Tzu
I came across a bush the other day abuzz with crimson hummingbirds. BREATHTAKING.
If the hummingbird shows up in your life as a spirit animal, it may remind you to enjoy life’s simple pleasures and take time to enjoy yourself. The hummingbird’s wisdom carries an invitation to take part in and draw to you life’s sweetness, like you would drink the nectar of your own flower.
The call of the hummingbird totem will guide you to open up to love and lightness in your emotional life. When you see your totem, you are encouraged to open up your heart and expose yourself more to joy and love. It might be time to show how you feel to loved ones or people who are close to you. [source]
I recall watching hummingbirds land on my sea of sunflowers in my Roberts Creek garden.
I often dream of them.
The hummingbird reminds me that by taking small steps, I can achieve my dreams.
I have turned a new leaf of late— simplifying my life and allowing myself to take those smaller steps.
And to NOT complicate the path. It’s all good.
If you have bitten off more than you can chew and if you were not ready for your bid for power, it will be obvious. Do not judge yourself, just make an adjustment and take a baby step instead of a huge leap. Practice gratitude for all of your opportunities and when you feel overwhelmed go back to handling the details in front of you, one at a time. – – Source
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I spent a beautiful morning with Brenda Morrison and her students teaching a 4th year Criminology class with Laura Mack at SFU on February 23, 2015.
The lovely egg above was a gift from Brenda- made by “lifer” at Ferndale Institute. It features a hummingbird with the word “spirit.”
In October, Brenda gave me a beautiful book from another SFU class: The Flight of the Hummingbird. The theme of the book is the power of taking small steps to achieve a big goal.
“I am doing what I can.” – Dukdukdiya.
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Birds hold so much meaning to me. And they always feel like messengers, telling me to pay strict attention.
See also:
How will you take on this week? Last week was truly full of too muchness, too fullness, too many extremes, but at the same time, I was grateful for the intensity. It helped me clarify what was truly important. There was output and connection, there was trauma and fear, there was despair and elation, and there was reconfiguration and realization. How will I take on the week ahead? With a don’t know mind, with allowance, with my hand round my cock, with a hustling frame of mind, with humor and curiosity. With self-assurance. With Frida in my heart.
[Inspired by The Power Path]
Touch me life, not softly.– Maya Angelou