::::: Mixing Up The Media :::::

Frida Kahlo's last journal entry read:

"I hope the end is joyful - and I hope never to come back - Frida."

And yet, in truth she never really left us, she is still to this day a feminist icon and inspiration to many artists.
I have been greatly influenced by the 'colores' of Frida and her rich Mexican heritage - and I pay homage to her in this mixed media piece I just completed.
I have chosen a favorite quote of Frida's...

Feet, why do I need them if I have wings to fly?

~ please click on each image for a better view~
~remember - once clicked on, another click will reveal even more details~

I chose a 10x20 stretched canvas for my piece...flipping it over and working on the back side so that the wooden stretcher bars became my frame. Covering the 'frame' in heavy gesso I used foam stamps to create texture. As in most of my work I strive to create a 'sense of history' - as though the art was just uncovered and dusted off from someone's basement or attic and newly discovered. My background was built using acrylics, stamps, gel pens, and tissue paper as I attempted to create the look and the feel of a Mexican wall inlaid with tiles - worn with time.

My image of Frida is printed on tissue paper and adhered directly to my backgound so that the colors 'bleed' through and create depth. I have embellished her image with a crocheted piece that was dyed with distress ink, dried flowers and a cloth butterfly wing.

I made an image transfer (using fluid matt medium) and transfered the quote on to a piece of unbleached muslin that I frayed and distressed - it is randomly stitched directly on to the canvas using embroidery thread.

A close up of the 'frame' that was painted in an antique white and then I applied a copper colored Rub and Buff product to achieve aging. The stamped image into the gesso gives great texture and interest.