Frida Kahlo

I was in that state just before sleep but not quite awake when my brain flashed an image. For months I’ve pondered on my desire to return to portraiture. I’d also drawn on some connections I’d developed after running a free workshop Mapping Your Artist Family Tree. I was recently obsessed with gold leaf. I wanted it in my work.

The title was clear as day to me, too: Frida Strong. Her passionate choice to embrace life, her unapologetic interest in the non-traditional and socially questionable, her commitment to her unique set of values and beliefs… well, I’m not entirely surprised Frida came first in this series.

Frida, we could all use a little more of you.