Finally- FRIDA!

So, I finished with my Frida series. 

When I first started doing the daily rt I would obsess over the consistency in the series.  Okay, let me step back- if you don't know me, obsessing over little things is kinda my jam.  I had a bit of a chaotic childhood, some instability, some trauma...I won't get into it all but I know that the adult version of myself finds comfort in order and sameness as result of how I grew up.  I just accept it and try to make it work for me...except when it doesn't.  

I would in my mind insist that the sizes of my pieces had to be the same, the materials had to be the same.  Was there a narrative element in the works?  If so- they had to be in order...show a progression...at least to me.

And then, I don't know how many years in I realized that it was okay if sizes and materials change.  I gave myself permission to have more fun and explore my theme...and I think that has made me happier with the results. 

When I first started the Frida series, my intention was to translate her into fashion illustrations.  But that soon fell to the wayside- I felt pulled to portraits based on her own focus on her (self) portraits.  

I incorporated her words from the diary...until I stopped doing that.

I sanded the surface until I didn't anymore.

I used spray paint and stencils...except when I didn't. 

And in the end, the series ended very much different from it began, painterly portraits of Frida.  I am sure I will revisit her again at some point, she is always with me in spirit.

Here is the complete series;