Threads for Hope; Past, Present, and Future – Past Feature: Frida Kahlo
We believe Frida Kahlo exemplifies what it means to thread hope to pave the way for the women to come. Her life was filled with hardship but she always found ways to rise above her circumstances.
Frida Kahlo was born in 1907 in Coyoacán, Mexico City, Mexico. At the age of six, Kahlo contracted polio, which caused her to be bedridden for almost a year. She did recover from the illness, but she limped when she walked as the disease had damaged her right leg and foot. Despite this setback, she continued to play sports throughout her childhood.
In 1922, she enrolled in the National Preparatory School. She was one of the few female students to attend and was known for her cheerful spirit and for her love of all things colorful. In 1939, The Louvre purchased her painting titled The Frame. This made Frida the first 20th Century Mexican Artist to have their work purchased by an international museum.
Throughout her life, she faced many hurdles, specifically a difficult marriage and the Mexican Revolution. Later on in her life she dealt with difficult medical issues. Yet Kahlo’s passion for art and creativity brought hope into the world through her work. Kahlo always persisted, no matter what.
Kahlo used her art to restore hope to those who thought it was lost. She found inspiration within the culture of indigenous people for a lot of her work. Frida wanted to highlight a group in a positive way that would normally be marginalized.
“Although she didn’t start painting “seriously” until later in life, Frida was able to create so much poignant work by virtue of the sheer quantity of disappointments life had offered her until that point.” (Todd Brison).
We know her influence and inspiration live on today. We hope that acknowledging her legacy brings honor to the path she has paved for us.
Which woman of history inspires you to thread hope?
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This March 6-10, when you purchase a Threads For Hope you can purchase a second one for 50% OFF (Threads for only $6)! Share the message of hope with all the amazing women in your life (Sale ends Tuesday, March 10 at 11:59 p.m.). Valid in-store and online.
