Frida Kahlo Museum Mexico City

Quick, name ten famous Mexican painters...

Ok, can't name ten? You can probably name at least two, the emblematic Frida Kahlo and her muralist husband Diego Rivero. The pair became famous in the early part of the 20th century not only for their artistic work but for their politics and the drama of their personal lives. Hollywood brought their story to the big screen in 2002 with Selma Hayek in the starring role of Frida, the uni-browed, outspoken, ballsy artist who battled health issues and turbulent relationships and documented her life on canvas. Her self-portraits grace the walls of museums and tacky souvenirs alike, making her one of the most recognizable artists of all time.

"Frida with Magenta Rebozo" New York 1939 Nickolas Muray

The Frida Kahlo Museum in Mexico City is located in the Coyoacán district in the "Casa Azul" where Frida was born, grew up, shared her married life with her volatile husband Diego and eventually died. Four years after her death, the house was converted into a museum, allowing visitors to view work by both Frida and Diego, their collection of Mexican folk art, photographs, art supplies and household items, a true time capsule, the house has not changed much since 1951.

Frida Kahlo's paints and brushes

Frida Kahlo's wheelchair and easel

Frida's famous bed with mirror on top and death mask at rest

Frida Kahlo was also well-known for her fashion statements, her wardrobe always carefully selected to highlight her cultural background and to disguise the physical ailments she suffered as a result of childhood polio and a horrifying accident when she was 18 years old. After her death, Diego Rivera insisted that her clothing be locked away and it was not until 2004 that the doors were unlocked to reveal a "blast from the past" look at this fashion icon's sense of personal style. 

A sampling of Frida's medical corsets

Typical Frida "Tehuana" style

Contemporary fashions inspired by Frida

The full "Tehuana" skirts used to hide her disfigured legs, the loose peasant blouses disguising the leather and plaster corsets she was forced to wear and the custom, hand-painted shoes she wore with hidden lifts are now on display in the accurately titled "Appearances Can Be Deceiving" exhibit. The exhibit also includes contemporary designs inspired by Frida Kahlo, even this long after her death her style continues to impact the art and fashion world. 

I had wanted to visit the museum for a LONG time and this past weekend was fortunate enough to be able to cross it off my bucket list. Well worth a visit when in DF (pronounced "deh efay", the "real" way to call Mexico City). Unfortunately it was the only attraction I was able to visit on this trip before I got whacked by altitude sickness! Next time, Teotihuacan and Templo Mayor for sure! Click to see more Frida Kahlo Museum Photos . 

Del Sol Photography - My Job Rocks

Being the social media junkie that I am, I follow a LOT of pages on Facebook. For years one of my faves has been Del Sol Photography. I was super fan, oohing and aahing and sharing their photos out of pure love and fascination. In 2012 I saw they were hiring production help in their office and I jokingly commented that they should look me up if they were ever in need of social media marketing help. In a fine example of "ask and ye shall receive", in 2013 the universe brought me the opportunity to meet up with the fine folks behind the magic and I left my job of almost four years to join the Del Sol team as "Digital Brand Manager" (fancy words for "marketing on the internetz").

I feel like the luckiest woman on the planet. As a community manager, content is king and I have THE best possible content to share everyday. Incredible, magical, "unicorn" moments captured by the artists behind the lens. Yes, they have technical skill, but beyond that all the Del Sol photographers are gifted in their ability to freeze emotions in time, not your standard "everyone get together and smile" shots you see from typical wedding photographers.

I'm thrilled to be working with innovators. Not content to just cruise on their natural talents, they are constantly improving their skills and seeking innovation in their art. Del Sol Photography was one of the first studios to embrace the "trash the dress" trend many years ago and are now simply THE BEST in the field of underwater mermaid brides. Now Del Sol goes one step beyond and has created the "Adam and Eve" session, brides and grooms swimming out of their gowns and suits and going "au naturel" in the cenotes, expressing their love and passion in these artful photos.

Apart from their skill, talent and artistic vision, the Del Sol peeps are truly, authentically, honestly NICE. Muy buena onda. Every one of them! I'm surrounded by kindness and artistic enthusiasm! I really couldn't ask for a better job, I feel blessed everyday, grateful for all that I am learning and the opportunity to bring my own skills to the table as part of the team.

This is not a paid post. It was not a request from the boss man. It comes directly from my heart and I really wanted to share this with you, my readers. It IS possible to live the dream my friends! Just put it out to the universe and it will come to you too!

(All photos in this post courtesy Del Sol Photography)