The REV It Up List

Frida Kahlo: A Diary of Inspiration and Art

Written by Maria Hammon

 

I have always felt that Frida Kahlo (Mexican painter 1919-1954) was one of the pioneer women of art journaling. If you ever get a chance to read it, her diary is a piece every artist should experience at least once. Even if you do not speak Spanish, you can SEE so much through her journal pages. Words, art and emotion are mixed in a beautiful array of colors and vivid imaginary. To me, her diary is breathtaking. It invites me in as an observant of her trials and tribulations during the last decade of her life. It shares her love letters, her political ideas, her visions, her art, her passions, her dreams, her fears and also her nightmares.

The diary of Frida Kahlo: An Intimate Self Portrait  includes an introduction by authors Carlos Fuentes and Sarah Lowe. One of the quotes by Fuentes that I loved explains, "...a streetcar crashed into the fragile bus she was riding, broke her spinal column, her collarbone, her ribs, her pelvis.... The impact of the crash left Frida naked and bloodied, but covered with gold dust."

And gold dust is indeed what seems to be the enchanting, riveting effect left by Frida’s art legacy.

Since we are talking Friday Kahlo, I should also say that if you haven’t yet seen the movie Frida, with one of Salma Hayek’s best performances of her life paired with Julie Taymor’s brilliant direction, this is a memorable artful film not to be missed.

Gifts For Anyone From Everyone!

Written by Maria Hammon

Have you ever faced the predicament involved in having to figure out a gift to give to a teacher, or a coach, when you have several people involved in the giving? 

Oh, just thinking of what to get, how to get the funds together, and coordinate everyone.  It all seems to cause a little extra stress for me.  Specially at the end of each school year when we all seem to be running around like chickens without a head.  At least that's how I feel each year in the month of May for some reason. Well, this year I found a marvelous new alternative!  There is a new website run by two local moms here in the Bay Area. It's called From Everyone.  Their mission: "to make group gift giving simple, thoughtful and convenient for all." What a great idea!  I hope it can help you as much as it is helping me this year!

 

A Spring Vocal Concert on the Westside

Written by Suzi Finer

I consider myself a lover (and avid listener) of good music. My personal taste runs the gamut from today's top 40 to the Standards and Baroque (I just can't take that rap crap...no offense.) If you happen to be on the Westside on Wednesday, June 4th, at 7pm, you can experience a taste of the good stuff for a pittance of a price. A mere five dollars will get you a prime seat at the Beverly Hills High School Spring Vocal Concert. There is even free parking in the spacious lot! Featured performances will be presented by the schools award-winning Madrigal group, as well as the Minnesingers and Concert Choir (of which my son Ben is a part,) all directed by the master of music, Maestro Joel Pressman. Interested? Shoot me an email (suzifiner@gmail.com) or you can call the school directly at (310) 229-3685.

Artist: Kimberly Reed

Artist Kimberly Reed has taken the plunge! With the nudging of friends and fans, she's finally opened her etsy shop! Her bold and colorful florals will brighten any spot in a dull room. Prices range from $30-$40.

Creating and Celebrating with IAMADIVA.COM

Mother's Day is coming up and moms just love gifts created by hand. But, if you're anything like us, you just really have no time to stop what you are doing and make one more thing this week. Click on over to IAMADIVA.COM and order some fanfreakingtastic art and crafty supplies and have them shipped to your mom! Let her create something for YOU! She'd love to!  There are wonderful rubber stamps to choose from (many under $10. If you have two moms, check out the West Hollywood-Friendly section ). I love the unique selection of stamps at IAMADIVA.COM! If  Mom is into the scrapbooking and altered art craze, check out all the fun embellishments and cool finds.

Queen Diva Suzi Finer has a great idea for making your favorite chocolate bars look as delicious as they taste. Turn them into art, too! Her fancy chocolate bars can be adapted to any occasion. Simply coordinate the papers to go with whatever event you are celebrating. Don't forget to make one for yourself, too!

Connecting with Arboretum

Reviewed by Maria Hammon

 

Today I found a new book I fell in love with. It is always a thrill to me when I find a book that makes me feel connected. Not to the concepts and ideas in it, although that is always a plus, too; but to the fact that no matter who we are, we all are small puzzle pieces of the same big picture. That with a pencil in our hands, we can all, in our own individual way, explore ourselves and recognize the parts of us that were meant to fit in this world, and the parts that are unique to each of us. In Arboretum, David Byrne explores himself and finds connections “where none were thought to exist.” His faux science, his personal drawings, and diagrams are incredibly fun to discover.

Through his tree-shaped drawings, Arboretum discusses many subjects. It is often philosophical and artistic. And perhaps even poetic. It is like a little bit of freedom and fresh air.

David Byrne is perhaps one of the most talented artists of our era. From his music with Talking Heads; his thought provoking books Your Action World, The new Sins and Arboretum, to most recently, his outspoken online journal, Mr. Byrne continues to show a true creative spirit in his work. And that, is certainly something to admire and applaud.