Why Frida?

Do you know anyone who has been in a near fatal bus wreck in Mexico? Well, I know 2, myself and Frida Kahlo. My memoir, Frida and Me, refers to Frida Kahlo, my mentor for healing trauma through art.

My wreck was in 1977, hers in 1925. We were both 18 years old. I had 5 surgeries, she had 32. Infections hampered healing and complications lead to the inability to have children for us both. Mexico’s medical facilities were bare bones and rustic. Mental and physical anguish haunted us both. Of course, Frida’s struggle was much more difficult, but what I have learned is that pain is pain.
Many lost years of isolation and PTSD occurred after my accident. Trauma often isn’t spoken of among survivors due to the dissociation, emotional upheaval, fear and extreme changes in the psyche and body. This lack of connection can compound the trauma experience resulting in further damage. This was my case.
In the depths of floundering in 1984, a book changed my life: Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo by Hayden Herrera, 1983. I discovered we were kindred spirits. Frida used art to express her feelings and identity in a real and graphic manner which spoke to me. Many of Frida’s images contained blood and guts….but she painted them beautifully! Her graphic images of death, loss, pain and confusion granted me the permission to express my own feelings through art, which ultimately provided validation and belonging necessary to become functional again.
I am an advocate for the arts as an integrative tool in trauma healing for fellow survivors and their support systems. The arts heal…that’s why Frida!

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