Frida with Cacti Hoop
About the Hoop
This was the first truly large, ornate Frida hoop that I made (and thus I’m keeping it for my “private collection”). It doesn’t specifically recreate a portrait, though Frida’s appearance is is very much influenced by her Self-Portrait (1940) with Thorn Necklace. Creating Frida’s large, thick braid was one of the biggest challenges, and I utilized the technique in subsequent hoops. It involves “couching” (embroiding over fabric) to add volume and stitching in a V pattern to mimic what a braid looks like. I loved the fact that the Tehuana hairstyle often involved weaving in thick skeins of yarn as braids and twists—which seemed to echo nicely with embroidery. Artificial flowers and jeweled stamens make up Frida’s ornate flower crown. A large silver metal hand replicates the earrings Picasso gave her (which she wears in several of her portraits). The large vintage sequins that I found in an upcycled craft supply store created an ombre effect that I love. Artificial Christmas cacti frame Frida, and she is wearing a necklace of real garnet with a bird charm hanging from it (which mirrors her Self Portrait with Hummingbird necklace). Two abalone butterflies flutter above her head.
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