Sonia Ruiz – Artist style #4
Inspiration: Diego and I -1949 by Frida
In my design I am trying to depict Frida´s self portrait of “Diego and I”, in a hopeful image of her undying love for her husband Diego Rivera. Even though at the time of this painting there were rumors of him abandoning her for a Hollywood starlet, Maria Felix, who was an intimate friend of Frida. Underneath her face you are able to see some words from one of her journal pages.
Frida’s loose hair around her neck symbolizes strangulation from the physical and mental torture is her husband Diego. Her hair is created with different shades of organza. Frida’s eyebrows serve as a platform for Diego to continue to control and hurt her even though he is not with her. You can see her pain with a tear on her cheek. Frida’s veins reach out from her sacred heart to beyond her body and connects with the blue saguaro cactus which symbolizes her home, Casa Azul and the hummingbird, who is fiercely holding onto her vein with a drop of blood while trying to protect the words in red “Diego te amo” … “Diego I love you”, which I wrote in acrylic paint. In indigenous cultures the hummingbird is a messenger of joy. It stands for intelligence, beauty, devotion, and love. These little birds are also respected as fierce fighters and defenders of their territory.
Materials: Hand dyed cotton bed linen, organza, cotton fabric, photo transfer, raw edge appliqué, 3D fringed yarn, couched cording, machine embroidery, free motion quilting, acrylic paints and 2 crystals and an earring.
Detail views:
Original artwork:
FIFTEEN BY FIFTEEN 
I am in awe of the details that you manage to weave into your work. Great use of colour and stitching. Lovely work, well done.
I so much love your Frida series. Again you managed to translate all the details of the original painting in your own textile language. So many creative solutions. Love the big earring since she is famous for her big jewelry. Bravo.
So many things to see and understand in this piece ! it is a great addition to your series !
Awe inspiring interpretation, the use of colours and fabrics brings her painting to life in textiles. Bravo
I am in awe of this piece as I am with your entire series. So many details, so much symbolism. The addition of the cacti and the hummingbird is so meaningful. Your interpretations of her works are fascinating and the execution of your pieces so expert and colorful. Stunning!
Your piece is so well done, full of various details, nice colors and tells Frida’s story.
Your piece has a lot of symbolism. I can feel your love for Frieda. Very well done!
Beautifully worked depiction and the way you have used the symbolism is very clever. Your details are wonderful, as is your stitching and use of different materials.
There is so much in this piece. So much to see and so much to interpret. Well dona for including all the detail and symbolism.
I admire your ability to put so much emotional content in your art. I can really feel Frida’s pain, amazing.
Your Frieda series continues to amaze me, So much detail to see. You have obviously done quite a bit of research with each piece you are creating.
Such an emotional piece. Beautiful details and colors. Very Frida. Bravo!