Colors of Kahlo

To recognize the power of one's creative gifts is to simply say their name and watch as a people beam with pride in remembrance of their art

Colors of Kahlo

 By

Carlos Lorenzo Estrada 

"Love is a canvas furnished by nature and embroidered by imagination." - Voltaire

She was painted in the colors of her culture 

In a people born of the poor and proud

A force of nature in earthen tone

Uncompromising in a life of pain and art

Wild in unimaginable passions; truly free of spirit 

Her naked feet glided amongst unseen clouds

"Respirar, as angels guide tus manos

Be the art for us to understand" 

a whispered mantra in slow Ranchera canción 

Her hands danced along an outstretched canvas

To a song that burned in the hues of her heart

and in the colors of Kahlo 

Author's Note

I met her at a time in my life when I needed art the most. For to recognize her is to recognize my own roots in the love and pride shared amongst the dreams of my culture. In the voices, artistry, and language of my heritage. I am the prodigal son returned; to a lost piece of my history yearning for home. And in these words I shall find my grace. PS...if you should get a chance I recommend the song "Sabor a Mi" by the group Los Lobos. The song itself has been sung by many artists and is recognized as one of the greatest love songs ever composed in the world.

Reviews

[Sam & Gavin Khan-McInty..]

Thank you Kahlo has been such an inspiration

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

She truly was a remarkable spirit and artist. She lived as she painted, with a passion that was uncompromising and true to herself. I believe all artists should strive to be that way. Thank you again.

[Sam & Gavin Khan-McIntyre]

With passion and belief that’s how artists should be :)

[Robert Haigh]

I have long been interested in art. There have been several talented painters in my family: my father, my youngest sister, my niece, a cousin - all talented painters. I never had the talent to paint, so I took up the easier option... photography. I still love going to art galleries though, and I own many art books. Your poem is a fine tribute to a great artist, and to art itself! I just watched a live version of "Sabor a Mi" by Los Lobos (City Winery, NYC, 2014) - a great performance of a great song!

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you Robert for your kind comment on this poem. I feel we are blessed to be artists in different ways. There are those that can paint the sublime, while we use words to describe it. Visionaries often utilize creativity to speak to our innate nature and humanity. Whether painted, photographed, spoken, or sung art has a way of touching us all in the heart. As a child I used to draw and was good at it, but I found that my passion was for storytelling. I didn't want to define imagination on paper for the audience. I wanted to describe it to them so they could imagine it themselves and in their own way which was relevant to their lives. I feel everyone has a particular talent, and yet it may go unrecognized because of the personal nature of art. The artist is not afraid to be revealing in their work. And it is in that trait one finds resonance with their audience on a human level. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts with me. I really appreciate it.