Extending the Frida Kahlo Learning Project: Enter Doll Making, Photography, and Computer Generated Movies.

In order to introduce the Frida Kahlo Self Portrait Drawing lesson to my college level students, I needed some props. My idea was to introduce it to my students much like I would introduce it to preschool age students.

We gathered up a selection of books, including several books on portrait painting and some on the Spanish language, and one artistic version of the story of a young girl living on the U.S.-Mexico border. It is a wonderful story that celebrates a rich and full life, the kind of life anyone could love to live.

Still, something was missing, and I longed for the Frida Kahlo doll I decided NOT to purchase from the museum gift shop in Nashville.

But then- what does one who is teaching a class about creativity do when they want something they do not have? They create something new- from something old. IN this case- a Frida doll made from a doll made by my mother some 25+ years ago. Thanks again Mom!

After using books as our resource, the little guy and I dressed up my old doll "Laura" with things we found around the house. We set her up for some pictures, and I think my four year old fell in love.

Then- he asked for my precious camera. He sensed my hesitation and said, oh so sweetly, "I'll wear the wrist strap mom."

Okay. How could I resist. And he was very, very careful.

83 pictures later, he asks to make a movie.

Then, we start cruising through the itunes account looking for music.

And finally- we get this: (yes- another youtube thing! sorry dial up friends.)

*doh! anyone notice I put 2009?

My favorite part about creativity is the natural flow of ideas, how one thing leads to another and another and another . . . you just never know where you will end up. In the end, it is how we are really are all connected.

Blessed be to everyone and have a creative day!