Art On!

My friend ScaryMommy posted something on her blog that really stuck with me. In one post she meets an archivist from the museum in DC that focuses on art made by women.  At the end of the story, she decides that she wants to make sure that her daughters (she has only daughters, no sons) know the names of at least twenty female artists.

I filed this idea away for the future--and I don't mean the near future either.  I figured that for now the only artist Pearl is aware of is--Pearl.

One night recently we had dinner at a favorite taqueria in our neighborhood.  We've eaten there many times.  Seated at a table, waiting for our food, Pearl excitedly pointed to an area 20 feet above our heads, near the loft ceiling.  DOGGIE!  she shouted with enthusiasm!

I felt sure she was making a mistake.  The theme of this place is muy Mexicana.  But sure enough in a spot I'd never looked at before, there was a row of windows--not real windows but muralistic windows painted onto the wall.  And Pearl was right, in the middle window, a doggie had his paws on the sill, and she was looking out at us.

Then Pearl aimed her finger at a second window and exclaimed KITTY CAT!  And in the picture there was a cat sitting there staring out of its window. 

You'd think that by now Marcia and I would have identified a pattern but there were 200 people drinking margaritas in preparation for the Astros game, so we were pretty much bowled over when she found a third image on the wall, a mournful looking Mexican woman with flowers in her hair, and announced: FRIDA!

What did you say? we asked her.  Because her pronunciation is still pretty *personal,* shall we say.  But she repeated it, FRIDA!

I guess we do have a book about Frida Kahlo on a coffee table.  Pearl especially enjoys the painting of Frida and her monkeys.  But still, we were shocked.

One down, 19 to go.

Comments

[Amy]

I'm impressed. I didn't know Frida Kahlo's work 'till I was in my thirties. But I sure recognized that painting right away--her art is so distinctive and gorgeous.

[Jen (yup, another one)]

Holy Cow! I mean, Holy Kid! That's awesome. Go Pearl, go Pearl!!

[Kate in Iowa]

WOW! My jaw just dropped to the floor when I read that. That's one bright girl you've got there!

Is she excited about her sister coming?

[elswhere]

I tried counting female artists with RW last night. We only got up to ten. And that was including photographers: Nan Goldin, Diane Arbus...think they count?

Not that either of them is particularly kid-friendly. Just thought you might like to know your post sparked some thought.

[guusje]

And just where is this Taqueria? Berryknolls? Or Taqueria Andreas on Shepherd? Or another one?

And thanks for you comment on my blog- I do miss my friend.

[Trista]

That is so amazing. Just goes to show how much they pick up that we don't realize...

[Fi]

Awesome!!!

[amanda]

OMG, you're raising an artistic genius! That is awesome!!

[LibraWomanArt]

thats a great story, as a mother of three myself. perhaps your daughter will grow up to be an artist!! Viva La Frida!! :-)

[stacy]

that's such a great story.