Style Imitating Art…
Welcome to Style Imitating Art which comes from Salazar, Shelbee, and me. You can think of this series as fashion meets art museum! SIA challenges people to find inspiration in different art works, create looks based upon that art work, and share them with the curator for that piece. Shelbee was this week’s curator with an amazing painting! I hope you enjoy this post, the information, and my interpretation.
How it works…
Every other Monday one of us selects an inspiration piece of art and posts the image on their blog. We then invite others to interpret that art work through their style. The following Monday, we share our outfits. The curator shares submissions the following Wednesday on her blog. Shelbee chose this week’s art work for this round of Style Imitating Art. If you’d like, you can read why she chose it here. Please send your photo to Shelbee by Tuesday, July 29th, 2025 by 10 pm EST. Style Imitating Art is an interesting way to inspire your outfits. You can see a few of my looks here, here, here, and here.
The artist…
Nanibah “Nani” Chacon was born in Gallup, New Mexico, on June 26, 1980. She is a member of the Diné Indigenous (also known as Navajo) People and was raised on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona as well as Albuquerque, New Mexico. Chacon received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of New Mexico in 2003. As well as being an artist, Chacon taught for seven years and also wrote curriculum for alternative education programs.
A little more…
Chacon began her career as an artist when she was 15 years old. She created street art and graffiti. After ten years of this, she began painting murals. Sometime after that, she became a part of the Honor the Treaties collective. This collective produced works about Native peoples’ rights and land issues. In 2012, the City of Albuquerque commissioned her to paint She Taught Us to Weave for the ISEA International Arts and Technology Symposium. Part of the Wells Park Rail Corridor Mural Project, Chacon’s mural also contains a low-power radio transmitter. It transmits the words, Hozho naahaslii, a Navajo phrase which connotes “the intrinsic value of living beautifully.”
Still more…
In 2013, Chacon’s Against The Storm She Gathers Her Thoughts was the first mural installed in the Navajo National Museum as part of the Ch’ikééh Baa Hózhǫ exhibit. In addition, her work, Manifestations of Glittering World, was included in the Stands With A Fish: Contemporary Native Women Artists exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Chacon was the lead artist on Resilience, the largest mural in Albuquerque. She partnered with the nonprofit youth arts organization, Working Classroom, and also worked with several students from Washington Middle School. That same year, 2015, she also finished a mural on a wall of the Municipal Arts Gallery in Izhevsk, Russia.
Even more…
In 2017, Chacon designed and installed Sing Our Rivers Red. This installation honored over 1,000 Indigenous Canadian women and girls who have been reported missing or killed since 1980. It is located at the CHAC Gallery as part of Denver, Colorado’s Sing Our Rivers Red March.
A skosh more…
In that same year, Chacon along with youth from Española, New Mexico worked together to complete the mural, The River Flows Through It at the Española Valley Fiber Arts Center. The mural shows the many different textile traditions of Northern New Mexico. The mural also represents Navajo, Pueblo, and Spanish fiber art techniques. Chacon was also a visiting artist at Washington State University and created a mural installation there. In 2018, Chacon was an Artist-in-Residence at the Michigan State University Womxn of Color Initiative. This program creates space for students to engage with women of color. Estrella Torrez, a professor and one of the organizers of the Initiative said,
“Nanibah Chacón is one of the most significant muralists working today. In addition to creating exceptionally beautiful works of art, her paintings address complex and poignant topics by foregrounding the stories of Indigenous womxn and Indigenous knowledges (source).”
A wee bit more…
Currently, Chacon exhibits across the United States and abroad. With over 20 years of experience, Chacon’s career includes being a painter, muralist, educator, and activist. She focuses on “figurative subject matter while exploring concepts within indigenous culture, bringing the complexity of indigenous identities to the forefront. The content of her work is used to incite dialogue through philosophical personification and abstract metaphor (source).” Chacon’s work integrates socio-political issues affecting women and indigenous peoples.
Finally…
Chacon has worked with many impressive organizations and institutions, including The National Endowment for the Arts, California Endowment for the Arts, US Consulate and Embassy in Russia, the Obama Foundation, NM Public Arts Foundation, National Museum of Mexican Art Chicago, Navajo Nation Museum National Hispanic Cultural Center and the Museum of Native Contemporary Art.
Nani Chacon lives in Albuquerque with her son.
The artwork…
Here is a link to a video about the Dona Zamora and the creation of the mural. I tried to find more information about the materials used and the actual size, but the only thing I could find was the date, 2015. The mural “honors the legacy and life of Doña Maclovia Zamora, a practitioner of herbal and plant-based medicines. The mural is located on her pharmacy where she created her medicines and worked out of for thirty years. Zamora dedicated her life to the art of healing. The mural depicts her portrait and her four favorite medicines: dandelion, yerba buena, yerba mansa and osha (source).” You can also see sketches and partial scenes from the mural at that same source.
My interpretation…
This was probably the hardest Style Imitating Art challenge yet! I love the colors and the flowers and the reason for it. But, I just couldn’t figure out what would truly do it justice. I’ll let you be the judge of that! I knew I needed dark blue. I don’t really have much of that besides one dress (that REALLY wouldn’t work) and denim. So, I went with this denim shirt from Talbots. I think I got it PrePan. It has a ruffled collar which was a bit of a pain, actually. Then, I needed something in a rusty type color. I had just used some rewards and bought this Floral Ruffled Midi Skirt from Loft. The floral print was a bonus! I wore my macrame belt to cover the elastic waist of the skirt and to further delineate the shirt from the skirt. I am relying on the actual plants on my porch for the remaining flowers!
The Lewk!
It wasn’t too difficult to find a pair of sandals with a floral motif! My L”Artiste Annmarie wedges worked quite well. You might be able to find them on a resale site, but Spring Step (the parent company) doesn’t have them any more. I then went with lots of “turquoise” and silver jewelry. The multi-strand necklace is from Kendra Scott and is the Keziah Vintage Silver Multi-Strand Necklace. The larger necklace is the Keziah Vintage Statement Necklace. Guess what? The cuff is the Keziah Vintage Silver Cuff bracelet! I bought these last year during my birthday month. Somehow or other, I was able to use my birthday discount three times! I didn’t like the earrings so those are from J Jill.
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I haven’t done much painting in my life. And, what I have done has been not the best. In fact, my freshman art class required an acrylic painting. It turned out OK, and I got an A-, I think. I just couldn’t figure out what wasn’t quite right with it until my brother-in-law asked, “Who did the paint by number?” That’s exactly what was wrong with it. Everything was a little too perfect with little shading or that thing artists do! I cannot imagine creating a mural! So, can we talk? Are you a fan of murals on buildings? Does your town have many? What would you put on your mural if you ever painted one? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as quickly as I can.
Don’t forget…
If you want to be included in the Style Imitating Art round up, send Shelbee your photo by 10:00 pm EST, Tuesday, July 29th. Photos of everyone participating will appear on her blog on Wednesday, July 30th! If you’re interested in joining us, consider all of your options…the colors, the textures, the feelings they evoke! Come on, give it a try! I think you’ll love it!
Thank you!
I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for reading, commenting, subscribing or emailing! It truly means so much to me! If you’d like to follow me on Instagram, you can find me here.
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Where you can find me:
Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, Suzy Turner, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World and A Fresh Cup of Coffee. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, Style Splash and Elegantly Dressed and Stylish as well as the Senior Salon Pit Stop (Esme’s Salon) and Slices of Life. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend every Thursday with Melynda, Lisa, and Sue. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!
Hope it is okay to admit that I have been distracted by all your lovely ferns and plants😁 I have been admiring your patio set-up too.😉
Thank you, Rosie! You can definitely admit that. Usually, there would be cushions and pillows out, but it’s been so beastly hot. We just haven’t sat out there much this summer as it faces the west. I need to take my ferns down and leach them this week as they’re getting thirsty again.
I’m in love with your outfit Marsha! I love the contrast of the cool shirt and feminine skirt. It looks fantastic on you. Looking forward to see what your friends will be wearing.
Thank you so much, Nancy! I really am very happy with it and will wear it this way again and again. In the fall, I’ll just add some boots!
Considering you said you really struggled with this challenge, I think you did so well, Marsha! The mural itself is stunning, especially the depth of colour on it. And you nailed the outfit, in my opinion! The colours you chose are lovely and I love the addition of the belt, it really adds something je ne sais quoi! Chef’s kiss!
As for murals in general, I love to see them! There are a few dotted about my region, and I always seem to spot them when we go on holiday too. I’m not very good at art, either but always wished I was lol!
Big hugs
Suzy xx
Thanks, Suzy! I was really focused on the blue of her dress so I was trying to make that the focal point. When I spotted the skirt, it all came together then. I don’t like elastic waists showing so it was just a matter of which belt. I like that this one can be tightened up or left a little loose. My students used to laugh at my stick figures…that’s how bad I am!
You’re very good at styling belts—that’s never been one of my strong suits! I always feel a bit weird in them lol
Suzy xx
Thanks, Suzy, but I feel a bit weird when I wear them, too! I just like them to cover “stuff” up! Then, I kinda forget I’m wearing them.
Maybe that’s the approach I need to take to lol!
xx
Another really beautiful outfit, Marsha! I looks like this outfit was made to go with that painting.
Thanks, Joanne! I got lucky when I spotted that skirt. The denim shirt was a natural then.
Love the look Marsha! Pairing the skirt with the denim top was a great idea, picks up the colors from the art! I like your choice of accessories too. You look so happy and you are glowing, I can tell you feel good in this outift!
xo,
Kellyann
Thanks, Kellyann! I was so glad to spot the skirt in my closet. It worked for the colors and the flowers. I like the denim with it, but it’s really hot. So, now, maybe I need a really nice bright navy tee! My granddaughter did something different with some of those photos, and I think that made a big difference. Plus, she just makes me laugh!
I don’t know of any murals in my town, but I don’t get around that much, so it’s possible I just don’t know about it.
It’s hard to say what I would want as a mural on our house, there are such fantastic works of art out there and they are all so different. Thank you for sharing so much about the artist, that was really interesting.
You did a beautiful job with the outfit’s colors!
https://catswire.blogspot.com/
Thanks, Cat! We have some weird murals in our town on the sides of a car rental building. But, that’s on Main Street, and there is no way I’m posing in front of them! I would want something by an Impressionist, I think. But, our HOA would have a fit!
I love how your skirt is the perfect color of the background and the white flowers are in the mural too! This is such a good inspiration piece and you did so well!
Thanks, Laura! I was happy to spot the skirt in my closet. I knew I needed blue, but even that was difficult. I really like the way the outfit came together.
This is a perfect styling to match the art! And what a wonderful subject. I loved reading about the artist.
Murals are pretty huge around here. (lolol at my pun- I’m such a dork) They are everywhere. My best friend’s daughter is actually working on one this year, on the side of a bakery. She and a group of other high schoolers were chosen for this project. It’s really neat. I will post a photo of it on the blog when they are finished!
Thanks, Erin! I really was happy when I spied that skirt because it was just perfect. Oh, that’s really cool you have them everywhere. We have a few…two of them are on either side of a car rental place (of all places). What a neat thing for your best friend’s daughter! I’m sure it’s going to be gorgeous!
I think the denim shirt worked perfectly and love how you added the macrame belt. Brava.
XOOX
Jodie
Thanks, Jodie! I really don’t like elastic waists to show so it was just a matter of which belt. I really like dark blue and caramel together so I was glad to have thought of this for this challenge.
Well, your struggle was worth it because this outfit is perfect! I love the dark denim paired with this beautiful skirt. The skirt color and pattern are so good to represent this mural. I was just so intrigued by all of Chacon’s murals. Like you, I am much more of a color-by-number kind of painter! LOL So I am always inspired and thoroughly impressed by amazing artwork like her murals. I do love a good mural in the middle of a bustling city! We don’t have very many where I live so I get really excited when I see one!
Shelbee
Thank you, Shelbee! I really love this look because I love these two colors together. It also helped my granddaughter took the photos. She did something different, and they look different. I need to find out what she did! There are a few murals in our town. Two of them are on the car rental place, but it’s so hard to get next to them that I’ve never even tried. Plus they’re on Main Street! I don’t need gawkers, ya know!!! I am so glad you picked this mural because it’s just so beautiful, and its story is even better.
This is probably one of my favorite looks on you! These pics are gorgeous and your style is effortless. The skirt is so pretty and I love the addition of the belt and layered necklaces.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you so much, Kathrine! My granddaughter took the photos and did something different. I need to find out what that was! I feel so carefree when she’s taking the photos, and I really don’t know why. I think I’m worried about getting photos done when Mike takes them as he’s still struggling to stand. I am old school and just don’t like elastic waists showing. I thought the belt added some cool texture, too. I love these necklaces and wore them the way they were on the Kendra Scott website.
This “lewk” is gorgeous on you! The belt highlights your beautiful hair and I love the dark denim with the flowing floral! Great combination!
Thank you so much, Laura! I was really happy with the way the “lewk” came out, too. It helped that my granddaughter is a really good photographer!
Hi, Marsha – I knew right away that your granddaughter took these photos because you have such a great big naturally beautiful smile through it all. She also gets your hair to blow around, which adds a touch of glamour. Your outfit has perfect indigenous Indian style. As always, I love your accessories. I’m naturally good at art but hardly ever do it. There are lots of awesome murals all over Detroit, especially on the sides of skyscrapers. I enjoyed this post. Thanks! – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com
Thanks, Angie! I think it’s because she just makes me laugh! And, I don’t have to worry about her falling over! But, you’re so right…I feel more natural when she’s taking the photos. That’s weird because I really thought I’d be really self-conscious around her. Anyway, thank you so much for the compliments. I wish I had some kind of artistic (as in painting) abilities, but I don’t. I can, however, make lots of different things by knitting or crocheting. I just got a pattern to make Janis Joplin’s iconic crochet vest! I can’t wait to dig into it! That is really cool that the murals are on skyscrapers!
I really enjoyed the way you interpreted this piece of art into your outfit, Marsha. What a fun challenge. I do love wall murals. I don’t see a lot of them around where I live, but there are some great ones downtown, which isn’t too far away. I have no painting talent…even a little bit…but if I were to paint a mural, I would include lots of nature, green leaves, blue water, colorful birds and butterflies…that sort of thing.
Thank you, Christie! I agree with you about what I’d include in a mural. I love nature…I’d definitely include dandelions!
I love that skirt Marsha, it look so trendy with the denim shirt. Jacqui x
Thanks, Jacqui! I didn’t buy it intending to wear it with that shirt, but I really love the way it looks. I think it’s such a good color combination.
I love the skirt and denim shirt together! You’ve captured the colours of the mural perfectly! Thanks for linking!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Thank you so much, Emma! I was really pleased with how well they went together and then worked for the art. And, thanks for the feature as well as the link up!