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. Salazar is this week’s curator with this beautiful piece of primitive art. 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. Salazar 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 Salazar by Tuesday, December 16th, 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. Just a reminder…this is our last SIA until January 5th when I’ll be the curator for the first round of 2026!
The artist…
Dee Nickerson was born in 1957 in South Norfolk in the United Kingdom, near Wymondham. Now, not being from the UK, I have no idea where that is exactly. I did google to discover it’s about an hour and a half northwest of London. I’m hoping Shelbee will have lots more to share with you about this artist because I don’t have the superpowers she has! I wasn’t able to find out much about Nickerson, but I will share what I discovered.
A little more…
By 1962, Nickerson had already won painting competitions. She won the National School painting competitions in 1962 and 1967. In 1976, she began painting and drawing. In 1981, she was sponsored to exhibit at the Assembly Rooms in Norwich. The Assembly Rooms is a Georgian Grade I listed building. Nickerson had a second exhibition at the Assembly Rooms in 1982. She began a two year Foundation Course at Great Yarmouth College of Art & Design from 1982 to 1984.
“Growing up in rural Norfolk, far away from the madding crowd, I soon learned to use my imagination to entertain myself. Making and drawing have always been part of routine, along with wanderings about, and making time to stand and stare. Exhibiting from various galleries in East Anglia I paint from observation, memory and imagination (source).”
Still more…
In 1987, Nickerson began a ten year career at the Norwich branch of Liberty retail! I would be so distracted by the glorious fabrics and designs there. She first worked in dress fabrics then moved to fashion and menswear. She actually won a company design competition. Her dress was “made in the most amazing fabrics and sold in branches (source).” It was while working at Liberty she developed her love of design. This is reflected in her paintings with the women in them often dressed in marvelous fabrics. I’m not sure when she attended a Fashion Course in pattern making, but I would guess it was prior to her winning design at Liberty.
“Inspired by her love of fashion and day to day life in the countryside, Dee’s style is unmistakable. Her interesting approach to work creates charming visual narratives with playful scenes and intriguing characters. There is definitely an influence from her fashion interest which is visible in what the people wear in her paintings, this only adds to their compelling personalities.
To create these wonderful pieces, Dee will observe her surroundings on her daily cycle ride or perhaps on walks here and there and then go on to produce her unique work from scenes she has noticed. Dee’s choice of materials varies, but more often than not she will use acrylics and pastel (source).”
A skosh more…
Nickerson’s style is what many consider primitive. I would tend to put her into the same category as Grandma Moses. She captures ordinary life that reflects her earlier time in the fashion world. Her themes tend to be centered around being a woman in nature. Nickerson is a full-time painter and exhibits regularly at the Southwold Gallery. Here’s a lovely blog post with several of her creations.
“Dee Nickerson has a very personal style and broad appeal, with her paintings of everyday country life. She has a huge following, with many admirers and collectors or her paintings of changing seasons and the natural world. She may have spring captured in one image and summer in another, someone walking in autumn on Southwold beach or a wintry scene, all depicting little moments of ordinary life in East Anglia (source).”
The artwork…
If you’d like to own this particular piece of art, I believe it might actually be possible! It appears there is a limited run of 45 copies. If you google it, you’ll find quite a few galleries or vendors selling it. Here is the information from this particular site. The artwork is a signed Giclée Limited Edition Print on 100% cotton rag fine art paper. I checked for you…”Giclée printing is done with pigment-based inks with excellent resistance to fading and degradation. Acid-free archival-quality paper (or canvas) is favored, ensuring the inks won’t break down and the image will retain its impressive definition for many years to come (source).” In other words, this is not your mama’s photocopy of a painting! The measures 11.22 x 9.25 in (28.5 x 23.5 cm). If you buy it from this site, framed, it measures 18.31 x 16.9 in (46.5 x 43cm).
My interpretation…
This kind of stumped me for a bit. I see mainly cool blues with other colors thrown into the mix. I decided to go with my gut once again. It never seems to fail me for these SIA challenges. I started with my skirt. This is a Crepe Wild Rose skirt from Kantha Bae. I liked how the bottom ruffle has many of the colors contained in the art. Remember, I can’t link to my specific skirt because they are all unique, upcycled from old saris. I do really like the one I linked to, though! Next, I added an old tee from April Cornell. If you look reeeaaallly closely, you can see the crocheted ends of the sleeves peeking out. My completer piece is a Daisy Blouse from Kantha Bae. I’m not sure the pattern mixing shows up as well in the photos as it does in real life. My only problem with both items is…you probably guessed it…pockets! The skirt has none, probably because you could twirl this around and wear it any way you wanted. The blouse does have them…they’re under those little flaps on the front. But, they’re at a really awkward place. And, yes, my friends, those are four of the tubs in which my Christmas decor is usually placed. I just have to take them back out to the garage, but it was 5 whole degrees here today…that’s -15C for those of you in the rest of the world! There are two more hiding behind a recliner. I still need to find a few things before I can call the house done!
The Lewk!
If you’ve been around for long, you’ll quickly recognize these boots. They are the Leightons by Miz Mooz in the color, Ocean. I cannot say enough about these boots. They are so comfortable. I’ve worn them for Gallery Conversations when I walk through almost every gallery of the art museum for more than two hours. I was trying to inject more of the less dominant colors of the art with my jewelry so I chose these amber colored earrings and necklace from J Jill. The cool thing about this necklace (which appears to be sold out online) is that it’s two in one! If you look closely at the bottom left photo, you’ll see that it has a toggle. You can undo the toggle and just wear it long. I really wanted it to show up so I wore it shortened.
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I apologize for not being able to find much about our artist this time. I think it’s because she’s such a contemporary artist as well as being a primitive artist. So, can we talk? Are you surprised about her connection to Liberty? How big is the difference between being an artist and being a designer? How do you feel about primitive art? 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 Salazar your photo by 10:00 pm EST, Tuesday, December 16th. Photos of everyone participating will appear on her blog on Wednesday, December 17th! 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!
I’m not sure if Jack nailed the challenge, but I like how soft and kind of ethereal (if that makes sense) your outfit looks.
I have never been a fan of primitive art myself enough that I would want to hang up one of them. This one evokes feelings of own walks a long time ago, though.
Thanks, Cat! I will let Jack know he needs to work on his presentation. Oh, I like that word…ethereal. It reminds me of a pond near the neighborhood where I grew up. Some of the older kids would go there and ice skate.
The artwork certainly depicts the cold temperatures that you are having. The blues matched the art well and your photobomber was a great addition.
Thank you, Rosie! He really wanted to be in the photos but wouldn’t look up for any of them!
Wow and thanks for this as I’d never heard of the artist but must look her up and maybe go to the gallery where she regularly exhibits because I absolutely love Southwold and went there this July for a week’s holiday. We are sure to go again. I love her naive take on winter.
I know it sounds silly but I’d love to have your cold temperatures. At the moment our winter has been far too mild and very wet, grey and windy. Cold temperatures with blue skies are so good to experience. And I have all the clothes for it too. That btw is a lovely outfit, but looks a tad cold for the temperatures outside!! I’m loving your wool challenge btw!
Thanks, Penny! Oh, how exciting that would be to go visit a gallery that has her work. You might want to check out Shelbee’s post. She gives more information about where Nickerson actually lives.
I honestly don’t mind the cold as long as I don’t have to be out in it for hours at a time. The last few winters have been more like you describe…grey, windy, and just blah! Thank you for the compliments on the outfit. It is definitely not a cold weather look. I am determined to come up with 100 days of different looks though I will have to repeat the concepts.
That is a very pretty outfit. We had snow this weekend and with the wind chill today it’s supposed to be zero here today. Zero! My phone says it’s 12 and feels like -3 right now…. making me very unmotivated to head to the gym this morning.
Thanks, Joanne! I think our actual temperatures the last few nights were already in the negatives. But, today (Tuesday), it did reach the 30s and melted a lot of the ice on the roads…well, turned that into the slush that ices back up overnight. I think the road crews were caught unaware with this past snowstorm because the roads were really in bad shape two days later.
Crikey, I can understand why you took the photos indoors, Marsha! -15C!?! Wow, now that’s chilly! I think you nailed the look with those gorgeous colours. I had fully intended to take part but then last week BAM…the flu hit me and I’ve been incapable of doing much all week. Today I am finally feeling somewhat human again but I know if I try and do too much, it will knock me back a bit so I shall have to wait for the next SIA challenge, I think!
Big hugs
Suzy xx
Thank you so much! I would have taken them outside, but Mike would have had to stand where the wind would hit him. It just wasn’t worth it. I hope you continue to get better. You’ve been hit a couple of times now, right? I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I don’t get sick and bring that home to Mike.
I cannot believe how cold it is everywhere except here! Well, that’s not entirely true, it’s 56 degrees right now which is basically freezing for FL! Good thing you moved indoors.
I am always impressed with what you come up with for these challenges, you have quite the array of clothes and colors in your closet! Well done!
xo,
Kellyann
Thank you so much, Kellyann! I have an embarrassingly large closet full of different colors, textures, and styles. I periodically go through it and purge what doesn’t feel like me anymore. But, I’m always changing so I try to anticipate that!
Oh, I bet 56 does feel downright chilly to you. Right now, that would feel like the height of summer! It’s funny how your body acclimates to a temperature so quickly.
A skirt without pockets, who designs that? Lol. Love the painting, and I hate winter…….
Oh, Nancy, I wish I could send you a big box of snow! I have plenty of it right now. It will probably be gone by this weekend, though. And, you are absolutely right about skirts without pockets!
I’m shocked you didn’t take the photos out in the snow, LOL.
And being the wonderful seamstress that you are, I bet you could add pockets…
XOOX
Jodie
Thanks, Jodie! You far overestimate my abilities! Although, now that you mention it, I bet I could. But, I wonder if it would mess up the flow of the skirt. My photographer wouldn’t have been able to get out in the snow nor would he have been able to stand the cold that long. I just grin and bear it, but he can’t. Then, I would have footprints in my beautiful snow covered front yard!
A swishy light colored long dress with boots really evokes the painting…and I understand why you are posing indoors rather than out in the cold and snow! You’d have to put on a lot of extra layers and we’d miss seeing the pretty dress!
Thanks, Sally! I could have done it outside, but Mike would have had to be out there, too. And, our sidewalk wasn’t shoveled at the time. Lighting is the bane of my life sometimes. I would love to get a tripod, but every time I mention it, Mike just looks so sad. He may complain about taking my photos, but he really loves his role in the blog!
The silhouette of your look mimics the coats that the people are wearing in this art. Love that! I love the serene winter colors of the art and your outfit!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you so much, Kathrine! I didn’t even see that until I read your comment. I think I could be happy with several of her prints in my dining room if I had more wall space!
I lovvvveeeee this outfit. The movement of the dress is delightful. It looks so soft and breezy. Makes me ready for summer 😄
Thanks so much, Edi! I’m so klutzy…I’m always afraid to twirl as I’d probably fall and break something! But, I do love this skirt (except for the lack of pockets)! These freezing temperatures almost make me wish for summer…but not quite!
My goodness that is so cold. I didn’t know of this artist but I rather like her work. The only nod I could see to Liberty was the dress showing under the lady’s coat.
Your outfit does indeed reflect the soft blues in the painting. Stay warm Marsha.
Thank you, Jill! We are going to get much warmer in a couple of days then plummet once again. It will be enough to melt the snow so we will have a green Christmas once again. I know you always have green Christmases, but we used to always have white ones. I didn’t really see much of a nod to Liberty, either. But, maybe, it’s the trees against the sky…if they were shrunk? I don’t know because I always think of small prints with Liberty. I do really like this print and would love to get one, but I still have framed prints in the attic I could switch out for things already hanging in the house!
Your blog is a breath of fresh air in the often stagnant world of online content. Your thoughtful analysis and insightful commentary never fail to leave a lasting impression. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us.
Thank you so much. I appreciate your words.
I definitely did not find more information than you did about this artist! But I really love her artwork. I immediately thought of Grandma Moses as well, whose artwork I also love. Your outfit really captures the colors of the painting as well as the wintery whimsy of a walk on the marsh! What a gorgeous skirt and blouse combination. I would love to add more Kantha Bae to my wardrobe, but I like to try on before purchasing and there are no shops near me that carry Kantha Bae. Ugh. Maybe one day, I’ll try to order online! Stay warm, my friend!
Shelbee
Thank you, Shelbee! I read your post, and you definitely found things I just couldn’t find. But, the important thing is how beautiful this artwork is. I knew you would love the Grandma Moses vibes it gives off. I honestly got lucky with these two pieces. I’m always surprised when I get a package from Kantha Bae because the colors on the monitors rarely reflect the truth. This time, they did. I think I actually bought them during a Black Friday sale so I bought them at the same time. You know there’s a store in Nashville…we should plan to meet there next summer! It’s supposed to warm up this week then plummet again! Poor Santa will need ice skates instead of a sled!
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I love this artwork! It’s beautiful and I like the feeling of family unity! The long skirt you wore and the colors go well with the painting.
Thank you, Laura! I would happily hang this in my home. It’s such a peaceful print. I was really happy with the way the outfit came together, too!
This is the perfect outfit to depict the art! Love the painting! It’s such a beautiful piece!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thank you, Jill! It was the first thing that came to mind, but I always shrug that off and try to find something else. I need to just listen to my mind and go from there! It is a beautiful print, and I wouldn’t mind owning one!
Hi, Marsha – You nailed the winter windblown vibe. I’m really loving the way the layered top flows over the skirt. Wonderful look you came up with! – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com
Thanks, Angie! I was hoping for that exact look with these two wispy pieces. I really lucked out that the colors in each worked so well together.