Fashion & Mural Art: Art Inspirations

Walking through the streets of downtown St. Pete, you’re instantly taken on a creative journey of mural art. With each brush stroke you’re transported to another time or place. This grand scale art is sure to attract you like a magnet to a myriad of colors and styles appealing to your senses. Talented mural artists from around the globe have come here to transform ordinary walls into extraordinary works of art during the annual Shine Mural Festival.

St. Pete’s street art inspired me to put together a creative team of photographers, makeup and hair stylists, models and fashion designers, each one with their own distinct artistry. It was truly a collaborative effort culminating in a photographic visual journey. How will you be inspired?

Conceived/written by Ro Martinez

Faces

648 Central Avenue

Artist: Bask (2014)

Photo: Angela Mann

Considered one of St. Pete’s top muralists, Bask’s signature graffiti art style featuring drips and scrapes is undeniable. The graphic grey, black and white mural has an aged feel. The look of vintage photos lined up is what gives this mural a twist and was our inspiration for a Cyndi Lauper-meets- Mardi Gras look. Jacka Saldana who created the butterfly textured bustier and Monique McLaughlin who styled Lola’s hair collaborated to create a bold eclectic look reminiscent of the 1980’s.

Pride and Love

2437 Central Ave.

Artists: Chad Mize and Jay Hoff (2019)

Photo: Gregg Walters

Mize, a muralist and multimedia artist, and Hoff, an artist known for his LEGO creations, collaborated on this LEGO themed mural. The design of hands and large red heart embody Pride and Love as the name implies. By involving local LGBTQ youth and friends to aid in completing their colorful mural it became a community project. The bright cheerful design was the inspiration behind our model Lauren’s look. She wears a hand-painted original t-shirt created by artist Anna Elvira Rodriguez. Monique McLaughlin finished the look with complementary hair and makeup.

Diarchy

1100 1st Avenue N.

Artist: Bekky Beukes (2018)

Photo credit: Gregg Walters

Muralist Bekky Beukes is known for her celestial female forms while examining dark, light and chaos. Her mural of two female skeletons leaning in with piercing eyes has dark underlying tones. This edge is a thing of beauty and what became our inspiration for the hair and makeup. Our creative team came together for artistic expression. Jackie Cupples created the colorful hair designs, Jacka Saldana designed the beaded bra and Monique McLaughlin put the finishing touches on with artistic makeup.

Sewing Seas

1720 Central Ave.

Artist: Taj Tenfold (2019)

Photo credit: Thomas Long

Tenfold, an illustrator, fine artist and muralist, uses his Jamaican heritage to evoke feelings of a Caribbean vacation in the Sewing Seas mural. Its vibrant splashes of color and beautiful woman wearing a turban was our inspiration. He is inspired by music and uses a variety of techniques to accomplish his artwork. Our model Latasia was dressed by designer Elizabeth Novais who created an elegant look with a flair perfect for day or evening. Jackie Cupples tied the head wrap and Monique McLaughlin created a flawless face.

Jujmo’s Jungle

1701 1st Avenue S.

Artist: Jujmo (2017)

Photo: Angela Mann

Illustrator and muralist Jujmo created this whimsical mural. Her trademark style of blending cute critters with freeform color is evident in her work. This fantasyland where cotton candy joins forces with happy pastel colored creatures was the inspiration behind our model’s playful look. Lola’s hair braids in hues so sweet they look good enough to eat were styled by Monique McLaughlin who also created the body paint design along with the makeup to complete the look.

Multicolored Lady

1720 Central Ave.

Artist: Dasic Fernandez (2016)

Photo: Thomas Long

Dasic Fernandez is no doubt influenced by his birthplace of Chile and New York, where he has lived. His mural shows a woman in a dreamy pose enjoying falling rain painted in shades of blue, purple, orange, green and yellow, and looks almost as if it is floating upwards. The massive mural painted with saturated color against a black sky spans the width of the building. This imaginative concept was our inspiration. Jackie Cupples tied the silk head wrap and matching scarf into a top for an ethnic flavor. Elizabeth Novais dressed Latasia, our model, in black flowing cropped pants to complete the look. Monique McLaughlin added a special glow with makeup in shades of gold and orange tones inspired by the mural.

St. Pete Murals

A great way to experience St. Pete’s art murals is through a guided mural walk or bike ride. St. Pete Bike Tours offers 3-hour downtown bike tours at 10 am on Fridays. Learn all about the city’s vibrant arts scene and history during a sixmile tour, with a few stops for coffee and gelato. Open to ages 12 and older; cost $55. Go to www.stpetebikingtours.com

Central Arts District starting at the gallery on 501 Central Avenue. Weekly walking tours are 10-11:30 am Saturdays ($19 adults, $11 children); bicycle tours happen the first Saturday of every month from 9 to 11:30 am May through September and 2 to 4:30 pm November through April. Cost of $25 includes a Coast Bike Share, or $20 if you BYO bike. Go to floridacraftart.org for more information.

Find a map of Shine Mural Festival at stpeteartsalliance.org/shine-mural-festival.

Ro Martinez

About Ro Martinez

Martinez is a visual artist who believes in creativity without restriction blending abstract and op-art with ease. She works with acrylics in her signature black and white mixing in a rainbow of colors inspired by her Colombian heritage resulting in unique pieces.

Creative Team

Concept and stylist: Ro Martinez romartinezart.com

Creative partner and makeup artist: Monique McLaughlin, moemakeup.com

Hair stylist: Jackie Cupples @lilsoldierjack

Photographers

Angela Mann, angelamannphotography.com

Gregg Walters, piratemanphotography.com

Thomas Long @longthomas2000

Designers

Anna Elvira Rodriguez, myartstyles.com

Elizabeth Novais, laviebettallc.com

Jacka Saldana, jackasaldana.com

Models

Devin Myler

Latasia Tomlin

Lauren Lich

Lola Rogacheva

William Berry