Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendall Davis.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
My grandmother was an artist. She taught me how to draw, how to appreciate beautiful things. I was going to study math in college, but that didn’t work out. I ended up taking an art class, and the rest is history! My artistic journey is unique in that I have used many different mediums to create my art. My undergrad degree is in Painting, Drawing, and Photography. My Master’s is in Painting and Drawing. Then, I went on to teach Photography on the collegiate level. I began ceramics about 18 years ago. Every medium was a chance to learn a new process, something I found engaging and challenging. What I love about ceramics is the physicality of the process. With photography, I just had to push a button. Ceramics is so much more physical. I enjoy the process – loading the kiln, unloading the kiln, glazing, recycling clay and throwing. Although the medium of my art has changed, I have always been interested in the idea of minimalism. All my art is about reducing the form to its essence, with minimal use of color. My pieces are neutral because I’m more interested in the form than the surface decoration. To me, everything is functional. That’s the way I live.
Please tell us about your art.
I make functional minimalist ceramic pieces. The idea of reductionism has always interested me no matter what medium I am using. I create contemporary designs that are simple and functional. Value lies more than what’s on the surface. At their best, the work should read slowly and tell the story of my hand. My pieces last longer than a lifetime. They are neutral enough that they can be paired with your great-grandmother’s dishes, bringing a breath of modernity to a family tradition. They are made to share, made to love and made to last.
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
The biggest challenge for artists today is educating the public that hand-made art doesn’t cost the same as mass-produced goods. Making ceramics is very time consuming and very physical work. Making just one mug takes a full two weeks. Additionally, each ceramic piece is unique – no two are the same. There’s a human connection that comes with buying hand-made art. A human made this. An artist made this. It’s high-quality art. Unfortunately, ceramics don’t command the same prices as paintings because they are functional tableware. But they each tell a unique story – there is evidence that it’s made by hand – something mass produced doesn’t have.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I have a tiny retail store on Magnolia Avenue in Fort Worth that’s part of a grouping of artistic and individual shops. It is also where I throw. In addition, I have a website and Instagram page.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1208 West Magnolia Avenue
Fort Worth, TX
76104 - Website: Www.kendalldavisclay.com
- Phone: 214-394-1653
- Email: kendall@kendalldavisclay.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/kendall_davis_clay
Image Credit:
The portrait of me was taken by Olivia Marlar.
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