Meet Trailblazer Erica Davis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Davis.

Erica, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have been drawing, painting, and crafting since childhood. I was the kid that always asked for art supplies and signed up for every art elective class that I could. Acrylic on canvas was my go-to medium for many years, and I worked primarily with the figurative subject matter. I have dipped my toe into abstract expressionism as well.

Around 2009, I began dabbling in the use of negative and positive space with sharpies and developed a cross-hatch technique that allows me to embed subtle, but the meaningful depth to my work. This new medium proved to be a pivotal transformation in my artistic identity and defined “my style.” Over the years, I have honed my skills into a unique blend of visually stimulating, thought-provoking, and inspiring art.

I have been very blessed with opportunities to share my artwork as part of the Black Sheep Art Collective (Four Women), InTransit (Women in Transit), Dallas’ Art Love Magic (Girl Show), and synergize with a group of amazing local artists during creative jam sessions (shout out to Gesso Free). The largest exhibition of my work featured 28 pieces as part of Residency at the Center, a local showcase curated by Christopher Bryant at the Mansfield Center for Performing Arts.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The artistic road is not always a smooth one, as many artists may share. The biggest challenge for me has been learning the business side of art. My creative and business mind look at art from different perspectives, and it takes careful balance to not silence creativity in the process. I would tell other women, especially those just starting this journey to: (1) prioritize your creative passion, (2) connect with other artists, and (3) create for the love of creating. The sales will follow when in time.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
As an artist, I am known for my line art and the mostly black and white color palette. My pieces have an abstract feel to them while still being defined. It’s like building a box, yet thinking outside of it at the same time. I am most proud of the way my pieces seem to connect with people on a personal level, each in a unique way. Some of my favorite pieces celebrate my son, fantastic kiddo, with music and artistic talent of his own. A few of the pieces in my Linear Mindset collection honor the lives and memory of women that have battled breast cancer. My line art sets me apart because I have carved out a unique niche in the art community. Lastly, I am also able to use art in my career as an educator.

By day, I am a special education teacher. I am also a second-year doctoral student studying cognitive neuroscience (mind, brain, and teaching) with the goal of improving achievement outcomes for students with exceptionalities. Art is an amazing way for students to communicate ideas, demonstrate learning, and express themselves as individuals.

Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
I have found the Calm app to be a must-have for meditation and self-care. The sleep stories are my favorite as a true night owl. The Teacher Self-Care Conference produces monthly self-care calendars that help with maintaining work-life balance. Becoming, by First Lady Michelle Obama, has been one of the most inspirational books I have read. Reading the life stories of amazing women encourages me to be confident in being authentically and artistically me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/greennoseart
• Other: www.redbubble.com/people/greennoseart

Image Credit:
Erica Davis, Monique McGrew

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