We were lucky to catch up with Vando Davis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Vando, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I became aware of my true passion for art in May 2016. Prior to that, I was a full-time music producer specializing in remixes for the U.K. market. I often found myself working late into the night on music projects, only to feel compelled to pick up a paintbrush afterward.

Through music, I had become very familiar with the concept of flow state—the feeling of being completely immersed in the creative process. However, when I started painting, that feeling intensified even further. Art gave me a level of creative fulfillment that I had never experienced before.

After about three months of consistently feeling that deeper connection, I knew I had found my true calling. That realization led me to make a complete transition from music production to visual art, and I have been pursuing that path ever since.

Vando, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a self-taught artist based in Atlanta, Georgia, whose work is rooted in Neo-Expressionism and Abstract art. Working primarily with acrylics and oil sticks, I create bold, energetic compositions that combine vibrant color palettes, layered symbolism, expressive mark-making, and my signature use of phrasing and vowel-free words.

Before becoming a full-time artist, I spent years working in the hospitality industry and later built a successful career as a music producer. My journey into painting began in 2017, inspired by a desire to help my youngest son, Dione Davis, find a way to relax during intense day-trading sessions. What started as an effort to support my son quickly evolved into a life-changing discovery of my own artistic voice and purpose.

Today, I am known for creating work that is both visually dynamic and emotionally engaging. My paintings often blend storytelling, abstraction, and cultural symbolism, transforming familiar subjects into striking contemporary narratives. Through my art, I seek to inspire curiosity, optimism, and meaningful connections between people and places.

Since dedicating myself fully to my craft, I have received notable recognition, including selection to the Director’s List at Spectrum Miami 2018 and being named a Featured Artist at the 2019 Hot Works Estero Fine Art Show.

What sets me apart is my ability to merge playful energy with thoughtful storytelling. Whether exploring themes of identity, community, travel, culture, or aspiration, my work reflects a belief that art can inspire, uplift, and create dialogue. Collectors and viewers are often drawn to the vibrant colors, layered details, and hidden discoveries embedded throughout my paintings.

I live and work in Atlanta, Georgia, with my wife, Sheri, and our dog, Pepper.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

It’s a combination of both. My mission is to encourage more people to use art as a healthy creative outlet and a way to release stress, process emotions, and reconnect with themselves. Art has had a profound impact on my life, and I believe it has the power to do the same for others, regardless of their skill level or artistic background.

My primary goal is to create a traveling art experience that inspires participation rather than observation. I want to take the show to different communities and encourage people to literally get paint on their hands and experience the joy of creating for themselves. Too often, people view art as something reserved for artists, but I want to help break down that barrier and remind people that creativity belongs to everyone.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I believe it’s a balance. As artists, we need to find more ways to make our work accessible to the public beyond traditional galleries, art fairs, studio visits, and exhibitions. The more opportunities people have to interact with artists and experience the creative process firsthand, the stronger the connection between art and community becomes.

On the other side, collectors and supporters can play a bigger role simply by being engaged. Support doesn’t always have to come in the form of a purchase. Attending events, sharing an artist’s work, having conversations, asking questions, and showing genuine interest can provide tremendous encouragement and momentum. Sometimes a single interaction, introduction, or word of support can have a lasting impact on an artist’s journey.

A thriving creative ecosystem is built when artists and communities actively engage with one another. The more we create opportunities for those connections, the stronger and more vibrant the arts become for everyone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://vandodavis.com
• Instagram: vandoart@instgram
• Youtube: inspirational lounge radio

Image Credits

Steve West Photography