We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kendall Davis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kendall , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I knew I wanted to pursue an artistic path when in college for I was an art major. However, it took me until I was 50 years old to make the leap to quit my teaching job in order to open my own ceramic store. I taught art for 17 years, raised a family then realized when I turned 50 that I needed to start doing what I really wanted to do which was to be my own boss and make art.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My roots are working the land, I grew up on a small farm/ranch. The earth we were constantly moving and touching. Family culture cherished beautiful things to enrich their lives. My art is an extension of these family values: physical labor, hard work and beauty’s power in daily life.
My present relates to the past.
While I originally made paintings that I wanted to end up in a gallery or museum, now I am interested in the objects we interact with daily. Everyone uses a cup and plate.
I want the awareness of the hand, the maker.
My pieces are about holding as much as they are looking at.
My artistic process is part intuitive, part high awareness to mistakes or some slight differentiation that “works”. I have a curiosity about process and materials.
At my best, my ceramic vessels slow down the daily experience. I’m hoping you linger over that cup of coffee just a bit longer. Or that meal becomes a joyous nourishment.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
I participated in the Goldman Sachs 10KSB Small Business Program this last summer. It was a 12 week program focused on a business education which I didn’t get going to an art school. It provided me with strategies to not only run the business but also how to grow the business. This program was a game changer for me!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Making art nourishes my soul on a deep existential level; I am grounded to the world with meaning since I can create.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kendalldavisclay.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kendall_davis_clay/
Image Credits
Portrait was taken by Zach T. Lopez All other photos were taken by Jessica Brown and Christiana Lovfald.