We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Vando Davis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Vando, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
My journey into the world of art began later in life when my son, at the age of 14, became involved in day trading. I observed that he was often stressed during trade sessions and needed a way to relax. To address this, I suggested the idea of engaging in abstract style painting as a means to release tension. Initially intended as a simple relaxation method rather than a creative pursuit, this suggestion unexpectedly became a consuming passion for me. Now, seven years later, I find myself fully immersed in the world of art, embracing my identity as an artist.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Greetings, I’m Vando Davis, a neo-expressionist artist who embarked on this creative journey at the age of 49. Before diving into the world of art, I worked as a studio engineer for music and honed my skills as a fine dining, French-trained chef. What fills me with pride on this artistic adventure is the opportunity to give back to children by sharing the joy of art with them. My artwork bears the brand marking “BK2O,” symbolizing “Be Kind To Others.” This ethos flows through all my paintings, adding a deeper layer of meaning to my creative expression.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A crucial lesson I had to unlearn was the perception of art as a noun rather than a verb. Shifting from “thinking” to “doing” became paramount. I came to understand that in the act of “doing,” perfection isn’t the ultimate goal. During our formative years, we often carry preconceived notions of what “art” should resemble. I had to dispel this notion, realizing that what I initially perceived as art was, in fact, just a picture. True art is the emotion evoked during the creative process.
This realization prompted me to place more trust in my artistic journey. Consequently, I transitioned from painting landscapes to neo-expressionism, delving into the depths of my soul rather than adhering to preconceived ideas in my head.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most fulfilling part of being an artist lies in the connections forged with people. I derive immense joy from engaging in conversations, with approximately 90% of these dialogues finding expression in my paintings. Furthermore, the ability to contribute my time to inspire budding artists is deeply rewarding. Simply being recognized as an artist adds another layer of gratification to my journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: vandodavis.com
- Instagram: vandoart