St. Petersburg native Nick Davis creates digital artwork to express Black Is Beautiful. He started creating Black Characters in 2019 as a way to encourage and express to the community that in our struggles and in our emotions – we are not alone in this life.
What inspires and influences your art?
I’ve always had a deep love for art and creativity. I discovered my passion for art as a child, inspired early by my family of painters and musicians in church. But I never had the opportunity to be myself as a child. I saw a lack of love in that community which created more gangs and violence. I came to believe that you must reach the person in front of you before you can reach the world.
What other types of mediums have you worked in?
I started with colored pencils and experimented with pastels before moving to digital art. I’m always open to learning about other mediums. I’ve grown a deep appreciation for digital art in recent years, the medium I currently work in. I am a self-taught artist who tries to establish my own style of expression, but know I’m drawn to the work of great artists including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kerry James Marshall, Amy Sherald, Kehinde Wiley to name a few.
How does your community and family inspire you?
My community is always inspiring me to just be me. My amazing wife Tiffany constantly encourages me with her love. My dogs Mattie and Louie are constant companions as I work – always up under me. I am also inspired by music in its ability to help me let go. I don’t know where my passion for creating comes from, I simply want to encourage and inspire others by my work.
The people you feature in your work – the emotions you give them are immediate and compelling. Tell us about the piece here.
This image is a representation of the inability to forgive. I believe a lot of times we are so caught up in the faults of our brothers and sisters until we forget to love.
Are you always creating?
I am. I draw day and night, and generally complete one piece in a day.
You create your art on your iPad. Which programs do you use?
I use the program Procreate. A digital file is available for commissions, and giclee prints are also available. Most work is printed as a square – 12” x 12”, 16” x 16”, 24” x 24” and range in price from $75-$250.
Your artwork has been featured at Dunedin Fine Art Center, in an article in The Weekly Challenger, and on PBS station WEDU’s Arts Plus. Where else can we see your work? I have a studio in the works and hope it will be available and open soon. People can visit my website anytime at www.ndartlife.com, follow me on Facebook at NDArtLife by Nick Davis, and on Instagram at ndartlife.