I explore modernist inspired subject matter through color, shape and figuration positioned within a contemporary context. The visual dialogue between the two develops into whimsical, unexpected and even volatile occurrences that continually fuel my interest. I purposely skirt the line between beauty and raw expression. Using intense hues, bold color combinations and gestural mark making, my intent is to create energetic compositions that are pleasingly askew. These works have decorative leanings with dominant references to landscape and especially the figure in landscape. I want to retain a sense of place and time and a certain amount of beauty in the work, though I'm not interested in straightforward renderings. I physically go at the compositions, pushing and pulling the space, layering, obliterating imagery - essentially tearing down and building back up again as many times as necessary to convert these works into unusually graceful, complicated images. This process of transformation delights me and keeps me hooked. While I strive for an ever increasing command over my materials, I also like to be surprised. Alongside my exercise of control, I try to unlearn proficiencies and increase play, even if only for a moment, so something new can get through. I have a strong emotional attachment to the works as I am creating them and experience loss and joy at such a level that the act of painting becomes a meditative practice for me.




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I started making artwork when I was a small girl. My mom was an artist and she taught me throughout my childhood. I discovered just how much I loved painting in art school during the late 1980's. I was further influenced by a pivotal show I saw at the World Tattoo Gallery in Chicago just after graduating. The exhibition featured Wesley Kimler, Ed Paschke and Tony Fitzpatrick. Their paintings were heroic and I was hooked.

My devotion to art was soon rivaled by my long-standing affair with alcohol. It was my constant companion. I used alcohol to medicate my anxiety, alleviate boredom and fuel creativity. My disease progressed until finally the medicine quit working and I bottomed out. My marriage ended, I was barely able to work and I discovered that I was addicted. Living without alcohol terrified me. Creating artworks sober seemed unthinkable. I entered treatment lonely and shaky. It felt like my life was unsalvageable at age 34.

I have been sober and healing mentally, physically and spiritually for over 7 years now. The drive to create has returned. I have learned how to pray and am astonished to see the spirit of love working in my life today. Pain is undeniably part of my makeup, but so is joy. My life had dwindled to a tiny spark when I was at my lowest, but it never went out. I now see this as a testament of God's care for me. All of these experiences are constantly sorting themselves out through my work. My paintings are truly an integration of all my parts.



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THE SHOWROOM, Davis Art Advisory
June 6th- EXTENDED through July 31st, 2009
OPENING RECEPTION: Saturday June 6th, 6-9 p.m.

75 Arcade, between 4th and 5th Avenues
Nashville Tennessee

view artworks

for more information visit the Sera Davis Website



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From Scratch
May 1 - June 20, 2009
OPENING RECEPTION: Reception Friday May 8th from 6-9 PM.
GALLERY HOURS: M - F: 10-6 PM, Sat: 10-5 PM

Chicago Art Source Gallery
1871 N Clybourn Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
(free parking across the street)

view artworks

for more information visit the Chicago Art Source website



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Frozen Emotive
February 1-28, 2009
OPENING RECEPTION: Friday February 6th, 6-9pm.
GALLERY HOURS: Wed-Sat 12-7pm

Robert Wayner/Black Walnut Gallery
West Loop Fulton Market Gallery District
220 N. Aberdeen
Chicago, IL 60607



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Around the Coyote Fall Arts Festival
October 17-19, 2008
OPENING RECEPTION: Friday October 17th.

Plumbers Hall
1340 West Washington
West Loop, Chicago




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Sera Davis Art Advisory
The Showroom Grand Opening
June 3rd- June 30th, 2008
OPENING RECEPTION: Saturday June 7th, 6-9 p.m.

75 Arcade, between 4th and 5th Avenues
Nashville Tennessee

for more information visit the Sera Davis Website



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THE ARTIST PROJECT
at Artropolis

Exhibition Dates: April 25-28, 2008
Preview Opening Thursday April 24th from 6-9 p.m.

Location:
Merchandise Mart, 8th Floor
Booth no. 4121
Chicago

Running concurrently with Art Chicago™, The Artist Project is an exhibition and sale featuring original work from cutting-edge artists undiscovered by the gallery community. The Artist Project is a great opportunity to discover and obtain interesting and affordable art directly from this uniquely talented group of artists.



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