Shirley Davis

Gallery

I was born and raised in Arkansas; BS degree Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI) with major in Psychology and minor in Social Work. I started college as an art education major at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM). During my freshman year, I took the following art courses: studio/ basic drawing, color and design theory, art appreciation, art history. I relocated to Indianapolis after completing only 1 year at UAM so I never completed the art education training beyond the first year. Since there was no art curriculum at IUPUI at that time, I continued my education in Psychology and Social Work. After getting married and with a 3 year old, and one on the way, I relocated from Indianapolis to Houston, in the late 70's. The last 15 hours of my degree had to be completed as a transit student at Texas Southern University. After school, as far as my interest in art and creative studies, I did continue to express my creative abilities as an artist and remained very interested in the art field. This included attempts at drawing: both replicated and intuitive images. Since I liked the idea of self-expression...originality...drawing images that came to me from inner impressions and the idea of interpreting what I "felt" about what I saw, a scene from nature and other experiences, were appealing and kept me inspired and challenged. However, because I craved to learn more, at various intervals, I sought training from a couple of private tutors in a training environment not that much different than what I’m pursuing as an instructor with Michael’s (with the exception being, both these ladies, did have their own studios). Their training provided basic painting techniques in both acrylics and oils, which allowed me to achieve a painting style which I felt could be recognized as my own. This training also gave me the confidence to make my first attempt at marketing my work. As a result, I developed a small business concept, devoted to not only marketing my own art work, but the art work of others, small antiques and African imports. I called it A Mystic’s Eye. The market arena at that time was a bit limited. I did however, have an opportunity to exhibit through a women's artist group (Community Artists Collective), and another flea market type venue, which catered to hand crafted items. The issues with selling original art work at that time, is the same as it is now: pricing it so that it will sell, but in doing so not being able to support myself on the profits. I also had to work full time in order to support myself and raise my children. This eventually led to fatigue...and with that, my creative energy dissipated. About 4.5 years ago, I revived A Mystic’s Eye and launched it as website. The intent is to not only sell my art work, but also to provide a platform or forum to exchange ideas with other artist, share trade and exhibit information, and present topics interest for discussion. I have also visualized other formats, such as “how to’s” feature, children art work, and poetry. In addition to training at UAM and the private tutoring, I had an opportunity to take a couple of drawing classes a few years ago. These include a Prospective Drawing course at Triton Jr. College in Chicago (2000), a Life Drawing Class at University of Arkansas-Little Rock (2004) and sculpturing course at the Glassell School of Art, (2013). I received a certificate from the Children’s Writer’s Institute (2006) and a certificate from New York Institute of Art and Design (2015). I’m a member of Spectra Artists, Inc. which is a local art gallery and artist group. Also I have featured art work on Fine Art America. Earlier this spring, I started a pottery course with the Pottery’s Place Pottery, in Sugarland, Texas. I look forward to continuing to advance artistically and creatively with Thalo, Chartpak, Grumbacher and Michael’s.