Elizabeth
Davis, a prominent artist in the Oman art community, reminds herself and
everyone around that “Art is not merely a career but a way of life”. I am a
huge fan of her art work and witnessed her exhibitions many times. Her
commitment to the art scene has gained respect and fans… and what I love about
her is her constant zeal for learning more, updating her skills and always
challenging herself.
Most of
her artwork is greatly influenced by the scenic beauty of Oman and the hospitality
and beauty of Omani Culture and her travels as well. I have also known her for
promoting and motivating amateur artists as well which makes her an even more
beautiful artist. Her work is an extension of her warmth, her enthusiasm and
her passion. Her love for details and creating the mood evokes a sense of peace
and wanting to travel, that can be clearly seen in her work, through the
colours and textures on her work.
Have a
look at her paintings and let’s hear more from Elizabeth and her inspiring
journey as an artist
Tell us a bit about yourself. How did
your journey as an artist begin? Did you have any formal training or is it
self- taught?
My journey
as an artist began in school. I have early memories of colouring the Nutrine
bunny. We had a wonderful Art and craft section in school manned by a fantastic
art teacher. Academics was taught only in the morning session, the whole
afternoon session was dedicated to arts and sports. In our art class we were
taught various techniques starting with sketching, crayons, colour pencils,
water colours, oil painting, marble painting, mosaic work, tie and dye, batik,
block printing, leather craft, etc.
As a family
too, we children were art oriented in addition to academics. I remember my grandmother
used to always decorate her letters with sketches. She had a brother who used
to paint on the walls of his house and was considered quite eccentric. The only
one who did not care for drawing was my younger brother who incidentally got a
prize at the Shankar’s International art competition. I too remember getting a
prize much later for my “Qutub Minar”from the Navarang Chitrakala Niketan,
Guntur. Many years later my mom said that since her mother and her kids paint,
she too should be having that talent and made a pretty good painting, she
painted no further almost as if she had proved her point.
My art took a back stage and came to a grinding halt during
my work, marriage, bringing up the children phase. Got a breather after coming
to Muscat and would paint on and off. Got back fully into the Art scene about 4
years ago after moving to the Al Mouj community and discovering a lot of
talented artists. Started with a bang with my first exhibition at the World Art
Dubai. It was a great learning experience. Became a member of the Omani society
of Fine arts soon after and took part in various exhibitions. Took a few
courses with some great Artists and discovered new worlds in art.
My whole idea of Art went for a toss. I discovered Acrylics
paints! Whereas I had always strived for perfection and realism, here were
artists telling to paint how I feel and not how I see. They tell me to be
creative and not to function like a camera! For me Art was art and craft was
Craft … and then I discovered Mixed media! And both my interests could merge.
Has your artwork evolved during the
last couple of years? How would you describe your art style?
Currently I would call my art as Contemporary and
Impressionist and maybe semi abstract. I cannot classify myself as I am still
on a journey of experimentation and discovery. In fact all my paintings look
like they are done by different people and I am reveling in the sheer variety.
I do not want to fall in a niche, I want to keep getting out of my comfort
zone, I want to be constantly challenged. The downside is sleepless nights were
my mind is furiously pumping out ideas and techniques. In fact a few times I
have jumped out of bed, into the adjacent studio, to attack the canvas in the
middle of the night. Many a times I have been sorely disappointed with the
outcome, but some of my favourite pieces are done over these disasters.
What's your inspiration for your art
work?
Inspiration for art work is all around us and many a times
within us.
Initially
as you started as an artist, was your work rejected at any point? If yes, how
did you deal with it and overcome?
Our biggest rejection comes from ourselves. We have to keep
working till we are happy with our work. It is also equally important to know
when to stop. Sometimes there is a sense of depression when the mind cannot
connect with the hand. Then there is a sense of exhilaration when we feel the
hand of the creator working through us.
There are days when I literally live in the studio, and there
are other times when I take long breaks. Sometimes, we just have to overcome
the inertia, like the writer’s block.
What is the most challenging aspect
about your work?
There are days when I literally live in the studio, and there
are other times when I take long breaks. Sometimes, we just have to overcome
the inertia, like the writer’s block.
What medium do you use? What is your
creative process like? and what keeps you motivated?
My whole idea of Art went
for a toss. I discovered Acrylics paints! Whereas I had always strived for
perfection and realism, here were artists telling to paint how I feel and not
how I see. They tell me to be creative and not to function like a camera! For
me Art was art and craft was Craft … and then I discovered Mixed media! And
both my interests could merge.
Do you commission different projects?
And how can people purchase your paintings?
Oman does not seem to be a
buyers market currently and there are very few galleries and platforms for
artists. The OSFA is doing a tremendous job of promoting art and artists and we
are grateful for that. The National Museum too is doing their bit. Also art
material is very expensive and often new material is unavailable in Oman. But
the art community here is wonderful and encouraging
I have sold a few of my paintings, done a few commission
jobs, but not as much as I would have liked to.
I am planning to hold a solo
exhibition sometime this year in Muscat and hopefully one in India.
What is your favorite art piece that
you have done till date?
Often my favourite art piece is the one I have just finished.
Though some are very dear due to the situation behind the painting or certain
memories.
Any tips or words of wisdom to aspiring
artists who want to pursue a similar career.
My advice to everyone is simple - Enjoy Art … there is an
artist in every one of us … it can give immense satisfaction and happiness.
Don’t be afraid of disasters. Treat it as an adventure …. “Artventure”.
In fact, I am also hoping to take classes for children as
there is no better teacher for creativity than a child and we can learn as we
teach. I would also tell parents to encourage children to try out new ideas and
not to stereotype their art and thoughts. Using the right side of the brain is
as important as the left. Recycling and reusing are also very important to me
and I would like to incorporate more of it into my art.
Art is not merely a career, its a way of life.
Thank you so much Elizabeth for sharing your art journey with me and my
readers! I am sure there are many who are inspired by your work. And wishing
you all the best ahead in your journey!
