WOMEN IN TRANSIT: Erica Davis

                            words by Marco Smith                                                                          Photo by Emily McCartney

Erica Davis not one for doing a lot of talking, much less talking about herself.  So when she agreed to sit down to talk with me I was happy to say the least. There is a quiet strength to her that you pick up immediately.  Soft spoken sure, but definitely not a push over. She’s a single mother to her an 11 year old son and a school teacher in the Mansfield Independent School District.  She admits that there is an internal battle within her between what she calls her business mind and her creative mind.  But all in all she’s very simple “I teach and I’m a mom” she says.  She spends her days teaching special education students in Mansfield.  “ When I used to be a substitute teach for the district I was one of the only ones who would pick up the calls for special ed and I discovered that I really connected with those kids and that’s when I decided to go back and get my Masters Degree in Special Education and Autism” she says. This enabled her to in her own words become the bridge between special education and general education so that all kids can have that authentic class experience.  She also happens to be a gifted artist.   But that’s just the beginning.  The more you sit and listen to her speak the more you learn about her.  

                            Photo by Emily McCartney

IT: What led you to do what it is you do now or how did you get started?

ED:  Art has been since childhood.  I was that kid that when it came to Christmas or birthdays if you give me an art set, easel etc. I was good.  All my electives in school were in art.  I'm not fond of the idea of being graded on art. That would irritate me.  You often have the professors that want it to look the way they would create it and art is not something you can do that way.  It has to be your creation, your authenticity.  Not fitting in the box of someone else’s vision for what you are trying to convey.

What is your opinion of the art scene here in Dallas?

I’ll be honest I’ve been a little disconnected from it. The experience I did have when I was plugged in was a bit surface level.  I don’t think there are very unique and supportive opportunities to build a full arts culture.  I think we’re getting there compared to what it was years ago but I think a lot of it is still very surface level in terms of the audience truly embracing art.  It’s more about posting on social media about being at an art event as opposed to supporting the artist and truly trying to understand their work.

                            Photo by Emily McCartney

What were your early influences artistically?

My mom taught me how to draw people so that would the first.  But I grew up with a lot Black art in our household.  Everything is just kind of where I’m at in my head-space as far as inspiration.

What has been your experience being a female artist positive or negative?

I don’t really see that there is a lot of distinction.  I definitely think the guys are able to pull larger audiences when shows are taking place. Other than that I haven’t seen any huge disparities.

What is your preferred medium?

I’m burned out on painting.   I've always done figurative painting and then I tried to dabble in abstract and that requires abstract thinking and being in touch with your feelings and I don’t really do the feelings thing.  It was really hard because I like very clear definition.  So I’ve been leaning more toward drawing, especially with the Sharpie.

                        Photo by Emily McCartney

What inspires you?

I usually have to an image of something and then I go from there but it also depends on where I’m at headspace-wise.

What gives you the most joy in doing what you do?

I would have to say when I run into people who have purchased my art and they still have it and it’s up and displayed.  When you come to my house my art is everywhere but displayed.  It’s in the attic, the closet etc.  But when other people have it displayed that’s nice.

What is it in your opinion that you bring to the table artistically that is unique to you?

Well with the Sharpie the way I’ve modified my own crosshatch pattern. I haven’t seen that replicated

You canview more of Erica's work here or on Instagram