It is no surprise that Jennifer Davis has been creating art full time since 2003. Her involvement in the local art scene and just the sheer amount of work she has created is a testament to her work ethic. Her colorful and vivid artwork has been seen on local album covers, t-shirts, greeting cards and on the MNartists.org website she has over 600 paintings and collages up. Davis answered some questions for us before her Art Opening this weekend at First Amendment.

RIFT: How did you get into doing art?

Jennifer Davis: I wandered into it in college. I finished up all of my general requirements at the UofMN and still had no idea what I wanted to “be when I grew up.” I took an intro to drawing class with a friend and loved it. I proceeded to take just about every kind of art class offered at the UofMN. I was hooked so I applied to the Bachelor of Fine Arts program. I was rejected the first time so I waited until the next cycle and re-applied. At the time it seemed really important to get that degree. I graduated in 1998 and got an office job.

RIFT: Is art a full time thing for you?

JD: Yes. I was laid off from my job at an advertising agency in 2003. I decided to give it a go full time and have been clawing my way along ever since.

RIFT: How do you decide what to draw or paint?

JD: I collect zillions of found images I look back to for inspiration. I have boxes full of clippings from vintage magazines, photos, scraps of paper, etc. Music, nature, films, people, other people’s art – I always keep my eyes peeled for something that will spark an idea. I take long walks and go of into La La Land to come up with ideas.

RIFT: What do you hope to accomplish with your art?

JD: I am happy doing what I do – painting (almost) every day and sharing it with other people. I enjoy doing shows in other cities and would like to do more of that. Of course, I would like to make more money doing what I love.

RIFT: Any thoughts, rants or ideas you want to share?

JD: I am excited because The Book of Right On is going to play live at the end of the art opening. They are fab: http://www.myspace.com/bookofrighton and Burlesque of North America (home of First Amendment Gallery) is working with me to make my first ever screen print of one of my paintings. It will be available at the reception.

www.jenniferdavisart.blogspot.com
www.jenniferdavisart.com

Filed under: Art Events