Healing Paint
Feedback from Michelle McKnight Davis
I was born into a family of painters. Both my mother and grandfather are painters, neither had formal training.
Growing up with the smell of oil and turpentine is one of my favorite memories. My mother painted professionally for different photo studios and I was fascinated with how she brought black and white photos to life-they were beautiful!
While I always considered myself an drawing artist I never had the confidence to paint or receive a formal education.
At 40 I decided I wanted to learn more about Art History (still not confident about my technical abilities). While I was pursuing my degree I was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. While I was going through treatment (chemo and radiation) I turned to painting.
Before a brush had always felt so foreign in my hand but suddenly it felt like….well, life. I fell in love with it and I painted daily no matter how sick I was-it gave me hope and drive.
I also never stopped my education or full time job. I would drive home everyday from work or class so excited to work on the canvas. They weren’t very good but I didn’t care I just loved moving the paint around and I was determined to get better…at both painting and health-wise.
I know in my heart that the serenity I felt while painting was what truly saved me.
It was also quite addictive so I soon changed my major to fine art. Art history was still valuable to me because it informed my work but then again so did the sciences and literature! I eventually earned a BFA and then an MFA all the while taking as many art history classes as I could (36 hours in all).
I now teach drawing at the University of North Alabama and Contemporary Art Scholarship and Practice online at Florida State University-both as adjunct. Twenty years after my diagnosis I love what I do more every day and I credit it with my continued survival.
I know the drs had something to do with it but I truly believe that what happens in your brain is very important as well and what painting did to my brain affected me in positive ways on every level. I am interested in your course because as an artist and educator I want to continue my own education. An artist and educator should never self-actualize. We only keep reaching and that is why I am here.
michellemckdavis.com
I love that art saved you.
Michelle’s art is provocative and interesting and comes from her brilliant creativity. Sometimes in life a jolt to the senses and soul has an unexpected result. Beating the savageness of breast cancer allowed her to release her gift! She is an amazing woman and a dear friend.
Michele’s work is beautiful, bright, and haunting.
Such a talented lady! She truly interprets her heart and soul in her work!
What wonderful and interesting picture
I never knew this, but it doesn’t surprise me. I remember watching you paint and I loved your enthusiasm and work.
Michelle (Micki to me!) is one of my best friends. I have know her since high school. Watching her art evolve has been inspiring. I love her work and am amazed with each new price I see!
I too had no idea you went thru breast cancer. I do however know you are a creative and extremely talented artist. You did not paint when we were neighbors that I knew of but I hope someday to see your works in person.
Michelle is a bright light in the art world. This is such an inspiring testimony of passion that developed a great talent!
Some friends and I recently met Michelle and got to listen to her explain her work to us. Her work is truly unique and socially aware and she is such an inspirational lady!