Meet Karrah Davis | Visual Artist and art educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Karrah Davis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karrah, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I believe I was sent on earth to create. It was a difficult choice of course given that I was steering away from the traditional beliefs of becoming a doctor, nurse or soldier. I just didn’t see myself doing anything outside of arts and when I saw that others appreciated my passion and would invest in my work that confirmed that my career path will continue to grow in the creative realm.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My artworks lately have been surrounding the exploration of the landscape of the females mind, emotions and existence from an afro centric perspective. My interest in exploring the landscape of the mind stems from my final year piece entitled “Broken Minds” where I was blessed with the opportunity to work with and study individuals who where diagnosed as mentally ill. From this study I created a large body of work. I then shifted my creative focus to my own experiences and those around me. Each piece seeks to empower, educate or evoke emotions from those who interact with them through the use of different colours and symbols. I enjoy the critiques on my works and the discussions built around what is taken from the works. I look forward to my growth within the creative world beyond being an art educator, I hope to exhibit my works locally and internationally, take part in art residencies and someday further my studies to become an art therapist.

Becoming an artist/ art educator was one of the hardest but best decisions of my life as I didn’t see myself in a world without art. Many tried to discourage the idea of me becoming an artist because of the belief that all artists are starving artists, they did not try to appreciate or see value in what I create. The challenges are many but my parents never discouraged me and as my late grand father would say ” Fly high or low!” … I was determined to continue creating. My biggest challenge right now is creating artworks consistently and being present and prepared for my students. My artworks most time have to take the backseat while I tend to my job as an educator. Giving up is not an option so balance will come into play soon.

My journey has been an interesting one thus far filled with teachable moments and there are five key things I have learned.

1. Don’t give up on your passion- Proverbs 18:16, my passion will make a way for me

2. Know when to rest- Creative burn out and art blocks vary to each person by there’s a point where I know I need to step back from the canvas and do something else creative for a while.

3. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other creatives – building a network of creatives helped me to grow significantly .

4. Be willing to fail but enjoy the process to success.

5. Share and inspire through the knowledge you have garnered- Teaching was definitely not my first career choice and though it began on a challenging path, when I saw the impact I had on students who have a passion for art but were timid to express themselves through this medium I knew I had to stay and pass on my knowledge as many as I can.

I want the world to look out for my paintings and support K.D arts. I am just doing my part to add colour to this world from my perspective. Building and achieving my dreams through my passion.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We would first head to Downtown Kingston to view the artworks that have been painted on different buildings . After viewing those artworks we would go for lunch at either KFC or Juicy Patties because both are great options. There’s no other like the Jamaican KFC, not to mention a delicious cheese patty, coco bread and cool box drink to wash it all down. We are going to the National Gallery next to view they artworks they have up at that time. and before we go home we could take a walk along the waterfront an take in the scenery. Tuesday is going to be a chill day where we go to halfway tree to do any shopping and then go to watch a movie at Carib in cross roads after we’ll go to Devon House for ice-cream . Wednesday we are all packed and ready for a three day stay on the north coast. Our first stop is Dunn’s River Falls, for lunch we will go to Scotchies Jerk Center where there food is great . We will travel to check in at the Royalton White Sands hotel and enjoy the rest of our week by taking in activities at the hotel, going to great food spots like Plantation Smokehouse , Gloria’s and others. We’ll be traveling to places like Blue hole , Spanish bridge and to the beautiful beaches in Portland.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A big thank you to my mother Mona Lynch , for nurturing and encouraging my creative ventures and my father Carl Davis who supported in any way possible. My mother ensured that exposure to culture and arts was something her children could never say they didn’t get so we went on many outings to the gallery and if there was a fair or cultural activity she would try her best to bring us. There were many sacrifices she made to ensure I was equipped for every art project, to ensure I went through art school. My mom was my hardest critic but my biggest supporter I remember many occasions wanting to give up and my mother was always there with something encouraging to say. To my family members and friends who have supported me and continue to encourage my creative journey. Last but not least to my fellow creatives, strangers who have inspired me through their creative expressions, Discussions and sound advice, thank you.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k.darts0.7/

Image Credits
Photographer :Tivar Seivwright