"A Slippery Slope" - Oil on Canvas

“A Slippery Slope” – Oil on Canvas – Shay Davis

 

Inspiration. Where does an artist find it? “From dreams, meditation, normal everyday things, what’s going on in the world,” states Shay Davis with a twinkle in his eyes and continues, “Constantly being open to any ideas that flow around the ether.”

“I was around 5 years old creating color drawings of action figures like Godzilla and Spectorman”, when Davis realized that art was one of the directions of life that he would take.

10 years ago I had the pleasure of meeting and writing about Artist Shay Davis. One could state that the level of continuity in Davis’ artistic approach has only exceeded his level of consciousness. 10 years ago Shay’s artistic method was only beginning to transcend into the artistic style that is now the Shay Vision of Shay Davis.

“Five or six years ago I decided to make every painting have a list of things in them that I feel are very important. I wanted to have everything in there; which included studying color theory and deciding which colors work best in picture. I needed my subjects, foreground and background to be painted with the best precision possible,” states Shay. “Maybe the most important thing is that I wanted all my work to tell a story that can bring emotion to somebody. I decided to study composition as well and make sure each painting is full of composition.”

Shay’s imagination; accurate and detailed. His sensational approach to symbolism in his work demands that his audience inhale the full imagery of it. His use of oil on canvas is a collage of vivid color.

"Great Tug of War" - Oil On Canvas - Shay Davis

“Great Tug of War” – Oil On Canvas – Shay Davis

“It is important for others heading into the art industry to understand that you must have three things before starting. One is talent, second is an overwhelming passion/addiction to do it and three is discipline,” smiles Davis and adds, “Also, right up there would be to learn the marketing side before trying to make a living at it and you must have tons of patience. If you fit all of these criteria, then go for it.”

The upcoming event at the Lakewood Cultural Art Center, Friday, September 5th, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. hosts not only the artwork of Shay Davis but the work of former students and teachers; including Jim Beckner, Jennifer Johnson, Adam Poole, Ray Knaub, and Joe Beckner. “I came up with the idea about a year ago after seeing online that we were all still killing the art scene 20 years after we were all at Green Mountain High is the reason for this upcoming event,” states Davis.

What keeps Shay Davis sane? “Other than painting,” smiles Davis, “lots of exercise, surfing, biking, running and snowboarding. Meditation, friends and family, deep conversations and an IPA with some good food.”

Three keys to Shay’s success has been: positive thinking, patience and talent. With regards to his philosophy for work, family and life: “Work should be the thing you like doing most in life. Family will be there for your whole life. And, Life is the best gift you will ever have so cherish it more than anything else.”

 

"Coming Home" - Oil On Canvas - Shay Davis

“Coming Home” – Oil On Canvas – Shay Davis

 

Mark your calendar for the Opening Reception Friday, September 5th, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.  in the North Gallery of the Lakewood Cultural Center located at 470 S. Allison Parkway, Lakewood, CO 80226.

This artistic adventure runs September 5th – November 1st, 2014. This event is free and open to the public. Normal business hours are Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

 

 

You can also find Shay Davis’ limited edition prints for sale at Chad’s Grill on Union Street in Lakewood, Colorado as well as original oils for sale at Galleri Oxholm in Denmark where Shay will have a solo show this December 2014 and Distinction Gallery in San Diego, California. Want to learn more about the Artist Shay Davis, visit his website www.ShayVision.com or find him on facebook.com/shayvision.

Shay Davis has recently received recognition for his work including being nominated for 2011 SD Art Prize New Contemporaries and being 1 of 8 artists selected as a “Heartist” for San Francisco General Hospital’s 2013 fundraiser, “Hearts and Heroes”. His original works grace the homes of such people as actress Halle Berry and Jayne Seymour, athletes such as Tony Hawk, Bill Garnett, and Koy Detmer, and music legend Gregg Allman.