A Central Michigan University professor and artist recently exhibited his work at one of the country’s leading pottery workshops.
Israel Davis, a member of CMU’s art department, hosted a solo exhibition and workshop at the Morean Center for Clay in Florida, one of the largest pottery centers in the United States.
For this exhibition, titled “Devil May Care,” Davis was inspired by the carefree spirit of Bicycle Motorcross (BMX), skateboarding and the art of graffiti, as well as his enthusiasm for all three sports during his youth.
He presents his artwork as an attempt to capture the sense of risk he felt while riding BMX, describing the work as follows: “The physical action of fragmentation merges with collaged images in the garb of poetic surveillance.”
The Morean Center for Clay has been home to many famous artists and their works.
Davis’ exhibition included many different designs that included both 2D and 3D elements such as collages, pots and wall tiles. He was happy to have the opportunity to teach a pottery class in addition to his exhibition.
Davis felt inspired to pursue creative activities since childhood and for him, drawing was a way to escape reality.
He says he now sees himself as “a lifelong learner who strives for a creative and productive lifestyle.”
He has worked with students from art and music programs, most notably a project in which 20 CMU students designed and created ceramic drums for a performance. Davis looks forward to similar projects in the future with many more students from different fields.
