Bethany Davis

Bethany Davis
Artist Statement

When I was a child, I was diagnosed with Attention Hyperactive Deficit Disorder, which has manifested itself as both my superpower and my nemesis. I often find myself struggling to process and retain verbal information as well as execute certain tasks due to overstimulation or an inability to focus; however, my ability to hyper focus coupled with random bursts of impulsivity fuel my creative energy.

My work explores the spatial and structural relationships between architectural and typographical forms and contrasting geometric and biomorphic shapes in a methodical way. Through various media, I create abstract compositions that exert a balance of spontaneous decision making, followed by constant reevaluation and refinement. This process involves drawing and assembling cut paper as part of my preliminary work to find unique design solutions, which are then transferred to larger scale paintings that allow me to make additional modifications that appeal to both my impulsive behavior and my desire for control. In addition to my paintings, utilizing digital media provides an outlet for me to challenge the pre-existing canons of clear visual communication in the commercial arts in favor of a more unconventional and interpretive approach by using typography in abstract ways, stimulating my struggle with verbal comprehension.

The purpose of my work emphasizes the role ADHD plays in my creative development through a process that completely immerses myself in the chaos and the clutter while responding to various colors, shapes, and patterns that I find stimulating to create the structure and order that ADHD prevents me from achieving in other areas of my life.

Artist Bio

Bethany Davis is a student at Valdosta State University, where she is earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art with her main focuses being in graphic design and painting. As a commercial artist, she is able to cater to other’s needs and learn to speak and develop a language of creative interaction between the client and community. She has been involved with and done work for various publications and organizations, including newspapers like The Spectator and the Valdosta Daily Times as well as On Tap magazine and the Omnino research journal. She was the recipient of the Morris Newspaper Corporation Scholarship for both 2019 and 2020 academic years for outstanding work in print journalism. As a fine artist, she is drawn to more abstract work and is inspired by painters and designers, such as Wassily Kandinsky and Karel Teige in respect to their approach to color and abstraction.