Seascapes and Dreamscapes: The Work of William Davies is presented by Springville Center for the Arts and will be on display at Art’s Cafe at 5 East Main Street in Springville now through March 26th. The Cafe hours are Wednesday through Saturday 9am to 4pm.
Artist’s Reception: The public is welcome to enjoy refreshments and conversation with Davies at an artist’s reception on Friday, March 11th at 1pm at Art’s Cafe.
When asked how long he has been painting, Bill Davies replied, “since I came out of the womb.”
His pieces, mostly soft, wistful seascapes, have a dreamy feeling to them. Davies claims to not believe in painting people or man-made objects, choosing instead to focus on the beauty found in nature. Inspired by the shores of Lake Erie, and then the coastlines of South Carolina, Davies captures both the peace and power of water with his simultaneously bold and tranquil brushstrokes.
Born in Buffalo, Davies never received a formal arts education, but found great success selling his paintings and creating commissions for private and corporate sectors. His first solo show came about after a gallery owner saw his work for sale at the Allentown Art Festival in the 1970’s. His work has since been in numerous solo and group shows in Buffalo and Charleston, South Carolina.
When asked about his methods, Davies explained, “the stream just comes out of my mind.” He doesn’t rely on photographs or references when painting, allowing the images to simply flow from his mind and memory.
Now retired, Davies has begun painting more, recently broadening his horizons to more abstract expressionist styles, which he said are still inspired by nature. At the age of 83, perhaps this artistic transition mirrors the transition taking place in his mind and memory, removing the focus from literal representation and instead relying on visual sensation and subjective reality.
Davies’ affinity to water and the peaceful emotions evoked by his paintings seem representative of a return to the dreamlike state experienced in the womb.
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