Star Staff Writer
One local artist has taken the time, and, thanks to the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce, he has preserved several of these images on note cards he hopes will appeal to local residents and visitors alike. Artist John Will Davis will be signing sets of cards featuring Calhoun County scenes from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Chamber's offices at 1330 Quintard Ave. Davis, a lifelong resident of Anniston, has penciled images of six Calhoun County landmarks. Images included are the 150-year-old Coldwater Creek Covered Bridge at Oxford Lake, the 120-year-old Church of St Michael and All Angels in Anniston, the Sam Noble Monument, the Calhoun County Courthouse and the Old Henry Barn in Jacksonville. "These were all places that have meant a lot to me," said the 44-year-old Davis. "I've always admired the court-house and the barn in Jacksonville is amazing, looking at it from either the inside or the outside." The works were commissioned by the Chamber to promote area tourism and can be purchased at the signing for $7. "This is something the Chamber has been wanting to do for some time," said Melonie DeLee, the Chamber's direc-tor of tourism and conventions. "There are a lot of guests who come through as well as local people who want to pick up things that represent the area." Once the plan was in place to produce cards featuring local landmarks, the Chamber began looking for an artist to provide the images. "We are very fortunate to have a local artist who has a passion for the area," Ms. DeLee said of Davis. "We could have hired an out-of-town artist, but we probably wouldn't have gotten the same quality, either in picking the sites or in the work itself." For Davis, the timing of the project was perfect. An employee at U.S. Pipe and Foundry for 17 years, Davis taught himself art and turned to it as a full-time vocation in 1998. His work has become familiar to some area residents through anexhibit at The Donoho School in 2000. He painted a portrait of Surgeon Gen. David Satcher which was presented at a dinner in his honor earlier this year in Anniston. "Since about 1996 I have been talking to people and trying to build a career for myself in the area," said the 44-year-old Davis. "Some people thought it would be a good idea if I could find some kind of corporate sponsorship to pro-vide me some financial backing. I left a message with the chamber of commerce and about a week later they called me back with the idea of drawing these historical sites. "I was just very fortunate to call them at a time when they happened to need an artist." For more information, call the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce at 237-3536. |
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Really painting people
By Marti Nonemaker Stir staff Writer
Some artists get famous for painting other people. It happened to Leonardo Da Vinci with Mrs. Mona Lisa. It happened to Michelangelo after he painted all those faces on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. It happens to a handful of the talented and dedicated. John Davis of Anniston says he has what it takes for artistic fame to come his way. Some people around here agree. "From the very beginning, I realized his possibility," said local art gallery owner Vera Mullinax. "I've witnessed his self-confidence soar to the point where he now sees himself as a future success."
Davis may not appear on the surface to possess the stereotypical artistic quirks demonstrated by many of the cultural world's super-successes. He's a husband, father and employee of U.S. Steel for the past fifteen years. But Davis confesses to the burning desires of accomplishment and acknowledgement that rage within the artist. These are what fuel the long hours of painting and perfection. "1 don't have a social life," said Davis. "I come home from work and I paint."
Davis has always recognized a talent he calls God-given. He took art throughout his years at Anniston High School and dab- bled in various types of sketching through the years after graduation. "I'd work hard on something for a while and then get discouraged because nothing seemed to be happening," said Davis. "One day a couple of years ago my wife said I was too good not to keep going." Since that day, Davis has stayed focused on success and it wasn't long before others started to notice.
"John was coming in to buy art supplies and one day I asked if I could take a look at some of his work," said Lynn Martin, owner of Green's Art Supplies. "I thought his stuff was really good and I knew he had potential." Like Da Vinci and Michelangelo, Davis paints what the eye can see and usually doesn't delve into the abstract
"I really like to paint people, particularly children," said Davis. "I don't think there's enough art out there that shows kids." Only 'within the past two years has he made the switch from sketching to oil painting. He spends much energy producing pieces for the growing black art industry.
"John's at the point now where if the breaks fall right, he's in"' said Main. Davis recently received a junior league break by garnering the attention of Ashland native, Howard Ballard, offensive lineman for the Seattle Seahawks. Ballard is interested in helping Davis promote his work.
Davis hopes success may be right around the corner that will rival that
of his inspiration' Larry Martin, the Calhoun County painter who has made a national name
for himself for his wildlife paintings. "I just want to get to the point where I can
make a living 'with this and send a positive message to others," said Davis.
'That’s the best I can ask for."
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