Meet Jarrett Davidson | Artist, Teacher & Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jarrett Davidson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jarrett, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Exploring the potential of creativity played a significant role in my decision to start my own business. Since exploring new avenues to display my artwork, entrepreneurship allows me to unleash my creative potential in exciting ways. The thought of building something from scratch, bringing innovative ideas to life, and making a positive impact on people’s lives truly inspired me to consider how ideas can flourish when given the right delivery method. Starting a business gives me the freedom to explore new possibilities and find unique solutions while thinking outside the box. It’s an exhilarating journey where creativity becomes the driving force behind shaping my vision, branding, product development or service offerings. Embracing creativity has allowed me to infuse my passion and personality into most aspects of my business, in hopes of making it a truly authentic and fulfilling endeavor.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The captivating world of art has always given meaning while also providing a safe space to explore the potential of human communication. The simple act of drawing ignited a passion that eventually led me to embark on a professional practices in teaching, creating and sharing the creative output of individuals I admire. From a young age, I found solace and inspiration in artistic expression, whether it was through painting, sculpting, or immersing myself in various art forms. The power of visual storytelling and the ability of art to evoke emotions and provoke deeper thinking fascinated me. As I honed my artistic skills and explored diverse mediums, I realized that my interests in art extended beyond a mere hobby—they were the driving force behind my desire to pursue a professional career in this captivating field. With each stroke of the brush or delicate manipulation of materials, I discovered the immense potential of art to communicate ideas, challenge societal norms, and create meaningful connections with others. This realization propelled me to delve into the realm of art transportation and exhibition, in museums and galleries, where I could gain contextual information and practices in the territory of art and commerce. I eventually decided to take my knowledge and creative practices to share my unique perspective, contribute to the cultural fabric, and engage with audiences as viewers and students. Today, I am fortunate to channel my passion and interests in art into a fulfilling teaching and studio practice, while “practicing what I preach” and contribute to a retail business, selling my work and those I collaborate with. With my trusted fellow artists, students and audience, I will continue to push boundaries, exploring new techniques, while hopefully leaving an indelible mark on the art world for those willing to take the ride.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When I was 18, I visited Mexico City for the first time and I return any chance I get. It is a source of inspiration for all things artistic, historical and delicious.

Day 1:
– Morning: Start your journey by exploring the historic center of Mexico City, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Zocalo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the National Palace.
– Afternoon: Indulge in the vibrant art scene of the city by visiting the Palacio de Bellas Artes, a stunning cultural center showcasing various art exhibitions and performances.
– Evening: Treat yourself to a delicious traditional Mexican dinner at a local restaurant, savoring authentic dishes like tacos al pastor or mole poblano.

Day 2:
– Morning: Immerse yourself in the ancient history of Mexico by visiting the archaeological site of Teotihuacan, home to the magnificent pyramids of the Sun and Moon.
– Afternoon: Explore the Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as Casa Azul, where you can admire the vibrant artwork and learn about the life and legacy of this renowned Mexican artist.
– Evening: Enjoy a relaxing evening in the trendy neighborhood of Condesa, known for its stylish restaurants and bars. Indulge in Mexican fusion cuisine and sip on mezcal cocktails.

Day 3:
– Morning: Venture into the charming neighborhood of Coyoacan, exploring its colorful streets, visiting the lively market, and stopping by the Leon Trotsky Museum.
– Afternoon: Discover the fascinating world of pre-Columbian art at the National Museum of Anthropology, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from ancient civilizations.
– Evening: Sample the flavors of Mexican street food at Mercado Roma, a bustling food market offering a variety of culinary delights.

Day 4:
– Morning: Take a day trip to the floating gardens of Xochimilco, where you can cruise along the canals on colorful trajineras, enjoying live music and traditional Mexican cuisine.
– Afternoon: Visit the Diego Rivera Studio Museum, showcasing the works and studio of the influential Mexican muralist, Diego Rivera.
– Evening: Experience the vibrant nightlife of Mexico City by exploring the lively bars and clubs in the trendy neighborhood of Roma.

Day 5:
– Morning: Embark on a historical tour of the ancient city of Tlatelolco, once a significant Aztec center. Explore the archaeological site and learn about its rich history.
– Afternoon: Visit the National Museum of Art (MUNAL), housing a vast collection of Mexican art spanning from the 16th century to the present day.
– Evening: Enjoy a traditional Mexican folk dance performance or a live mariachi music show at Plaza Garibaldi, a cultural hub in the city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
DIY culture has captured my admiration and respect for a long time. Since I as a kid, I admired the work of independent artists and musicians who embodies the essence of dedication, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to their craft. Their achievements and impact have not only inspired me, but also countless others around the world. Record labels such as Hydrahead/Sige Records, Neurot Recordings, Constellation Records, Thrill Jockey Records, Drag City Records and publishers like Fantographics, Floating World Comics, Drawn & Quarterly as well as Dark Horse Comics have provided sights and sounds that have carved a path of excellence that serves as a shining example where passions for innovation can lead. If you are unfamiliar with these media groups, I would recommend you dive into their output to be inspired, challenged and perhaps uplifted by their remarkable accomplishments in innovation, and extraordinary creativity they bring to the world.

Also, for those interested in a vehicle for sharing physical media with their people in their community, I will recommend looking into https://littlefreelibrary.org for more information about Little Free Library movement that offers a global network of providing free book access for all.

Website: http://basksdesign.com/jarrett & http://brothersgrime.art

Instagram: @grimes_wave

Image Credits
All images may used by permission of Jarrett Rex Davidson © 2023