Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Heather Davis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Heather, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I am an artist. It took many years to accept that label and identity because for many years I did not like the art that I made. It never quite measured up. There was always something to improve or change. A few years after grad school, I finally started making work that I liked. One thing that was new was that I’d finally developed the skill set that I needed to accomplish my intention with the work. A second change was that I began to lean into the imperfections in the work as uniquities rather than flaws, changing the way I judged the work itself. Instead of aiming for perfection in the work, I switched my focus to enjoying the process of making as a meditative activity. I still see the flaws and aim to make improvements when I begin a new piece, but now I see these improvements as evolutions or reiterations of an idea.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
For my studio practice, phenomena of the uncontrollable natural world, such as the tide, the wind in the leaves, or clouds passing in the sky, are recorded and then projected into, onto and through avant garde mixed media and ceramic sculptural objects, creating meditative environments. These installations explore the phenomenon of melting identity into a surrounding experience – to find the place of transparency and centeredness that exists beyond a culturally defined and constrained self. My work carries the intent of emphasizing value on the wild and the uncultivated in order to inspire reverence for wildness, and to preserve the absence of human control in areas of the natural world.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I found that I hit my stride when I learned to listen to myself and learned to turn up the volume on my inner voice. I was inspired by others who followed their natural curiosity and enthusiasm, stubbornly kept growing and learning through failure, who celebrated success but didn’t let any one success distract them from keeping their sights on the horizon. When I pursue what is joyful to me, others connect to the work that I make, and I feel aligned with my values and with my community.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I am overwhelmed with making a decision, I take a break. I take a nap. I meditate. I sleep on it and check how I feel the next morning. I find that when I slow my body, my subconscious is able to make the right decision. When I’m faced with a decision in the studio, I will lay on a couch, close my eyes, and drift for about 10 minutes. When I wake, my subconscious has processed all options, and the decision is clear. When I am overwhelmed with other aspects of life, I meditate. I bring focus to my body and empty my mind of racing thoughts. After a few moments, a to-do list appears in my mind and I am back on track.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://heatherjodavis.com
- Instagram: @heatherjodavis
- Youtube: heatherdavisful
Image Credits
Heather Davis (the artist)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
