Makers & Mentors: Stacey Davidson

Seven Centuries of Verse, 8.5 x 5.5 inches (closed);  8.5 x 32 inches (open), Gouache on watercolor paper, Accordion book with text, made with found cover

Regarding the work exhibited

Seven Centuries of Verse

This is a book of alternating Confederate and Union soldier portraits from the Civil War, 3 of each. There is text on the other side of the portraits:

everything is always late

everything is on time

it shouldn’t be like this

it can only be like this

After studying Reconstruction history in York, SC, I searched for copyright free images to work with and found powerful daguerreotypes in the Library of Congress' online collection. I wanted to make a direct human way of facing this past in a shared communal space like a gallery. I found their beauty breathtaking and it is an honor to give them life in another form.

Margaret Crawford [Parson Willins] in 4th Grade

Margaret is a civil rights activist, steward of history and a descendent of the Brattonsville Plantation/Slave Labor Camp in York County, SC; we met there. During a sabbatical I did a series of portraits of her, and for her – this is one. It is genuinely a wonder to think about how much beauty, brilliance and love has come forth generation upon generation in the aftermath of such a terrible institution as slavery – she is one such example. I offer her much gratitude for her friendship and for teaching me so much.

Regarding Teaching

Teaching is hard and wonderful. There is no balance; it’s on or off. You’re all in, and then maybe you’ll get a few hours in the studio on a Sunday, or an evening. It has also been my privilege to accompany so many young adults/amazing humans on their way to becoming whatever they become. Sometimes I think I learn more from my students than they do from me; mainly about how to be a good person; how to stay honest. It’s also about being attentive to all the ways they need feedback; it’s about introducing them to ways of thinking and seeing; it’s about asking good questions and then really listening and accepting answers that you’d never thought of. It’s about giving them time and clear space to work and to think.

Stacey Davidson

Associate Professor of Fine Arts

Winthrop University

Where to find my work:

Instagram: @davidsondolls

Website: https://www.staceydavidson.info/v3/