Daily Inspiration: Meet Darlene Davidge

Today we’d like to introduce you to Darlene Davidge. 

Hi Darlene, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always enjoyed creating art but didn’t have much time between raising my family and working full time. When I was finally able to stop working, I started oil painting and revisited life-drawing, graphics, and illustration. In 2013 our back yard was being remodeled to include a low retaining wall and a fire pit, and my friend, artist Murphy Adams suggested we make a mosaic. That was my first exposure to clay and I really enjoyed it. Following that project, I assisted her on a public art mosaic installation. and I was hooked! I took a few ceramics classes and then decided to work out of my own studio. In 2019, I participated in a sgraffito workshop in Cambria, California with artist Patricia Griffin and it completely blew me away. Since then, my art has evolved from mostly whimsical sculptures to more functional art with sgraffito or hand-painted designs, or a combination of both. I enjoy it because it allows me to combine illustration and painting with the medium of clay. The past two years have been a period of growth for me, during which I’ve continued to learn and develop my personal style. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
If it was a smooth road, I guess it wouldn’t feel so satisfying when I get something right. Working with clay has been a big learning curve for me and I have a long way to go. I love seeing what other artists are doing. When I see techniques other clay artists are using that appeal to me, I try to learn them. I’ve had mixed success, but in failure, there are valuable lessons learned. I’ve attempted working with different types of clays, as well as making my own mono-print transfers, and had many disasters. It’s fun to have challenges and sometimes very frustrating. I’ve been able to attend a couple of zoom workshops this year and have pages of notes and experiments. It’s mostly fun to try to expand, and there are sometimes tears (and swearing) involved. My philosophy is to continue to challenge myself and continue learning. It’s not good to stay stagnant. You have to keep pushing forward, even if it hurts a little. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I work with clay, specializing in functional pottery such as platters, small bowls, boxes, as well as whimsical sculptures. I have never been able to grasp throwing on a wheel, so all my pottery is hand-built. In the past 2 years, I have embraced making sgraffito designs on my pottery and I feel like I’m finally building an audience. I’m pleased that people are reacting positively to my work. I have had the opportunity to collaborate with some folks on special projects, and I’ve enjoyed working with others and the creativity that comes from more than just me. 

I guess what sets me apart from others is my personal style and my choice of colors and subjects. I find a lot of inspiration all around me; from my travels to right outside my window, and whether or not another artist has done something with a similar subject, we will always be different, because we each have our own unique style. In the past, when I have tried to emulate someone else’s style, it’s never worked out. It has to be authentic in my own voice. I think one of the things I am most proud of is that I’m finally feeling confident about my artistic voice. 

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Patience. It takes time and practice to get the hang of something, and it takes patience to continue learning and improving. I am so grateful for this journey because along with technique lessons, there are the life lessons that accompany it. 

Contact Info:

• Email: darlenedavidgestudio@gmail.com
• Website: darlenedavidgestudio.com
• Instagram: darlenedavidgestudio
• Facebook: Darlene Davidge Studio