Today we’d like to introduce you to Bernice Davidson.
Hi Bernice, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
This is a story about a hero’s project. Which was started in the year 2007 while doing a 15 year profesor ship at Martin Methodist college in Pulaski TN. After serving as a profesor of art for many years I was asked by members of the rotary club to help rebrand the city of Pulaski. This lead to a 15 year study of the hero’s and humanitarians dating back from the days of emancipation to the present day. Of all the 20 hero’s that I have narrated, Dr. Z Alexander Looby stands out in my mind as the most important liberator in this area. He was born in 1899 on the island of Antiqua, becoming an orphan at the age of 15. Boarding a whaling vessel with all his books he found himself in New England. Looby quickly made it south, to Howard university where he finished his last year of high school and was quickly enrolled in the university. He went on to get a law degree and a Doctor of law in New York. Looby came back to the south to fight for equality. In 1946 he served with Thurogood Marshal on one of the biggest legal cases by the newly formed NAACP. Due to an illness the night before, Thurogood Marshal couldn’t stand as defendant. Dr. Looby completed and much to everyone’s surprise, won the trial in Lawrence county, saving the 25 men. It was published by World Wide Press, the story made major headlines, but has nearly been forgotten. Dr. Lobby has also been credited as desegregating many restaurants, golf courses and other segregated places in the beginning of the civil rights movement. The mural I am working on now, depicts this trial and is set to be placed on Jefferson st. On march 15th, oposite the Nashville tribune.
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?
My art looks at injustices leveled on people at large. I guess as an obstacle, some people don’t like to look at the injustices of the world. But I am devoted to bringing them into the light through imagery.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My entire career has been focused on three series: Days of Awe and Wonder (the dream work series), Civil Rights, and the Thousand Horses. My focus on injustices and the mystical sets me apart from others. I’m most proud of ‘Justice Served’, the mural I’m repainted and installing on Jefferson St.
My motto is “Never Look Away, and never lose faith in the awakened heart.” Tara Barch
Any big plans?
I’m looking forward to my spring wild flower garden, and my two paintings being in the next show at the Museum of Sex in New York City. Title of the show is Utopia, opening October 21st, closing in the winter.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.Bernicedavidsonart.com
