Living Room
TAKING THE FIRST STEP
Honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2022 with E&J and Artist Nick Davis
When asked his favorite Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. quote, artist Nick Davis does not hesitate.
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
After all, that first step—and a big leap of faith—is what got him to his career as an artist.
The Florida-based illustrator had always loved drawing, and says he came from a family of artistic people. So when his epilepsy diagnosis began to make going to work too challenging, his wife encouraged him to explore his passion for art, gifting him his first iPad and encouraging him to show off his art on Instagram.
Davis’ first painting, created in June 2019 in a single day, sold immediately. His wife challenged him: turn his 700 followers into 800 followers and see what happens.
He now has 33.1K.
Since taking that first step, the self-taught and self-made Davis has created a collection of digital art, entitled Black is Beautiful, that he says portrays his love of his culture. The collection has achieved international recognition, from an Artist of the Week designation on BET to a feature from UK-based media company WhatsOn. He’s also been highlighted in multiple national publications, and had his Black is Beautiful collection showcased at the Dunedin Fine Art Center.
Davis says that artwork gives him the opportunity to express what he can’t always do physically; so when E&J Brandy partnered with him for a special MLK Day piece, he was moved to express his admiration for one of history’s most influential activists.
“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr changed the way we view ourselves and others,” Davis said. “He inspires us to remember that love will always have the final say.”
It’s this love—of culture, of community, of self—that inspires Black is Beautiful.
“It’s encouragement that who you are is enough, and that you should never let the world define you,” he said. “Celebrating black changemakers and public figures on a national level gives us the opportunity to inspire and encourage the community: you are destined to be great.”
The piece Davis created for the E&J celebration of MLK Day is inspired by that greatness, and King’s words on faith and determination. Davis cites King, along with Black artists Kerry James Marshall, Jean-Michael Basquiat, and Kara Walker, as major influences. They’ve informed not just his perspective on art, but on life.
“If you can see it mentally, you can create it physically,” he said. “Inspire, encourage, but most importantly love each other.”
Follow Nick Davis on IG at @ndartlife to see more of his work and learn about Black is Beautiful.
Want to tell us what Martin Luther King Jr Day means to you? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
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Fam Comments
mcgrogantimothy@hotmail.com
3 years agoI wish we would go with his convictins and thoughts today ,,,,,
bhg231@mediacombb.net
3 years agoHonoring someone who fought for equality, honesty and respect., without violence.
gmoney1951
3 years agoHe helped to make this a better world
KayKay
3 years agoA day to honor a man of principles.
charlie.finger@gmail.com
3 years agoMartin Luther King Jr. Taught us that love wins over violence. Brave man and brave words. Thank you.
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