Jenna Gilley, Associate Curator of Exhibitions
CHARGE! Just kidding. This “fluffy cow” is much less harmful than its real-life counterparts; although, like the National Park Service, we still ask that you don’t touch it! The FWMoA just unveiled a new king of the atrium: a six foot tall sandstone bison by stoneworker Jess Davila. “Stone?”, you may ask. Yes! Although the wavy lines and varying tan tones of the bison’s club-like shape may appear to be wood (and actually feels gritty like it, too), it is made from carved Arizona sandstone, which forms the state’s iconic rolling rock canyons. Its matted appearance acts as a stark contrast to the animal’s shiny black marble horns and travertine base, which both include veined flecks of other minerals. Read on for an interview with Jess Davila as he tells us about his unique foray into carving, what inspires his work, and fun details about our new sculpture (including a ghost story).
I’ve read that you grew up in the beautiful state of Sonora, Mexico. Tell me a little about where you grew up and how this inspired your work.
I grew up in Huachinera, a small, rural cattle ranching town. I explored and appreciated the unspoiled beauty of the desert and mountainous regions. I moved to the United States legally at age 10, and have since lived in San Jose, Santa Fe, and, currently, Tucson, AZ. Once I found success as an artist, in 2005, I began an art center and museum for artists to keep the arts and crafts alive there. I hope to inspire the people of this region to find within themselves hidden artistic talents and experience the joy that creating art brings.
What led you to become an artist? You are self-taught, correct?
Yes. I have always wanted to be an artist, but I have quite an unusual path to it. As a young man, I served in the Vietnam War, earning military honors. Although my relatives told me to come back to Mexico or go to Canada to avoid the draft, I thought it was an honor to serve my country. Afterwards I started several successful businesses, from selling wholesale produce to owning and operating a Mexican restaurant to eventually creating props for theater and movies. This served as my transition to art. I started painting and creating bas-reliefs in Santa Fe, NM, hoping to learn from the many artists there. I was speaking to a gallerist, and he offered to show me his soft-stone carving studio. After I saw that and tried carving I was hooked. He couldn’t believe I had never carved before– I was a natural! So, whenever I talk to kids, I tell them, when you see a door open, peek in. Your calling might be in there.
Your style is quite minimal. What informs the shape of your pieces?
I am most inspired by the shape, color, and texture of the stone I use. Once I see what’s in there, I just bring it out. If I wanted the work to be realistic, I would take a picture of the subject, not carve it! My philosophy is do less and let the viewer finish the piece. I had a wonderful experience where a blind young woman viewed my work at a show. She asked if she could use her hands to see my pieces. I said of course, I was honored; but, I was worried they wouldn’t come across because they are so minimal. As she felt the bears, giraffe, bison, and other animals, she correctly identified each one to her mother. I was astonished and proud– I had captured the animal’s essence.
How do you choose the right material for a sculpture?
I am immediately inspired by stone and each piece’s unique beauty. I use a lot of materials from the Southwest and Mexico, like sandstone, travertine, Grand Canyon onyx, Picasso Marble from Utah, and Huachinera Marble from my hometown. I also use stunning marbles from Italy and other countries around the world. Sometimes the color matches the piece’s form (brown for a bear, gray for a whale) but sometimes not. Each sculpture starts with me inspecting the stone for flaws and determining what’s within. I have also made many pieces out of Indiana limestone!
You have created everything from bison and birds to human figures and abstract sculptures. Which is your favorite form to create? Were any especially challenging?
I enjoy everything I do. I love creating things I’ve never made before. Abstract works are fun because I can create an artistic flow that will keep viewers in a piece. I’m still learning– even at 77. Truthfully, I haven’t worked in 40 years.
Why has the bison become your most iconic motif?
It kind of just took off on its own. It really resonated with collectors. The collector of your piece, Patricia Schaefer, fell in love with it because she said her family used to take trips to a dude ranch in Wickenburg, AZ. I try to capture the massive power, strength, and subtle royalty of this prairie king, who has become so linked to the United States, particularly the Southwest.
What projects are you currently working on?
So many things! I always have over 20 pieces in progress at a time; I never get bored. Right now I’m working on a sea turtle commission and a set of whales, one over 8ft long. I still design and work on every piece– my two assistants mostly help with lifting and sanding.
Bison or buffalo?
Ha! That is the question. The correct answer should actually be “tatanka”, or the Native Lakota word for bison. Bison is the North American species, while buffalo come from Asia or Africa. However, the terms “bison” and “buffalo” are often used interchangeably here in the U.S. “Buffalo” actually seems to be the term I hear more and more.
Are there any other stories you’d like to share about this specific piece?
Funny enough, this piece comes with quite a story. When the donor purchased it, she was nervous about shipping it all the way from Arizona to Indiana. I said I would hand deliver it to her. On the way, I stopped to spend the night in a hotel in Fayetteville, AK. The concierge told me that if anything funny happened, it was the weather. It being a clear night, I thought this was strange. Over the next few hours, the bathroom light turned on and off, the toilet flushed by itself twice, and the TV turned off twice. As I was trying to sleep, it felt like someone was watching me. With such a long drive ahead of me, I had had enough. I sat up and told whoever was there that I meant no harm but I needed a good night sleep to deliver this piece intact! After that, they left me alone; but, I will never forget that trip, and subsequently, this piece!
See Jess Davila’s bison (or buffalo!) now on view in the FWMoA Atrium, located next to the doors to the Paradigm Gallery.