An Artist's Life: 50 years of Self-Portraits

An Artist’s Life tells of Carlton Davis’ relentless search for his soul’s desire. Despite degrees in architecture, hisloveis making art. He berates himself for lacking the talent and discipline of the great artists: Rembrandt. Durer, Picasso, Matisse, Duchamp, Warhol, Pollack, and Kaklo. Surviving terrifying mood swings, He is a keen observer, who documented his existence with drawings, words, and daily diaries. Life’s travails bedeviled him. He attempted suicide several times, became addicted to crack cocaine, and discovered a female self he calls Carlotta “because she’s a whole lotta Carl.” Struggling with meditation and medication, he ends up in a mental hospital, where a gifted psychiatrist diagnoses and helps him to initiates sobriety and recovery. Self-portraits spanning 50 years grace An Artist’s Life. At first, there appear to be a dozen sitters rather than one, showing the essence of his harrowing unrest. An Artist’s Life pleases eye and ear. Despite traumatic occurrences, his life as an artist has moments of lightheartedness. Written with collaborator Peter Lownds the book delivers an evocative story combining art, reminiscence, and the pleasure of success. Read more