sketches of various butterflies and moths

Black Dog Salvage Maker Profile: Deborah Davis

 

 

Meet the Maker

Black Dog Salvage is home to a select group of makers, each creating unique works of art from hand.

Deborah Davis: Painter, Herbalist, Gardener

Medium:

I create acrylic paintings on canvas.

How do you enjoy spending time?

You can find me any warm night hovering in the lure of the light just like the moths.

What inspires you?

Moths are the shamen of the night forest- hidden until we seek them. Throughout our human history moths have symbolized profound transformation with their own miraculous journey from egg, larva, pupa to adult.

Moths are nocturnal creatures and so are inherently mysterious. Since their intricate patterns and colors are rarely observed in casual encounters at the porch light, I paint them large. It is intimate. I have encountered each of the moths that I paint at my home near Charlottesville, VA. After I collect them, they then spend the night in my refrigerator in order to slow them down for their photo shoot the next day. Afterward, I release each in excellent condition. There are thousands of species of moths locally and I am looking forward to painting their nearly endless variety.


Deborah’s work is currently featured in our recently reimagined space “The Loft”, located on the second floor of our shop above the Marketplace. Her paintings are off to a show in Richmond in mid-January, so don’t miss your chance to experience her one-of-a-kind work!


In addition to our resident Makers, we want to hear from Makers around the world!  Learn more about our Maker of the Month series HERE.