ARTIST STATEMENT – Painter Blythe M Davis

My Wild REcycleD bike pieces are inspired by Pablo Picasso’s 1942 work, Tête de Taureau ive_(Bull’s Head), and are created using collected bike components heading for reuse, recycling, scrap, or landfills. The parts I use are from from Twin Cities bike shops and local community members. Some of the wood bases are created from thrift ed game boards, old signs, cabinet doors, cutting boards, or purchase raw wood plaques.

Blythe M Davis’s Process

Visually, I am often inspired by the rough and rugged aspects of the world. Those that have withstood the battle against time, space, and weather. Bike sculpture allows me to visually experiment with the conflicting states of harmony and struggle, finding beauty in what others might deem ugly. These bike components have seen many miles and maybe some better days, but I think the unique wear, tape, rips, scuffs, and scratches add visual interest and appeal to each one-of-a-kind art piece.

Though not a proponent of hunting for sport, I find the concept of using trophies to display one’s achievements an intriguing social practice. With these pieces, I aim to whimsically celebrate our incredibly vibrant Twin Cities bike culture. I do this while finding a new creative life for these bike parts.

Blythe M Davis Bio

Blythe M. Davis currently resides and works in Minneapolis, MN. Blythe received her education from Hope College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and Women’s Studies. She is self-taught in terms of her artistic pursuits. Davis produced her first solo encaustic show in January 2017 and has exhibited mixed-media pieces in past group shows at Altered Esthetics and AZ Gallery. In 2018 and 2019, Blythe exhibited multiple solo shows in Twin Cities galleries and shops. When not making art, Blythe M. Davis relieves stress and pain in human bodies at her private massage and shiatsu practice.

If you have bike parts you would like to donate or bike components you would like turned into a commissioned art piece, please contact me. View more work at www.blythemdavis.com. You can follow her on Instagram at blythemdavis_art. You can view her Facebook page here.

Blythe also works in encaustic. While not on display in the windows, you can see a few examples here and many more examples at the Women’s Art Festival.

TO PURCHASE:
Please email at blythemdavisartist@gmail.com.

About Susan Hensel Gallery – Contemporary Art by Susan Hensel

Opened September 10th, 2004 Susan Hensel Gallery was a gallery/ workspace presenting 5-6 shows per year devoted to the concept of narrative in the arts in an intimate space, with hardwood floors and high tin ceilings. The Susan Hensel Gallery is now both a window gallery on Cedar Avenue. This is the main thoroughfare in south Minneapolis and also an online venture represented on Artsy.net. In March 2013, the interior space reverted to a working studio for Susan Hensel. This space also allows her to continue to work on small and largescale artwork with an attitude. Additionally, you can find her current work at Susan Hensel Projects. The studio remains open to the public by appointment or chance, on Monday-Saturday, 10 am-5 pm.  You are welcome to drop by this gallery/workspace at any time.