What is your relationship to Osei-Duro?
My relationship with Osei-Duro is multi-faceted. We are friends, collaborators and I was their Production Manager in Ghana between 2013-2015!
What’s your favorite Osei-Duro piece in your wardrobe and why?
I love functional pockets, so my favorite thing right now is the Index Vest. I have one in Emerald green stripe that I pair with the matching Vitta Trouser. This outfit is ALWAYS a hit!
Is there a memorable occasion or story where you’ve worn our clothing?
Yes! Ava DuVernay and Oprah Winfrey came to see my work at Papillion, where I wore my favorite Aurora Dress.
What do you do? How did you get started?
I am a visual artist, and am to taking it up a notch right now in the Yale MFA program.
What do you love most about your work?
I love that my practice allows me to carve out time to unravel ideas that interest me and then filter them through drawings, objects and performances.
Where do you find inspiration?
Lately I've really been inspired by other creative people. Artists are in the unique position to guide our attention to things that we may take for granted in interesting and engaging ways. I've been drawing a lot of other creatives lately. I'm also inspired by books; both the content and physicality of their form. My work is largely a mash-up between portraiture and text, so thinking about the intersection of the two is really energizing.
What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day varies from project to project, fortunately (I'm not the biggest fan of rigid routine). I just spent a large part of the past year finishing my first public art commission for the LA Metro. That period was intensely focused on making large-scale drawings in the studio day and night. Other times, I'm working on more portable work or collaborations that allow me to move around more freely.
Describe your perfect day off.
Beach+coconut water+newly created playlist
What advice do you have to offer someone who is just starting out?
Don't be a prisoner to your own ideas or original plans. Stay flexible enough to entertain perspectives or opportunities that are not obvious. I never imagined living in Ghana until the chance presented itself. The experience has changed my life.
What are the top 3 places we should check out in your city?
Since I'm back in Los Angeles for the summer I enjoy going to The Underground Museum, a special and super chill exhibition space; The Blue Whale, a cool jazz bar in Little Tokyo; and Azla Vegan, a great Ethiopian food spot.
Is there any music you’re loving right now?
Kamasi Washington's "The Epic" is exactly that; Outkast and Fugees are always represented on my playlist; Thundercat is fantastic; I highly recommend listening to Alice Smith's rendition of Nina Simone's "I Put a Spell On You"; a young group, Wilberta is about to come out with new music….I could keep going…oh! James Blake.
Recommend something to us!
Trader Joe's Simply Almonds, Cashews and Cranberries trail mix!…A night of Netflix and Chill? Add it to freshly popped popcorn (try using coconut oil to make the popcorn).
Quilt was a collaboration Between Davis and Osei-Duro, using production scraps.