Willis "Bing" Davis: Reach High & Reach Back

Few people have impacted the arts in Southwest Ohio quite like Willis “Bing” Davis. An African American artist, educator and community activist from Dayton, Davis’ artwork is known for its incorporation of African and African American themes, as well as its focus on social justice issues. The film, co-produced by Ann Rotolante and Rodney Veal, premieres in October of 2024.

When very different people share the same art experience, it can spur conversation and understanding between them. For Willis "Bing" Davis, that's one of art's super powers.

After a lifetime of creating art, Willis "Bing" Davis knows a few things about getting stuck when you're trying to work creativity. For him, it's about getting into the flow. But how do you do that? It's different for everyone.

To be a professional artist, you also have to be a business person. You need to understand finance, marketing, operations... everything that goes into running a company.

Willis "Bing" Davis says art isn't a universal language - but it does have universal forms. Because of those forms, we can use art to understand other cultures and enjoy shared experiences.

Everyone can be an artist - it's about expression and experience. Willis "Bing" Davis says we need to encourage young people to keep dreaming and keep working while continuing to incorporate art in education. Who says the sky isn't green?

Arts can help us understand ourselves and appreciate others. In this clip, Willis "Bing" Davis discusses how art can bridge cultures and how he uses found objects to make necklaces, belts, headwear and other art.

Sometimes even the right music and the perfect morning walk doesn't result in a creative flow for the day. When it's just not working, Willis "Bing" Davis will walk away and try something else. Maybe it's sketching out a future piece or watching an ant crawl.

Willis "Bing" Davis likes using discarded and recycling material as a way of expanding one's understanding and appreciation of life and art. "We are a society that make things for our convenience and for our livelihood, but we also have a narrow perception of its functional use."

Art might not be therapy for everyone, but it can help people overcome. In this video, Willis "Bing" Davis recounts an experience with an inmate serving a life sentence.

Whether it's listening to music or going for a walk, you have to find your flow to get those creative juices flowing.

Willis "Bing" Davis loves working with clay. Whether you're using a wheel, a slab roller or your hands, it's just a special medium. Clay is also somewhat of a microcosm for our society - we can mold it and shape it, but we need the right tools and mindset.