Pocket Life
By Corky Mau
January 2023
Self-TaughtPocket artist finds calm through her art
Some people create beautiful art without formal training. Mia Davis is one. When she shared her work, I was blown away. Her pieces are bold and original.
“I’ve done art as a hobby my entire life,” she says. “It’s a part-time deal now, but I can envision doing this more full time within the next five years.”
Davis was born into a big family, the fourth of 10 kids. Her great-grandmother had 24 children, including four sets of twins.
She grew up in Chicago, where her parents encouraged the kids to pursue creative talents. Most of her siblings are involved in the arts. Some paint or draw, some are musical. One sister is an emerging actor and screenwriter.
Her father is a sign painter in Jersey City, New Jersey. Mom sewed and crafted. “When I wasn’t going to arts and crafts shows with my mother, I was glued to the television, watching ‘The Joy of Painting’ with artist Bob Ross,” Davis says.
The Pocket artist describes herself as self-taught. Other than guidance from a high school art teacher, Davis didn’t pursue lessons. She says, “I’d often watch my father paint murals and tried to copy what he was doing. I’m the sort of person who learns best by observing and practicing certain techniques.”
At age 16, Davis was accepted into Art Institute of Chicago, but stayed at her public high school and pursued a career in the health field. Her professional training is in traditional Chinese medicine, which includes reiki, herbal medicine, nutrition and acupuncture.
For the past six years, Davis has worked for Kialo, an online debate platform. She still finds time to draw and paint.
“My medical training prepared me to not only treat physical ailments, but also appreciate the healing powers of art,” she says. “I keep this in mind when I think about colors and placement of my art subjects. We live in a chaotic world. My favorite subjects to paint are nature scenes and animals. They’re good stress relievers.”
Davis creates custom pieces of pets and people. She recently did a live painting of a newlywed couple’s first dance at Scribner Bend Vineyards.
For information, visit miadavisart.com or her Facebook page, Mia Davis Art Collectors.
2 NEW SCHOLARSHIPS
The Pocket Greenhaven Community Association is awarding two $500 scholarships to local high school students. The scholarships will help first-time students and their families cover some of the costs of attending college or vocational school.
“The PGCA is so excited to be offering a first-of-its kind scholarship to students in our community,” says PGCA Board President Katie Butler. “These grants align with our mission to enhance our community by supporting local. It is our hope that through partnerships with Pocket-Greenhaven businesses, we will be able to increase the amount of scholarship funds going to our high school seniors in subsequent years.”
Students must live within the association’s boundaries. Applications are due March 1. For information, visit www.pocketgreenhaven.org/scholarship.
YOUTH SPORTS
Spring registration is open for the Pocket Girls Softball League. Players of all levels are welcome. Find details at pocketgirlssoftball.org.
It’s also registration time for Pocket Little League. Visit pocketlittleleague.com.
St. Anthony Parish resumes its Community Youth Basketball, an eight-week program for youngsters in grades first to seventh. Visit stasac.org/st-anthony-community-youth-basketball.
Corky Mau can be reached at corky.sue50@gmail.com. Submissions are due six weeks prior to the publication month. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @insidesacramento.
