An Artist’s Life by Carlton Davis

 

5 Stars!

ABOUT THE BOOK -

Carlton Davis’s An Artist’s Life traces a decades-long personal and professional journey, told through a series of 27 self-portraits that serve as a visual diary. This hybrid work blends narrative memoir with a curated visual archive, reflecting five decades of artistic and psychological evolution.

The book recounts Davis’s transitions through careers in architecture, visual art, teaching, and writing, marked by struggles with bipolar disorder and addiction. The self-portraits provide insight into his shifting self-perception, documenting his early years as a Yale-educated designer, his descent into crack cocaine addiction, the emergence of Carlotta—his female persona—and his eventual recovery and return to artistic discipline. The work also reflects Davis’s engagement with other artists, periods of creative community in Los Angeles, and the broader themes of mental health and identity within the art world. Peter Lownds co-authors the text, offering a narrative structure to complement the visual work.

Amazon: https://a.co/d/0rDB2ZR
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222461459-an-artist-s-life

 Learn more: https://www.carltondavisart.com
 Instagram: @carlcarltoncarlotta
 Facebook: Carl Carlton Carlotta

ABOUT THE AUTHOR -

Davis earned degrees from Yale and the University of London, and taught at UCLA and the University of Wyoming. In addition to founding The Art Dock, he has exhibited at international venues including the Venice Biennale (digital presentation, 2022) and published two earlier books on art and mental health. This project was shared with our editorial team through a collaborative connection with AME, and we’re pleased to feature this significant creative work.

MY THOUGHTS -

There are so many reasons and so many ways to enjoy this book. First, of course, there are the numerous self portraits themselves. Each one different and unique. It is interesting to see them change throughout the book. There are also other drawings and sketches from Carlton Davis as well as pictures of artwork from other artists such as Van Gogh, Matisse, Frida Kahlo, and Andy Warhol just to name a few.

Then there is the fascinating story of Carlton, his wife and daughter and their breakup. His struggles with bipolar disorder, drug use and sadly, trying to destroy himself. Finally with professional help, a couple trips to the psych ward, rehab and medication he was able to overcome and basically get his life back on track.

But between all of this, there is also a lot of history. American history and art history. Such as the LA riots and the beating of Rodney King, the Black Panthers, the execution of Gary Gilmore, Mickey Mouse and the making of Fantasia, and even the attack on the twin towers.

This book was absolutely fascinating. It was very well done with something to look at and something interesting to take away from every page. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Author Marketing Experts. Thank You!