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St. Pete artist Nick Davis dies at 31

Bill DeYoung

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Nick Davis. All images provided.

I’m still trying to find my place in the art world. That’s why I just love to draw. I just love to know that art is taking care of itself. And I won’t be here forever, so with the time that I do have, I’d rather my art make an impact. With every opportunity I have to draw, it’s an opportunity to spread a new message. And that’s the only thing I focus on. I don’t need to reach millions of people. I just need to reach one person, and let that one person take the message to the next person.

Nick Davis, 2022

Digital artist Nicholas Nathaniel Holland “Nick” Davis died Dec. 16 at age 31. Gifted at drawing and painting, in 2016 the St. Petersburg native was diagnosed with epilepsy, which impaired his ability to work. He then took up computer generated artwork, and dedicated himself to making impressionistic portraits of African Americans – from the everyday to the well-known – as part of a collection he called Black is Beautiful. On his website, ndartlife.com, Davis wrote “My mission is to show black people living comfortably.”

He told WEDU: “With the eyes, I want them to be always looking at you. To always be showing a message. To show a story.” There is joy, depth, pathos, stoicism and raw emotion on the faces of his figures.

Not long after he began the series, Davis was recognized by BET as Artist of the Week on Instagram.

Several of his portraits peer from the windows of the Mermaid Motel, the centerpiece of St. Pete’s immersive art experience Fairgrounds. On his artist profile for the site, he wrote: “Using his art as a method of coping with anxiety and depression, Davis wants to let his community know that despite the current state of the world, your Black remains immeasurably beautiful.”

A GoFundMe page has been established to help Nick’s widow, Tiffany Snelling Davis.

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7 Comments

7 Comments

  1. Avatar

    Terry Hunsaid

    January 21, 2024at1:51 pm

    I just saw Nick Davis and his art on Tampa PBS and was so touched by his beautiful art. I’m so sorry to learn of his death at such a young age. Does anyone know where I can see his art and purchase a print?

  2. Avatar

    LaVerne

    December 27, 2022at11:16 am

    Awesome and well written article about Nick…❤️
    A young man that has left an immeasurable imprint in the art and inspirational world. What a great legacy. His words have inspired me concerning “your Black remains immeasurably beautiful.”
    He was a beautiful soul…

  3. Avatar

    Carlyle Hogan

    December 22, 2022at5:37 pm

    RIP Nicky my heart goes out to the Family

  4. Avatar

    Joni

    December 21, 2022at11:19 am

    So sad & entirely too young! His had incredible talent he has blessed us with his legacy of beautiful art! My heart goes out to his family abd friends!

  5. Avatar

    Helen Alexander

    December 21, 2022at8:28 am

    My Condolences to the Friends and Family of Mr Nick Davis. I didn’t know you but seeing your artwork brings a warm feeling to my spirit. I will definitely invest in a piece for myself. Rest Now Precious Soul❤️🙏🏾😢

  6. Avatar

    Karen Mathis

    December 20, 2022at11:09 pm

    RIP Nick IK your family is taking this hard & I send all of my condolences from my family to yours

  7. Avatar

    Peggy Sirmons

    December 20, 2022at3:54 pm

    Rip Nick you was an inspiration to everyone God bless your family and friends

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